Mitsubishi Keeps Lancer Evolution Revival on the Table with Electrified Power

• Mitsubishi hasn’t ruled out a return of the Lancer Evolution with hybrid or electric tech.

• Electrification side with the company’s global strategy and existing PHEV systems.

• No production plans confirmed; Ralliart future also remains under wraps.

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Mitsubishi is keeping the possibility of reviving its Lancer Evolution performance sedan open, with any future model expected to adopt hybrid or electric powertrains in response to global environmental and market trends. In fact, hopes that the Japanese automaker will launch a proper Lancer EVO XI has existed since the revered sport compact sedan bowed in 2015.

Speaking to media at the Tokyo motor show, Mitsubishi engineering fellow Kaoru Sawase said the company retains a “dream” of bringing back the rally-inspired nameplate, though no formal plans have been announced. Sawase indicated that Mitsubishi has access to the necessary technologies if a return were approved.

He added that the brand has a variety of electrified systems already in use, such as the plug-in hybrid setup featured in the Outlander SUV. This system includes a four-cylinder petrol engine and two electric motors, coupled with Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which Sawase helped develop.

The potential application of electric propulsion could improve the performance characteristics of a revived EVO. Although a quicker torque response is an upside, the added weight from the battery and other components could negatively impact handling and an EVO’s inherent driving dynamics.

The most recent Lancer Evolution, the X or tenth-generation model, was introduced globally in 2008. It’s fabulous turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivered 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque and was paired with either a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The model was discontinued a decade ago, and we think now’s the time to bring it back. At the very least, Mitsubishi needs an adrenaline injection…

Speculation over a joint development with Alliance partners Renault and Nissan has pointed to the use of the Renault Megane RS platform and its 1.8-litre turbocharged engine, but no such project has materialized.

While Mitsubishi no longer sells the Lancer globally, the company has filed to trademark the “Lancer Sportback” name in the United States. Industry observers have linked this to a possible rebadged version of the Nissan Leaf, though Mitsubishi has not confirmed any details.

The company has recently relaunched its Ralliart performance sub-brand in some markets, historically associated with the Evolution, but has focused primarily on styling upgrades rather than performance enhancements.

Source: Drive