Mitsubishi Outlander, Evo to keep things safe at Pikes Peak

Tue, 18 Jun 2013

Mitsubishi has already announced that it will be returning as a competitor to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with a pair of all-electric MiEV Evolution II racecars. In addition to these entrants, the automaker will also be the presenting sponsor of the race as well as providing the official safety vehicles to the event using specially prepped versions of the 2014 Outlander and Lancer Evolution.

While it isn't clear what exactly will be demanded of the safety vehicles, this isn't going to your run-of-the-mill pace car duty. To get the Outlander and Evo ready for the 156-turn, 12.42-mile course, Mitsubishi teamed up with companies such as BBS, Cobb Tuning, AEM and Muellerized Suspension Systems as well as DC Sports and Kenwood to create these one-off safety cars. These vehicles, and all the racecars, will be at Pikes Peak later this month for the 91st running of America's second-oldest racing event. Scroll down for the official press release.

MITSUBISHI MOTORS ALL-NEW OUTLANDER THE "OFFICIAL SAFETY VEHICLE" OF THE 2013 PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL HILL CLIMB

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is proud to announce that its completely redesigned 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover will be the "Official Safety Vehicle" for this year's 91st running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC) to be held on June 30, 2013.

With available technologically-advanced safety features including Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM),the stylish seven-passenger 2014 Outlander will represent Mitsubishi in serving as the "Official Safety Vehicle" for this annual motorsports extravaganza.

Held in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the challenging Pikes Peak International Hill Climb features a unique road course that is 12.42 miles in length with 156 corners, commencing at an elevation of 9,390 feet and finishing at 14,110 feet – nearly three miles above sea level. First run in 1916, this annual event is the second oldest motor race in America after the Indianapolis 500.

In addition to its remarkable safety technology, the new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is available with the company's outstanding Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system that provides superior stability, traction and control – perfect for negotiating not only the many serpentine twists and turns of the Pikes Peak course but also the harsh weather and road conditions that can change in an instant along this high-elevation route.

Mitsubishi Motors will also serve as the Presenting Sponsor at the 2013 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

The legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution high-performance sports sedan will also join the dynamic new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover as a supplemental safety vehicle. These vehicles were built specifically for the race with support coming from AEM®, BBS USA, Cobb Tuning, DC Sports®, Kenwood USA Corporation, and Muellerized Suspension Tuning.

In Mitsubishi Motors' debut in last year's running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, its innovative i-MiEV Evolution all-electric prototype racing car (using the identical electric motors and lithium-ion battery cells found in the 100% electric-powered Mitsubishi i-MiEV production vehicle) scored an impressive second-place finish in the Electric Vehicle Division in 2013.

This year, Mitsubishi Motors will return to the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with an all-new, more powerful 100% electric-powered prototype racing car dubbed the MiEV Evolution II in a two-car assault, in the very capable hands of two-time Dakar Rally winner Hiroshi Masuoka and six-time Pikes Peak overall motorcycle champion and 2002 SCORE International off-road series champion Greg Tracy.

About Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 400 dealers. In November of 2011, MMNA launched the battery-powered electric vehicle Mitsubishi i-MiEV as part of a corporate mission to offer consumers more environmentally responsible modes of transportation. This battery-powered electric vehicle technology addresses the need for vehicles that produce zero tailpipe emissions and support a growing agenda for sustainability.

By Jeffrey N. Ross