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 10 – the car world's greatest misses
Mitsubishi Evo 10 rear
Features

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 10 – the car world's greatest misses

The Mitsubishi Evo 10's attempts to be more serious and grown-up are where it all went wrong for the hot Lancer, says Richard Porter...
26 Sep 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

TVR: Why we think it’s all over
TVR Griffith
Opinion

TVR: Why we think it’s all over

There’s barely a flicker of life when it comes to TVR and the ‘new’ Griffith. We can only fear the worst
17 Jul 2025
Save £30k on a new Range Rover and buy a Renault 5 with the savings!
Range Rover
News

Save £30k on a new Range Rover and buy a Renault 5 with the savings!

Discounts on new Range Rovers are so big you could buy a new Renault 5 with the money you save…
15 Jul 2025
​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – affordable new performance cars
Best hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2025 – affordable new performance cars

Contracted though the hot hatch market may be, there are still some great models out there, from the electric Alpine A290 to the five-cylinder Audi RS…
14 Jul 2025