Friday, October 19, 2007

The Concept-E Eclipse with E-boost







There are several reasons to go with the front wheel drive version. I have plans to later in this vehicles life to be a hybrid vehicle. The goal is to avoid changing the front engine in any way. Instead of going through endless fabrication to make a vehicles motor assisted by an electric motor, I am following Mistubishi's concept for the 2007 4th generation eclipse. The Concept -E is different from most concept cars. You can start with a 2007 Eclipse Put on fenders molded to match the concept, cut the roof off and fit it with custom glass and a very nice two tone rear bumper and you are half way to the concept look. There ofcourse is also a engine cover, custom hood and headlight shape is modified for an edgier look. Besides the interior being completely different the ouside and powertrian of this concept is the closest to its mass produced counterpart I have ever seen. The idea mechanically is to basically leave the front wheel drive alone and put it on a speed sensor, when the car slows down to 30 mph the engine will shut off completly and use only the rear 100hp motors. Because this car does not run only off electric power there is not a great need to stock up on 1000 pounds in batteries. The E-boost system can accomedate under high loads by assisting the front powertrain. This makes for an awsome and practical mix of power and efficiancy. The parts that were used in the concept cars power train are already available and are used in a variety of applications and by hobbiest making their own DIY cars.









Like a soothsayer peering into a crystal ball, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA), provided a glimpse into the future through the Eclipse Concept-E. But perhaps the future is more clearly visible through the glowing plasma bulb located in the car's center console. Because when the Eclipse Concept-E's parallel hybrid motor is switched on, that plasma indicator light glows with its own unique energy, letting the driver know that there's more here than meets the eye. Upon initial glance, what meets the eye is a highly styled coupe. Featuring plasma running lights and taillights; neon crackle-tube indicators and brake lights; and a glass roof that offers ambient luminescence of its own, the Concept-E could be called a study in light.But an innovative all-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration-in which parallel engines provide power to both the front and rear axles-also makes the Eclipse Concept-E a study in high-tech mechanics. Thanks to this unique hybrid system, called E-Boost, the Concept-E delivers a continuous, uninterrupted stream of power even while the six-speed automated manual transmission changes gears. The result is a car that boasts performance to match its aerodynamic appearance.Since its introduction to the North American market, the Eclipse compact sports coupe and convertible series has won wide acclaim for its styling and its segment-leading performance. The Concept-E carries that performance-bred spirit to electrifying new heights.The Eclipse Concept-E's front wheels are powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that features Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC). Driving the rear wheels is a rear-mounted E-Boost electric motor which provides an additional 200 horsepower, for a total output of 470 horsepower. Because it is not affected by gear changes, the throttle-actuated electric rear motor gives the Eclipse Concept-E a constant source of power when it's needed, which directly translates to higher, more efficient performance. Besides raw speed, the hybrid powertrain also improves fuel economy and lowers emissions when compared to vehicles with engines that develop in excess of 450 horsepower. And when value is added to the equation, the Concept-E is at least equal to its mass times the speed of light, squared.While the two-plus-two seating configuration is carried into this preview of the fourth-generation Eclipse, that's where most similarities end. Inside, the Wave Line design theme includes an instrument panel that combines shadow and light, hard lines and soft curves, to create an elegant, relaxing an thoroughly modern environment.

Engine
MIVEC V 6
Engine Location
Front , longitudinally mounted
Configuration
cast-iron block, aluminum head
Displacement
3.800 liter / 231.9 cu in
Valvetrain
4 valves / cylinder, DOHC
Fuel feed
Fuel injection
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Drivetrain
Front suspension
strut-type
Rear suspension
multi-link
Steering
rack-and-pinion, power assisted
Brakes
vented discs, all round, ABS
Gearbox
6 speed Automatic
Drive
All wheel drive
Dimensions
Length / Width / Height
4318 mm (170 in) / 1857 mm (73.1 in) / 1304 mm (51.3 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)
2635 mm (103.7 in) / 1570 mm (61.8 in) / 1560 mm (61.4 in)
Performance figures
Power
270 bhp / 201 KW
BHP/Liter
71 bhp / liter






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