Tag Archives: Lancer
Mitsubishi Plans To Revive Its Iconic Lancer Evo Brand
Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi is planning to revive its iconic Lancer Evolution brand and it won’t even be a crossover despite the huge demand from the segment. Instead, what would be the 11th generation Evo will either be a four-door sedan or, for the first time ever, as a four-door hatchback.
The new Evo might use the platform born out of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. This is the same platform used for cars such as the Infiniti QX50 and the Renault Megane. The Evo XI will most likely share the powertrain with the next-generation Renault Megane RS. This is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.
That engine will be paired with a Mitsubishi-developed all-wheel-drive system. This might also mean that the next-gen Evo can add a hybrid in its lineup. The most that the current Megane RS can produce is 300 horsepower. With a hybrid engine in tow, the next Evo can make up to 350 horsepower.
The Last Evo
We saw the last Evo sold back in 2016. The standard Lancer lived a bit more in the US and is somehow still available in other markets. The report about the resurrection of the Evo made no mention of a new regular Lancer. It’s high time for Mitsubishi to make one, though, as there’s a gaping hole for a compact sedan in their lineup.
There is no news when the new Evo might come out, but maybe we can expect to see at least a concept at the 2019 Tokyo auto show this October. It’s still a long way to go for the production car, but we should be welcoming it a few years down the road.
Talks of an Evo SUV have been going on for quite some time now and we believe there’s still a slim chance this could happen. Mitsubishi has been ready with several concepts of a possible Evo crossover, so we might just have to wait and see.
Mitsubishi e-Evolution Concept Unveiled in Japan
The Mitsubishi e-Evolution was just unveiled this week at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. The auto is still in its concept stage but it promises to bring in high-performance elements similar to the discontinued Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
The Mitsubishi e-Evolution was classified by its maker as a crossover SUV. As the small letter “e” in its name implies, it is powered by electricity. The concept marks the Japanese brand’s first time to integrate EV technology with a high-performance vehicle.
According to a report , the e-Evolution makes use of three electric motors. The concept follows the same setup of the Lancer Evo, except that this one is electrified. Two of its motors are mounted to the rear wheels for better distribution of power and improved handling. Then the crossover possesses a four-wheel drive system.
The battery pack for the electric motors of the vehicle is located in the middle part of its base just under the floor. Mitsubishi said that it is to allow a better center of gravity for the auto.
The e-Evolution is equipped with an AI package. The source said that the AI analyzes the skill of the crossover’s driver. After that, it uses its assessment in its “coaching function”, which recommends ways for the driver on how to go about the various road conditions. The aim of such feature is to make the handling of the auto enjoyable and safe to the driver even if he or she does not have the skills of the racing driver.
Since Mitsubishi is now a part of the Renault-Nissan alliance, it is expected that some of the technologies found in the coming EV will also appear in the future vehicles of Renault and Nissan under a different name.
Photos
The pictures below show the concept form of the Mitsubishi e-Evolution:
