Mitsubishi To Launch All-Electric Assault on Pikes Peak

Mitsubishi has announced that it will return to Colorado later this month to take another tilt at the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, its third attempt at conquering the mountain with an all-electric vehicle.

The automaker will bring two examples of its MiEV Evolution III race car to Pikes Peak, both of which are a development of the MiEV Evolution II cars that competed at last year's event. 

And with 112.5kW electric motors mounted in each wheel hub, the MiEV Evolution III's 450kW should be more than enough to rocket the tube-framed prototype race car up the mountain.

Compared to last year's entry, the MiEV Evolution III has 50kW more power and a lighter chassis.

Further refinements have also been made to its torque-vectoring software to improve traction, and the Evolution III's carbon fibre bodyshell generates more downforce.

The wheel and tyre package has also been upsized to maximise grip on the all-tarmac Pikes Peak route.