US to get wider i-MiEV

Mitsubishi will be unveiling a wider, squatter version of its i-MiEV electric car at this month’s Los Angles Auto Show.

Designed exclusively for the US market, the official line is that the upsizing is being done to satisfy the country’s more stringent crash tests. It definitely, absolutely, categorically has nothing to do with rumours that some Americans might be a bit large.



The ‘narrow’ i-MiEV has an anticipated range of 100 miles (160 km) and a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h). There’s no word yet on whether the bigger body will affect that performance, but an added benefit of the changes is that the US-spec i-MiEV will have a wider dash, and that surely means extra space to fit bigger cup holders?



The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is due to go on sale in the US late next year with a price tag of under $30,000, before the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles is applied.



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Morgan Threewheeler

The Morgan Threewheeler is returning to the roads, 58 years after production of the original version ceased.

Due to go on sale in 2011, the new car will be powered by a 1,800 cc Harley-Davidson V-twin with around 100 bhp (74 kW / 101 PS), connected to a Mazda five-speed transmission. That should be enough to accelerate the 500 kg lightweight from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.5 seconds, before taking it onto a top speed of a windy 115 mph (185 km/h) - flying goggles might be a good idea.



The Threewheeler is constructed from super formed aluminium bodywork over a tubular steel chassis frame. Additional protection is provided by individual rollover hoops behind the driver and passenger seats, but there’s no hood to keep the weather off.

Aviation clearly provided the inspiration for the design of the cockpit, which features a black anodised dash panel, aluminium 'aircraft' toggle switches and a 'bomb release' style starter button.



In the UK at least, the Morgan Threewheeler will be homologated as a motorcycle. That means anyone who holds a bike licence will be able to drive it.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but Morgan is saying that the first batch of cars will be built to a ‘standard’ specification. These will be available in a choice of eight paint colours, together with black or tan leather for the interior. After that, customers will be able to order more bespoke versions.

BMW Concept C unveiled

BMW has signalled its intention to enter the maxi scooter market. The firm revealed the Concept C (‘C’ for ‘commuter’) at the EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan, claiming it combines the best features of a motorcycle with those of a scooter.

Power will come from a new in-line twin cylinder engine, driving through a continuously variable transmission. Capacity hasn’t been disclosed yet, but BMW is saying that output and torque will be in the top range for a maxi scooter.



For more details, check out the BMW Motorrad Concept C video.