MIVEC System

In the early ‘90s, Mitsubishi Japan introduced a valve control system to combat Honda’s VTEC design. This system is labelled MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve and Lift Electronic Control System).

In its simplest form, MIVEC switches between two different intake and exhaust cam lobes depending on engine rpm. At low rpm, the valves receive relatively modest lift and opening duration. At high rpm, the secondary cam lobe is engaged and the valves receive greater lift and duration (which results in increased overlap).

The purpose of the secondary cam lobe is to deliver greater engine breathing and the ability to maintain torque at very high rpm (which means greater power). The MIVEC system achieves its high power without the driveabililty, fuel consumption and emissions trade-offs typical in a conventional engine.

In addition to the base MIVEC principle, Mitsubishi also released a sophisticated MIVEC-MD (Modular Displacement) system in the ‘90s.

The MD system is an early form of cylinder deactivation which involves closing the intake and exhaust valves at light engine load. This means the driver must open the throttle further to maintain power and, as a result, pumping losses are reduced and active cylinder pressures are increased. This results in greater efficiency and fuel economy.

Depending on conditions, the MIVEC-MD system can reduce fuel consumption by 10 – 20 percent.

The 1990s...

The first production car to appear with MIVEC technology was the Japanese-market Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg of late 1992. The Cyborg packs a magnificent little 1.6-litre transverse four boasting DOHC, 16 valves and, of course, variable valve lift and duration. With a high 11:1 compression ratio (making premium unleaded fuel mandatory), the 4G92 MIVEC 1.6 screams out 129kW at 7500 rpm and 167Nm at 7000 rpm. To put things into context, that’s about 10kW more than the famed Toyota 4A-GE 20 valve and Honda VTEC 1.6 engines!

A MIVEC MD (Modulated Displacement) version was also available. The MD engine makes the same power but with superior fuel economy. Unfortunately, it appears that the MD version was dropped in 1996.

With a close-ratio 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto driving the front wheels, the Mirage Cyborg is one of the most responsive and fastest hatchbacks ever built – it’s guaranteed to get you pumped up! The MIVEC Mirage was continued until 1999.

For a full review check out Pre-Owned Performance - Mitsubishi Mirage Cyborg R.

Also sold in Japan from 1992 was the MIVEC-powered Lancer MR sedan. The Lancer MR uses the same mechanical configuration as the Mirage Cyborg (which means 129kW and 167Nm). A Modulated Displacement version was available to order but was axed in 1996.

The final application of the 4G92 MIVEC engine was in the 1994 Mirage Asti RX coupe. There were no mechanical changes to the engine. The Asti MIVEC range was later expanded to include R and ZR models. The Modulated Displacement engine was not offered. The MIVEC Mirage Asti lasted until 1999.

The second MIVEC engine joined the stable in late 1993.

The MIVEC 2-litre V6 (coded 6A12) debuted in a Japanese-market medium size sedan known as the Mitsubishi Eterna Visage R. The small capacity V6 isn’t as highly tuned as the MIVEC 4G92 four but in manual form it easily cranks out 147kW - about the same as a contemporary 2-litre turbo engine. Peak power arrives at 7500 rpm while peak torque (200Nm) is found at 6000 rpm. In comparison to the 4G92 MIVEC, this engine runs a relatively modest 10:1 compression ratio, but it still requires premium unleaded fuel.

The Eterna Visage R comes with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto. Interestingly, the auto version is detuned to 143kW but generates 2Nm more torque (202Nm) at the same revs. The Visage R was also available in Modulated Displacement guise from late 1994. The line was discontinued in 1995.

The same 6A12 MIVEC V6 was also fitted in the slightly larger 1993 Galant VX-R and 1994 Emeraude Super Touring R. Again, the 5-speed manual version makes 147kW/200Nm while the auto makes 143kW/202Nm. From late 1994, a MD version replaced the normal MIVEC model - this gave these family-oriented sedans a welcome fuel consumption reduction. The Galant and Emeraude Super Touring R were axed in 1995.

The next application for the 6A12 MIVEC V6 was in the snout of the go-fast FTO coupe.

The FTO was released in 1994 as the spiritual successor to the Galant FTO of the early ‘70s. In top-line GPX trim, the FTO is powered by the 6A12 2-litre V6 with DOHC, 24 valves and MIVEC. Compression ratio remains at 10:1 and, regardless of transmission, it generates 147kW at 7500 rpm and 200Nm at 6000 rpm. The engine comes tied to a 5-speed manual or INVECSII 4-speed auto with sequential shift.

The MIVEC-powered FTO was later released in GP Version R spec and the line-up ended in 1999. See Mitsubishi FTO MIVEC V6 GP Automatic for our test of the FTO GP MIVEC.

The most powerful MIVEC engine arrived in early 1995 with the Japanese-market Diamante 30M.

The Diamante 30M (recognised as the KE Verada in Australia) is equipped with a 3-litre V6 packing DOHC MIVEC heads. With the same 10:1 compression ratio as the little 2-litre V6, the big 3-litre MIVEC (coded 6G72) roars out 199kW at 7000 rpm and 301Nm at a relatively low 4500 rpm. Premium unleaded fuel is required.

This monster comes tied to a 5-speed INVECSII sequential auto and drives the front wheels. Unfortunately, the MIVEC 6G72 had a very short lifespan – it lasted only until mid 1997 when the GDi engines took over.

The Current Decade...

In early 2004, the Mitsubishi Grandis people-mover became the first vehicle sold in Australia with MIVEC. But be careful how you interpret the application of the MIVEC name...

The MIVEC system in the Grandis is completely unlike the previous high-performance systems that alter inlet and exhaust valve lift and duration. In this incarnation, MIVEC means only variable inlet valve lift and duration.

With a basic SOHC, 16 valve head and a tame version of MIVEC, the Grandis engine (coded 4G69) makes a conservative 121kW at 6000 rpm and 217Nm at 4000 rpm. The MIVEC system switches to its second stage at 3600 rpm. A 9.5:1 compression ratio means no problem using normal unleaded fuel and, indicative of the engine’s modest performance, it’s sold only with a 4-speed automatic with sequential shift.

See Mitsubishi Grandis for our Grandis test.

In late 2004, the Grandis was joined by the updated Outlander which uses the same 4G69 engine. In Outlander guise, the engine makes 120kW at 5750 rpm and 220Nm at 4000 rpm. Ninety-five percent of peak torque is on tap at 2500 rpm. The AWD Outlander is also available with only an auto transmission.

Late 2004 also saw the debut of the all-new Colt.

The Colt is powered by a 1.5-litre four with a DOHC, 16 valve head and MIVEC. The engine (jointly designed with DaimlerChrysler and coded A9) also incorporates electronic throttle control, tubular extractors and low-friction pistons. It appears that, like the 2.4 litre MIVEC in the Grandis and Outlander, this engine has a MIVEC system that operates only the intake valves. With its 10:1 compression ratio, the engine survives with normal unleaded fuel and generates 72kW and 132Nm (at 6000 and 4250 rpm respectively). See Mitsubishi Colt LS Test for our Colt road test.

At the time of writing, Mitsubishi announced the release of three more MIVEC engines.

Interestingly, the new Outlander (which is due for release in Japan in October 2005) will come powered by a 2.4-litre MIVEC engine that appears very similar to that already sold in Australia. However, with 125kW, the new engine is slightly more powerful than the current 4G69 2.4-litre MIVEC and is expected to achieve a 4-star LEV rating.

The Mitsubishi new-concept minicar i (due for Japanese release in early 2006) will be powered by a turbocharged 660cc three-cylinder MIVEC engine. Class regulations limit engine power to 47kW and torque figures are yet to be finalised. This little buzzer is expected to earn a 3-star LEV rating and return around 15 percent better fuel economy than the current 3G83 turbo three-pot.

Finally, the yet-to-be-released Lancer Evolution 9 will also incorporate MIVEC variable inlet valve timing. Together with few other mechanical changes, the mighty Evo has now cracked 400Nm of torque.

THE NEW BMW 1 SERIES COUPE

Exterior

Interior

BMW's 128i and 135i Coupes Come to America in 2008

BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago. The next BMW legend, the 1 Series Coupe, represents the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created.On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contruction—core elements of BMW's EfficientDynamics. The powerful 135i Coupe features BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is accomplished in 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output.Handsome looks with sporting intentionsThe new 1 Series Coupe combines unique, dynamic and unmistakable design elements with a powerful and muscular body. The greenhouse with its characteristic 'Hofmeister kink' is moved rearward and offers a particularly nimble look with its long hood. The short overhangs, long wheelbase and large frameless doors sit on a body with a striking shoulder line for a modern interpretation of BMW's characteristic look. On the 135i Coupe, an M Aerodynamic Kit is standard.The 1 Series boasts aggressive rear end styling. The trunklid has an integrated spoiler chiselled into the rear end of the car to accentuate the short rear section. On the 135i, an additional lip spoiler provides greater downforce on the rear end at high speeds.The individual sections within the L-shaped rear taillights give the vehicle a lower, sportier look. Horizontal lights integrated in the rear light clusters offer a homogeneous lighting effect with the help of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). This light design, as found on other BMW models, makes the BMW 1 Series Coupe stand out at night. Also, the Adaptive Brakelights operating in two stages in relation to brake application force are yet another feature typical of BMW, with the additional benefit of extra safety on the road.The standard Adaptive Xenon headlights (optional on the 128i) complete with integrated Cornering Lights make driving in the dark safer than ever. The daytime headlight function in typical BMW style with two corona rings on each headlight unit enhances the perception of the car under normal and 'murky' light conditions.Luxurious interior appointments with today's technologyThe innovative interior design incorporates high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color choices. A 60/40 split rear seat is standard. The control console for the entertainment and air conditioning functions is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The controller featured in the iDrive system with the optional Navigation system is integrated in the center console, again following BMW's characteristic philosophy. Galvanized pearl gloss surfaces adorn the interior door handles, the glove compartment handle, the radio's rotary knobs, the knobs of the automatic air conditioning system, the iDrive Controller, and the ornamental trim strips featured on the sports steering wheel.The BMW 1 Series Coupe is available with a choice of two upholstery options—sporty and comfortable Leatherette or rich Boston Leather. Boston Leather upholstery adds further style to the high-quality impression of the interior. And as a practical feature, map pockets are integrated in the lower part of the doors. The optional Sport Package includes sports buckets seats with enhanced side support and are finished in highly distinctive leatherette materials or Boston leather. Enhanced iDrive and integration of an external MP3 playerBMW's iDrive is included with the optional navigation system. It enables the driver to control all secondary and comfort functions such as communication, air conditioning, entertainment and navigation functions easily and conveniently.This latest version of iDrive is equipped with six Programmable Memory Keys that allow the driver to program functions that are used particularly often such as navigation destinations, radio stations or specific telephone numbers. Touch-sensative sensors on these buttons preview the function on the iDrive screen before the button is depressed. This allows the driver to choose the stored function safely and conveniently, keeping his or her eyes on the road in the process.A wide choice of audio and communication are also available, never before seen in the compact performance market. These features include SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio, Premium Sound system and Bluetooth interface. For simple and straightforward connection of an MP3 player, an Auxiliary input jack is standard, and a USB port for direct control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player is available as an option. High-tech suspension with newly-developed differentialIn typical BMW style, the new BMW 1 Series Coupe transmits the power of the engine to the rear wheels. This design concept and configuration – engine at the front, drive wheels at the rear – guarantees optimum traction, good weight distribution front-to-rear, excellent directional stability, and predictable handling.The new 1 Series Coupe has a sophisticated suspension system with an aluminium double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) also includes a Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) function that provides electronic intervention to prevent loss of vehicle control, but at a higher threshold before activation. This allows the driver to experience more spirited driving on dry roads and offers more flexibility when driving in more challenging conditions such as in the snow. If the driver desires, both DSC and DTC can be disabled entirely. Active Steering, a variable ratio steering system exclusive to BMW, is available as an option. The DSC system on the 135i Coupe is designed specifically for performance-oriented driving. For instance, the accelerator pedal has a quicker response rate and electronic rear brake management is used to simulate a differential lock for stronger acceleration in turns.The rear differential on the 1 Series comes from a new generation of final drives optimized for running smoothness. Featuring double-helical ball bearings for the first time, the differential runs at an even lower operating temperature reached more quickly than before thanks to the reduction of fluid required in the differential. The front suspension on the BMW 1 Series is also built to a standard quite unique to its competitive group. The double-pivot spring and strut front suspension with its anti-roll bar, is made largely of aluminium and offers an optimum combination of stiffness and low weight. The very stable track control arms and thrust rods, as well as exact wheel guidance, make an important contribution to the car's driving dynamics. High safety standards exceed international requirementsNo less than six airbags come standard within the new BMW 1 Series Coupe for optimum protection of the car's occupants. The advanced frontal airbags are activated in stages in relation to impact severity while the side airbags integrated into the sides of the front seat backrests reduce the risk of injury at chest and hip levels in side impact situations. HPS (Head Protection System) side curtain airbags fitted in the roof lining protect both the occupants on the front seats and the passengers at the rear. The new BMW 1 Series Coupe also comes with crash-optimized seats with specially padded headrests and backrests significantly reducing the risk of injury in an impact from the rear. All seats within the 1 Series Coupe are fitted with three-point inertia-reel seat belts and headrests, with the front seat belts fastened on the frames of the driver's and front passenger's seats, keeping the belt in an optimum position around the occupant's hips regardless of seat height or for-aft seat adjustment. Also, the driver's pedals move back automatically with a predetermined amount of deformation in the event of a frontal collision so that the risk of driver foot injury is reduced. And last but not least, the rear seats come standard with LATCH attachments for child seats.M-inspired performance for the 135i CoupeThe 135i Coupe offers more performance and a striking look thanks to M-inspired components. Features include an Aero kit for additional downforce at speed, better brake cooling and enhanced aesthetics while the Sports Suspension offers higher traction and reduced body roll with 18-inch wheels and performance tires. The Sports Suspension also includes with a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed calipers on the front and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.BMW Ultimate ServiceTM: Providing owners with incredible value and peace of mindThe BMW 1 Series Coupe will feature BMW Ultimate ServiceTM, a suite of services that includes the BMW Maintenance Program (formerly called Full Maintenance), Roadside Assistance and the New Vehicle Limited Warranty. BMW AssistTM with TeleService is part of the optional Premium Package or can be ordered separately as a stand-along option.BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes: The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items. BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry's most comprehensive plans available. Not only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice. BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2008 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW's excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:• New-vehicle warranty – 4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle. • Rust-perforation warranty – 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage.BMW AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. It is a part of the optional Premium package and can also be ordered separately as a stand-alone option. BMW is the only vehicle manufacturer that offers this service for 4 years at no additional cost. Most other manufacturers cover only the first year of service. The in-vehicle equipment for BMW AssistTM includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW AssistTM system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW AssistTM Response Center. A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. A severe accident automatically activates the BMW AssistTM call as well. The BMW AssistTM Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money.TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service. This feature allows the Service Advisor to proactively set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts ready. BMW AssistTM subscribers can also enroll in the BMW AssistTM Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves to many BMW AssistTM Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. A selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the on-board navigation system and Bluetooth®–linked mobile phone, after a push of the new Concierge button. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a new service that connects the driver in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged. After pushing the SOS button, a BMW AssistTM response specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events per year. As before, the BMW AssistTM system includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth® mobile phone.Performance with a conscienceBMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life.