Mitsubishi MR platform
| Mitsubishi MR platform | |
|---|---|
 The rear suspension of the Mitsubishi i as seen in cutaway, showing the engine behind the rear seats and under the floor of the rear hatch storage area, just ahead of the rear axle. | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production | January 2006–2021 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Kei car |
| Vehicles | Mitsubishi i |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,550–2,600 mm (100.4–102.4 in) |
The Mitsubishi MR platform is an automobile platform first developed by Mitsubishi Motors in 2003 for their Mitsubishi i kei car. The name is derived from the Mid-engined, Rear-wheel drive ("MR") configuration, which locates the powertrain behind the rear seat and just ahead of the rear axle. This allows for a longer wheelbase and a consequently more spacious interior without compromising crashworthiness or fuel economy.[1] However, in the case of the Evo, MR stands for Mitsubishi Racing.
The company has also used the platform in several of its concept cars, particularly those using alternative propulsion. The i-Concept[2] and Se-Ro[3] were the first publicly exhibited vehicles to use the MR platform, as they previewed the production version of the i at motor shows in advance of the car's release. Since then, the Concept-CT,[4] i-MiEV,[5] and i MiEV Sport[6] battery electric concept cars all exploited the MR platform.
References
- ^ "Development of “i” Concept Test Car for 2003 IAA and 2003 Tokyo Motor Show", Mitsubishi Motors Technical Review 2004 no.16, pp.29-30
- ^ ""i" Concept Test Car" Archived 2006-05-06 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors website
- ^ "Mitsubish Sero concept for the Tokyo Motor Show" Archived 2006-12-07 at the Wayback Machine, Car Design News, October 16, 2003
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors Lineup at 2006 North American International Auto Show" Archived 2006-10-29 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, January 10, 2006
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors builds new research EV, "i MiEV" for joint research with power companies" Archived 2009-06-14 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, October 11, 2006
- ^ "Mitsubishi Motors lineup at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show" Archived 2007-10-12 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Motors press release, September 7, 2007
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