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"  To support the launch of the all-electric i, Mitsubishi has begun development on an i-Miev prototype to enter into the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. From the design sketches, it looks like Mitsubishi will outfit the i-Miev with a colossal wide body kit, complete with a cavernous rear diffuser. Safety elements such as a roll cage, race seat and harnesses are visible, as are the wheels and tire combination that appears to be optimized for asphalt. Last year, 2011, marked the end of the dusty era of Pikes Peak\u2014the dirt portions of the road will be paved in time for the 2012 event.  Mitsubishi has yet to release details on any upgrades to the powertrain other than that it will use EV components off the production i-Miev. Engineers from Mitsubishi will be supported by its partners in batteries, electric motors and other compnents. Data gathered from ascending near 1500 meters to the 4300 summit will provide invaluable data regarding the durability and any affects of altitude on the electrical systems. Hiroshi Masuoka has been announced as the driver for the event. Masuoka has competed in the Dakar Rally 21 times, winning it in Mitsubishis in 2002 and 2003 (Mitsubishi Pajero in the former year, a Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution in the latter). Let&amp;#039;s see if he can bring his luck back to the diamond star make. . Related posts:   Mitsubishi Electric Race Car to Enter Pikes Peak Driving the Mitsubishi i-MiEV: A One-night drive... in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV Driving the Mitsubishi i-MiEV: What Have We Learned From a Week with Mitsubishi&amp;#039;s i-MiEV?  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/news/a21682/mitsubishi-to-attack-2012-pikes-peak-i-miev-33376/>