Mitsubishi plotting Lancer Evolution’s return – report
Reports from Europe claim the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution could return, blending Renault Sport power with an all-wheel drive chassis.
According to Autocar, sources in Japan say Mitsubishi plans to "continue a rich history of Lancer Evolution models" with "supercar-beating acceleration together with the choice of either traditional four-door saloon or five-door hatchback body styles".
The long-running Lancer Evolution badge was put on ice in 2015 locally, while the mainstream Lancer died in 2018.
A modern Evolution would reportedly be powered by the same engine as the next-generation Renault Megane RS, potentially a 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbo engine, mated with a dual-clutch transmission and an updated version of Mitsubishi's famous S-AWC all-wheel drive system.
The report says it'll sit on a CMF-CD F4 platform being developed within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. At the moment, the Megane RS engine makes 224kW and 420Nm in its most powerful Trophy-R trim. In its final form, the Evolution made 226kW and 414Nm.
According to Autocar, the modern Evolution is part of the Mitsubishi chairman's plan to bring excitement back to the brand.