Mitsubishi may revive Lancer Evolution

ABU DHABI: According to a report, Mitsubishi has the plan to bring back the legendary Lancer Evolution, which was loved by so many people. The legacy of this car was started back in 1992, and now in 2019, it might extend its heritage. It might include a choice of four-door sedan or five-door hatchback body styles. Mitsubishi will possibly strive to get back to its performance car hearts with the next generation of Lancer Evolution. 

It was reported that it might share vital elements of its powertrain with the next-generation Renault Megane RS. This would include a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired to a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It might be boosted by a 48V mild-hybrid drivetrain, which will be capable of producing about 342 hp of maximum power and 450 Nm of peak torque. This motor is capable of a sub-5.0 second sprint from 0-100kmph.     

The report further revealed that planned Evo restoration is part of MMC boss Osamu Masuko’s strategy to revive the company as a prominent performance car maker. Previous plan of building the successor to the Lancer Evolution X was halted due to heavy losses. As there are no base lancers present to work on, the 11th generation Lancer Evolution has been planned to utilise the CMF-C/D F4 platform expanded within the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance. 

The final edition of the Mitsubishi Lancer was launched in 2015, which was Mitsubishi’s way of saying goodbye to the legacy of Evo. If the report of bringing back the Evo comes out to be accurate, then it will be great news for Lancer fanboys.

However, one should refrain from believing any rumour until it is officially declared, to avoid disappointments. There is no specific date formally provided, but it is likely to debut in the next several years.