Mitsubishi i (eye) Play car for iPod nano fans

We've seen big iPod cases, small iPod cases, cheap ones and expensive ones. But at about $15,000, with seating for four, the Play edition of Mitsubishi's i (eye) Car has to be one of the most expensive and biggest iPod cases we've ever seen. Eschewing the typical dock-based iPod/car integration scheme, the car includes a dash-based slot designed specifically for the iPod nano. And, if you want your case, er, car to truly match your nano, you can get it in white, for a mere $190 more. Considering that Apple wants about $150 to paint a MacBook black, that may not be such a bad deal. As long as it includes a scratch proof coating, that is.

[Intrepid @ May 17th 2006 10:31AM]

So in a month or two when nanos are obsolete or you upgrade to a real mp3 player - then what? cut a bigger whole and do some rewiring?

[Heather @ May 17th 2006 10:39AM]

( = it is cute = )

[Marc Mayor @ May 17th 2006 10:42AM]

C'mon, this is the first Ipod I see that has a car around it.

Overcool !

[Brian @ May 17th 2006 10:48AM]

I hope the iPod slot makes it into newer cars. That is exactly what i've been looking for.

[Jeffrey Schrab @ May 17th 2006 11:09AM]

I think this 90% of the solution. The slot that the Nano plugs into should be a replacable component with published dimensions and a standardized connector. That way one could replace the component with a slot that could accomodate a wide number players or even just a USB thumb drive.

From the picture, it looks like this might be a removable element but this seems too good to be true.

[zealot @ May 17th 2006 11:27AM]

The 'case' seems to match the lines of the Walkman Bean much better.

[Brian Stuckey @ May 17th 2006 11:33AM]

I wonder if it is using the audio out & dock connector to control the ipod - or simply using it as a USB storage device.

[Yvan @ May 17th 2006 11:43AM]

Forget the Nano, I want the car. I've seen the same one on EVWorld magazine, as a preproduction electric scheduled for 2007.
http://www.evworld.com/evguide.cfm?section=evguide&evtype=production

[Potatomasher @ May 17th 2006 12:02PM]

Finally !! I've been thinking/wanting to develop & market this for at least 2 years now ! Just lacked the determination and business skills, oh well, maybe next invention !

[JJ @ May 17th 2006 12:04PM]

Can I get a leather case with the car?

[amoeba @ May 17th 2006 2:22PM]

I have to say that im taking BMW's version instead, sure you have to plug it in through the glove compartment but really which do you want, a BMW or a mitsubishi

[Jimbolaya @ May 17th 2006 2:25PM]

Perrey Z. we hit you on purpose then blog about it because we have better insurance and more disposable income than you.

[booboo @ May 17th 2006 2:43PM]

#11, there are people who prefer mitsubishi over BMW. There is no fun when you buy a car that is bought off the floor and powerful. Don't you like buying wallet friendly cars with potential, then installing the extra power yoyurself. Its says alot about your IQ when it comes to automobiles. I think I would want to have a evolution lancer right now rather than any other car out there. mmmm.

[navamske @ May 17th 2006 4:41PM]

How do you control the iPod while it's shoved into the slot?

[Max Cascone @ May 17th 2006 6:34PM]

I've been saying this for years, all i want is an aftermarket head unit (preferable Alpine or Pioneer) with an iPod slot just like this one, that i can throw my pod into easily (preferable still in the case) without dealing with a cable. The Alpine iPod integration is already pretty sweet (and cheap, $29 for the iPod Express cable) - do it.

[Germ @ May 17th 2006 7:24PM]

Great comment, JJ (9) . My thoughts exactly.

[Murc @ May 17th 2006 7:43PM]

POLICE! POLICE! Someone stole the front of my car!...oh wait, nevermind, I guess I bought it like that.

That is one helluva ugly ass car. I'm so sick of all these Ipod accessories. I have a Creative Zen Micro...and it does great, I will never buy an Ipod, Vehicle manufacteurs should be putting a USB in car...So all other mp3 player are compatable.

[wackybit @ May 17th 2006 8:12PM]

What if your iPod nano is in a case?

[amoeba @ May 17th 2006 11:11PM]

14. i never thought about it that way, but then again my automotive skill is limited to changing the oil

[C Danvers @ May 18th 2006 8:46AM]

Wow, Perrey Z., are you implying that racists like you have better peripheral vision? You don't even know to be ashamed...

[C Danvers @ May 18th 2006 8:33PM]

Hey Perrey,

> #20 C Danver: Are you as dumb as you seen? can you R-E-A-D my post?

uh.. can you S-P-E-L-L? Who dumb?


> Why should i be ashamed of telling the thruth,

The THRUTH?!? HAHAHAHAH :D Yeah, keep telling the thruth. You're actually 10 aren't you?

[tekdemon @ May 19th 2006 1:59AM]

Perrey Z are you f'ing retarded or something? Stupid little racist pricks like you are the problem in this country.
If you ever head over to the east coast (I'm guessing you're on the west coast since there's no such thing as an El Pollo Loco here on the east here) make sure to post it on engadget so I can make sure to try and ram your car from the side. Don't worry though, if your theory that I can't look to the side is correct then you should be fine ok?

Seriously what the hell is with the constant bashing on Asian drivers. Yes, some asian people aren't very good drivers, but last I checked most of the time when I see people in accidents they aren't frickin' asian. But I don't go around accusing all white people of being horrible drivers. I hope you and your racist ass end up planting your car into a tree somewhere.
Asshole