Several design aspects are an improvement from the i-MiEV currently in production. The curved exterior design makes the Sport Air much more aerodynamic than its cousin. The fender is also more attractive with the car’s body sitting much closer to the actual wheel. On the interior, a wrap around cockpit allows for easy access to controls and dials and creates a welcoming ambiance. Plenty of light enters through the semi-transparent and lightweight composite roof.
Although details have not yet been released, we can expect to see recycled materials be an important feature of the model. In the iMiEV, the front and rear bumper fascia, instrument panel and door trim are all made from recycled polypropylene materials. With the iMiEV voted the most affordable electric vehicle in the US retailing at $21,625 after federal government rebates, the Sport Air will hopefully be within reach for a large portion of the US market as well.
+ 2012 New York International Auto Show
Images © Amanda Silvana Coen for Inhabitat
The iMiev Sport Air concept, in one form or another, has been making the rounds at car shows since 2009. This latest one looks sweet . . . certainly more stylish than the standard 4-door iMiev, which is a production model and just now showing up in the North American market. Let’s hope Mitsubishi follows on with this one soon. We need an affordable little sport coupe to reinvigorate the EV market.
Thanks for the review Amanda, but please remember that electric vehicles do not have engines, they use motors.