An ambitious model meant to symbolize a new birth for Mitsubishi will be going on sale in January 2006: the "i" light vehicle that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, This car draws attention for its literally one-motion silhouette, and the firm stance with the tires placed as far out in the four corners of the body as possible is admirable, The car is fit with 15-inch tires, largest in its class. The tight curves of the body sides contrast with the rich tension of the fender flares, resulting in a stance unlike any other light vehicle. The origins of the "i" can be found in a proposal by the team in charge of advanced product planning at Product Development Headquarters. What team leader Takuya Hasegawa, himself a former designer, wanted to do was "to free ourselves from preconceptions about light vehicles". To this aim they came up with the bold idea of placing the engine rear midship and the fuel tank under the front seats. Concrete studies together with the Design Office started at the beginning of 2001.
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