2009 Geneva Auto Show: Mitsubishi i MiEV Sport Air Bound for Global Debut

Few details were forthcoming in the Japanese automaker's teaser of the i MiEV Sport Air, which was released on Monday. But the jelly-beany vehicle features a "beefed-up electric motor" and a "clear cutaway top," which Mitsubishi said underscores its "eco-friendly qualities."

"The i MiEV Sport Air explores the future possibilities for zero-emissions vehicles, placing a greater bias on exhilarating driving pleasure," Mitsubishi said in a statement. "The concept model exemplifies the balance between environmental and dynamic performance."

Details include an in-floor lithium-ion battery.

The Japanese automaker says i MiEV stands for "Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle." Earlier, it said it expects the production 2010 Mitsubishi i MiEV to go on sale in Japan by the end of 2009 for the U.S. equivalent of $24,000. Mitsubishi said it has a 30-vehicle test fleet of zero-emissions vehicles on the streets of Tokyo.

The company has been promoting its iMiEV vehicles for a couple of years. At the 2007 Tokyo Auto Show, Mitsubishi rolled out the i MiEV Sport, a futuristic concept car with an aluminum chassis, a hub-mounted electric motor for each front wheel and a single electric motor to power the rear wheels. It promised that the Sport makes 90 horsepower and has a cruising range of 120 miles.

Inside Line says: A Japanese competitor to the Chevrolet Volt revs up for a Geneva appearance. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent