Skip advert
Advertisement

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X is still alive!

After internet rumours of its demise, Mitsubishi confirms that Lancer Evolution production continues

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X production continues. The company is keen to commit to its Subaru WRX STI-rivalling sports saloon, after widespread internet rumours of its demise. What is clear, though, is that the next generation Lancer Evolution (the Evo XI, we presume) will be a greener affair, with potentially an electric or hybrid powertrain. With its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pot engine producing between 290bhp and 354bhp, and emitting up to 328g/km of CO2 – that’s more than the Ferrari 458 Italia’s 562bhp V8 – it’s clear that the Evo X doesn’t slot in too neatly with Mitsubishi’s low-CO2 future and its commitment to plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles. And combined with the lack of a Mitsubishi in world rallying, it’s easy to see why many saw the end of Lancer Evolution production coming. But Mitubishi’s statement of intent should be relief to many. Here’s what the company’s Global Chief Executive Osamu Masuko had to say: ‘Production of the current Lancer Evolution X continues as planned. As for its successor, regulations and market feedback will dictate its engineering package and architecture.  ‘MMC has kept the Lancer Evolution sedan evolving as the brand’s highest performing model in the global market. However, as the markets needs and demands change, MMC is considering not advancing the Lancer Evolution concept in the same way as before, but to find a different direction for the Lancer Evolution model to evolve. The new direction, the technologies involved, and corresponding products will be disclosed in due course.’ We pressed Mitsubishi, but no further details are currently available. But we’d wager on plug-in hybrid technology for the next Evo, appearing by 2015. It’s a move that should initiate a sharp drop in CO2 emissions while still providing the necessary power and internal combustion interaction to cling onto its performance car status. Whether Subaru follows suit remains to be seen…

Advertisement - Article continues below

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X v Subaru WRX STI

Mitsubishi Evo X FQ-400 on track video

Join evo's Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008-2016) review: does it live up to the legend?
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Reviews

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008-2016) review: does it live up to the legend?

The last of the Lancer Evolution line, the mighty Evo X pushed the limits of the platform's performance
15 Sep 2023
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?
Toyota GR Yaris Gen 2 – front
News

The new Toyota GR Yaris costs £44,250 – too much for a hot supermini?

Our early impressions of the Gen 2 GR Yaris suggest that it’s an improvement in every area that counts, but can it be worth £18k more than an i20 N?
27 Mar 2024
The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8
Mercedes-AMG G63
News

The new Mercedes-AMG G63 has arrived, and it still has a V8

Some of Affalterbach’s range-toppers are swapping eight cylinders for four, but the AMG G-class retains its V8 for 2024
26 Mar 2024
Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader
Land Rover Defender OCTA – front
News

Land Rover Defender OCTA: twin-turbo V8 and McLaren-style suspension tech for hot off-roader

The OCTA promises to be the fastest, toughest and most capable Defender yet when it launches later this year
26 Mar 2024