2008 New York Auto Show: Mitsubishi's Minicars

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NEW YORK — Mitsubishi Motors will display an array of minicars and minicar concepts at the 2008 New York Auto Show, aiming to convince Americans about the "obvious advantages" and "design intelligence" of the little vehicles.

Mitsubishi's i, a production model currently on sale in Japan, will be joined by the i MIEV and the i MIEV Sport concept and the Concept-cX. The i has a 660cc turbocharged gasoline engine that makes 64 horsepower. The i MIEV concepts are electric, as indicated by the name, which stands for Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle. They are making their first U.S. appearances in New York, with the i MIEV scheduled to make a 2009 launch in the Japan market. The Concept-cX is powered by clean diesel.

The i MIEV Sport concept is a coupe with a "fastback" roof line and a lightweight but rigid aluminum frame. Among the high-tech features are ABS, Active Stability Control and Electronic Active Yaw Control with — says Mitsubishi — the same torque-vectoring characteristics as the Lancer Evolution, resulting in "playful road manners."

Despite the "minicar" designation, the Mitsubishis have a roomy 100.4-inch overall wheelbase, and there is a surprising amount of interior space for four adults, thanks in part to the location of the i's engine in a rear-midship configuration, with the engine ahead of the rear axle. The i MIEV's lithium-ion battery system is located under the floor, to optimize space as well as to provide a lower center of gravity and therefore improve handling. Mitsubishi claims that the i MIEV can go 100 miles on a single charge.

The Concept-cX "soft roader" will join the i trio in New York, showing Mitsubishi's take on "forward-thinking small-SUV design." The concept has a newly developed 1.8-liter clean diesel engine mated to a twin-clutch transmission. The automaker notes that it is "for on-road use."

What this means to you: In addition to ogling the Lancer Evolution, showgoers can take a closer look at the small cars that may be in American drivers' future. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent