World’s First Online Test Drive?

Mitsubishi Live Drive, The World’s First Online Test Drive @ OutlanderSport.com.  Photo credit: PRNewsFoto/Mitsubishi Motors North America.

Looking for a sporty new CUV?  If you’re interested in the 2011 Mitsubishi Motors Outlander Sport, you could take a virtual test drive.

From November 1-10, 2010, Mitsubishi Motors North America will host Mitsubishi Live Drive, aka the “World’s First Online Test Drive”.

The online test drive will be an actual vehicle utilizing interactive remote control of the company’s 2011 Outlander Sport.

Says William Gelner, executive creative director at 180 LA:

“We see this project as part of the ever-expanding blur between the virtual world and the physical world.  A prime example of how technology continues to evolve the way we approach even the simplest experiences, like test-driving a car.”

Residents of the United States who are 18 years and older with a valid driver’s license will be able to register for the online test drive.

Features of the compact crossover vehicle (CUV) include:

• Panoramic sunroof with LED accent lighting;

• 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate sound system with 10-in. subwoofer;

• 40GB HDD DVD-based navigation system with a large, 7-in. touch-screen, real-time traffic and storage for up to 3,000 songs;

• Quick-shifting continuously-variable transmission (CVT) with magnesium-alloy steering column mounted paddle shifters;

• One-touch Start/Stop (OSS) engine switch and

• Electronically-controlled All-Wheel Control (AWC) system.

Remote control software and hardware and a system interface will enable participants to take an actual 2011 Outlander Sport for a virtual test drive on a closed course from their personal computers.

Multiple point of view (POV) video cameras will be installed on-board the Outlander Sport.  Advanced electronic receivers and state-of-the-art servo motors will control the vehicle’s dynamics and sync it with precision GPS mapping.

For more info, check out the OutlandSport.com site.