Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is set to enter a new era of motorsports competition with the launch of a 100% electric-powered two-car assault at the famous 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the famous Rocky Mountains of Colorado from August 7 through August 12.

Starting at an elevation of 9,390 feet and finishing at 14,110 feet - nearly three miles above sea level - the challenging Pikes Peak International Hill Climb features a unique road course that is 12.42 miles in length with 156 (!) corners. First run in 1916, the event is the second oldest motor racing event in America after the Indianapolis 500.

The Mitsubishi i-MiEV Evolution is a purpose-built racing prototype designed specifically to conquer the undulating and difficult Pikes Peak race course. While key components including the electric motor(s), lithium-ion batteries and MCU are unchanged from those found in the 100% electric-powered 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV production model, the i-MiEV Evolution features a radically sculpted carbon-fiber body, a tube-frame chassis, a unique tri-motor configuration and an advanced form of Mitsubishi All-Wheel Control (AWC) all-wheel drive.

Handling driving duties of this revolutionary all-electric racing prototype is Japanese rally racing legend Hiroshi Masuoka. In addition to winning such prestigious events as the Italian Baja and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Rally, Masuoka scored back-to-back victories in the world-famous Dakar Rally in 2002 and 2003.

Joining the i-MiEV Evolution in the competition is a Mitsubishi i-MiEV race car that is identical to the street-legal 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV production car in every way, save for aerodynamically-enhanced front and rear bumper sections, performance shock absorbers and springs and the addition of competition safety equipment including a roll cage and safety harness. Everything else (including the tires) remains completely untouched from the road-going version of the company's affordably-priced and eco-friendly electric vehicle.

Professional SCORE International off-road race-winner Beccy Gordon will be behind the wheel of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV race car as it makes its way up the mountain in this year's edition of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The talented American driver has also competed in the Baja 1000 and as a "guest" professional driver in the Long Beach Pro/Celebrity Race held during the annual Long Beach Grand Prix race weekend.

For more information of Mitsubishi Motors' participation in the 2012 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

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. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.