i (show car)
Developed to an "innovative new-age minicar" key phrase, i proposes a totally new and original set of values.
i proposes the following three new values:
* A comfortable marriage between original exterior lines and roomy interior living space
* All-directional crashworthiness
* Nimble, athletic performance and a classy ride
The development team adopted a totally new approach to the challenge of building these three core values into the space limitations dictated by minicar dimensions. The solution is the rear-midship layout. There can be little doubt that the near future will see the growth of a market for a new breed of minicar that offers premium levels of reliability, material quality, and design to extend the choices of prospective purchasers.
* Design
The one-motion silhouette appears to gently cocoon its occupants, while the large diameter wheels and tires and the 2550mm super-long wheelbase combine to project a new sense of movement that is nimble and pleasing to the eye. The clean and leisurely proportions promise the kind of richly satisfying experience that makes the beholder want to jump aboard right away. It is, of course, the new rear-midship layout that made such proportions possible. The absence of the engine at the front allows the purposeful cab-forward stance and also allows the wheels to be placed further forward.
i offers a fresh and feel-good ambience inside. The rear-midship layout brings extra cabin room and with the large windshield and forward sloping beltline create a space that is pleasantly airy and open. The smooth surface, and low-line dashboard appears to hover and adds to the airiness of the cockpit while the use of accent colors in the rounded seats injects a pleasant tautness to the cabin.
* Engine
i is powered by a brand new 3-cylinder intercooler-turbocharged MIVEC engine that pumps out a muscular 47 kW (64 PS) of power. The MIVEC valvetrain also realizes low fuel consumption and clean emissions over the full speed range of the engine. The use of a silent camshaft drive chain and increased engine rigidity has reduced noise and vibration levels. Together, these features realize the high output, clean, and quiet operation to be expected of an engine powering a truly innovative new minicar.
* Body, chassis, crashworthiness
Maximum occupant safety in the event of a crash requires the provision of sizeable crushable zones to absorb impact energy. The rear-midship layout locates the engine towards the rear of the body and although the one-motion silhouette makes the nose appear somewhat stubby, the layout actually provides a sizeable front crushable zone and reconciles the conflicting requirements of good crashworthiness and a comfortably generous interior length.
* i specifications
Overall length (mm) 3395
Overall width (mm) 1475
Overall height (mm) 1600
Wheelbase (mm) 2550
Track: F/R (mm) 1310 / 1270
Seating capacity 4
Engine New 3-cyl. DOHC MIVEC intercooler-turbocharger
Max. output [kW (PS)] 47 (64)
Tires Front 145 / 65R15
Rear 175 / 55R15
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Originally Posted by Cotterik
