PHEV set for rally

Mitsubishi is entering its Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) into the Asia Cross-Country Rally for the second year in a row. The event starts at the Thai resort of Pattaya on August 9 and ends in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, a week later. “The development of Mitsubishis, such as the Pajero and Lancer, has always relied on them being tested in the extreme conditions of international motorsport,” says Daniel Cook, Mitsubishi Motors NZ’s head of sales and marketing strategy. “Hybrid and electric vehicles are the new generation in our fleet and, going forward, exposure to competitions such as this can only benefit their development." Launched here in February, the PHEV has already gone through the 100 sales barrier, which the marque says is double the number of all comparable EVs ever sold in New Zealand. Future registrations are projected at about 50 per month. The manufacturer’s engineers will collect data from the rally vehicle, which features competition suspension and reinforced mountings to raise ground clearance and boost all-terrain performance. Its S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system will be tuned for extra traction. Other modifications include a roll cage, skid plate, lightweight engine hood, rear gate and interior parts, and extra sealing and a snorkel for water crossings. Mitsubishi is also hoping to be crowned King of the Mountain in Colorado at this year’s Pike’s Peak Hill Climb – a 20km race that climbs nearly 3,000 metres through 156 turns to finish 4,300m above sea level. The marque will contest the EV category for the third year running. In 2013, technical director Hiroshi Masuoka secured second place in his 400kW MiEV Evolution II. The 2014 Evolution III boasts 450kW from its four-wheel-drive quad-motor set-up, a lighter chassis and improved aerodynamics.