Mitsubishi HSR-VI

2000: Mitsubishi's HSR-VI concept car takes technology and styling to an extreme that is unlikely ever to see production although some of the concepts in it may eventually come to a car near you, one day. So this research vehicle follows in the wheel tracks of the Technas and the like.

- 4wd.sofcom.com/4WD.html

The HSR-VI is a low slung sports car for two, powered by a 2.4 litre petrol direct injection engine with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It has four wheel steering and four wheel drive.

Four wheel steering was briefly the in-thing a few years ago, with claimed handling advantages (from those makers who tried it). Its real advantages are to create more interior room by allowing placement of the wheels right at the corners while still allowing a reasonable turning circle. Hence it would make more sense in a people mover than in a sports car.

For entry and exit, the rear of the passenger compartment rises 150mm (6"), the lower part of the "door" hinges down and the upper part of the door hinges up, gull-wing style.

The HSR-VI is fitted with a computer controlled auto-pilot! On the freeway, cameras and range finders track the lane markings and other vehicles. Probably more importantly, sensors "built into the [special] highway" provide more information to the auto-pilot.

If the driver is really confident of the computer's ability, the driving handles retract so the occupants can surf the 'net on a screen that lowers from the roof, using the central space-ball. Alternatively they can talk, relax and, more than probably, doze off.

• coupe, 2-seats, 2-doors, ABS traction control etc., auto-pilot
• loa: 4320mm, width: 1870mm, height: 1200mm - 1360mm
• wheelbase: 2850mm, track: 1650mm/1650mm
• 2.4L gasoline (petrol) direct injection, dohc
• transmission: CVT, four wheel drive
• suspension: indep / indep, brakes: disc / disc, ABS

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