Mitsubishi says yes to U.S. market launch of all-electric i MiEV RWD microcar

Ending the speculative rumors that had been circulating for quite a while now, Mitsubishi officially confirmed at its New York Auto Show press conference that the fully-electric i MiEV microcar will be arriving on U.S. shores. The pure electric, four-passenger i MiEV is scheduled to go on sale in Japan this July with Europe following suit in 2010 and the U.S. shortly after that. The tiny i MiEV, which is slightly smaller than a Fiat 500 measuring 3.395mm or 133.6-in. in length, is based on the Japanese market, rear-engined 'i' minicar.

The electric version replaces the i's conventional gasoline engine, transmission and fuel tank with a lithium-ion battery system, electric motor and onboard charging system. However, it retains the standard i's rear mid-ship architecture which allowed Mitsubishi to integrate the new components under the seats, luggage compartment and floor deck.

The i MiEV's battery pack can be charged either from an 110v outlet - which takes around 12 to 14 hours - or half that time on a 220v. Additionally, there is a fast charge connector that allows the battery to reach 80 percent of capacity in just 30 minutes.

We're not aware of the exact specifications of the U.S. market model, but it is most likely that the vehicle will undergo certain changes to 'fit' (feel free to share your thoughts on this one...) the needs of the American market.

Mitsubishi announces Outlander GT Prototype for New York Show

One blurry image and two teaser shots of the crossover's front end along with some initial details is all that Mitsubishi is willing to reveal on the Outlander GT Prototype that will make its world debut at the New York Auto Show on April 9, 2009. From the look of it, the compact CUV could be a sportier Outlander with a face transplant from the Lancer EVO that includes the so called "Jet Fighter" grille.

Mitsubishi said that the GT Prototype showcases a host of new technologies like the Idle Neutral Logic that automatically shifts the transmission into neutral during vehicle standstill, improved performance and fuel economy from its more powerful 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 engine, and a Super-All-Wheel-Control System.

For more details we'll have wait until next week's official unveiling.

Geneva Show: Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air Concept

Based on the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive electric version of the i MiEV tiny city car, Mitsubishi's Sport Air Concept is a further development of the homonymous 2007 Tokyo Auto Salon show car. The i MiEV Sport Air uses a more powerful version of Mitsubishi's permanent magnet synchronous electric motor generating 60 kW or 80HP of power (vs. the i MiEV's 47 kW or 63HP) and 230 Nm of torque (180 Nm.)

Mitsubishi Prototype i MiEV Concept Previews Euro-Spec Electric Mini

This is a drawing of Mitsubishi's Prototype i MiEV concept car that we'll see making its debut next to the i MiEV SPORT 'AIR' concept at the Geneva Show which runs from March 3 through March 15. The Prototype i MiEV is in essence a study on a potential European-spec version of the Japanese firm's all-electric mini car that introduces left-hand-drive to the equation.

The latest iteration of the i MiEV also features wider tracks and longer overhangs compared to the right-hand-drive Japanese model that is set be launched in Japan during the summer of 2009.

Even though Mitsubishi has yet to make a final decision as to whether or when the all-electric mini car will be launched in the European market, the company said that it is currently conducting a feasibility test on this concept in the 'Old Continent'.