revhappy

Mitsubishi could return to performance cars with reborn Lancer Evolution

11th iteration of Mitsubishi's rally stage star would pack 341bhp 2.0-litre turbo from next-gen Renault Megane RS



by Greg Kable
27 June 2019


Mitsubishi is plotting a resurrection of the iconic Lancer Evolution as part of a return to its performance car roots.

It is planned to continue a rich history of Lancer Evolution models kicked off with the launch of the first-generation model in 1992, by offering supercar-beating acceleration together with the choice of either traditional four-door saloon or five-door hatchback bodystyles, according to Japanese-based sources.



Details remain scarce, but suggestions are the followup to the Lancer Evolution X produced between 2007 and 2016 would share key elements of its drivetrain with the next-generation Renault Mégane RS, with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a dual-clutch gearbox and an advanced Mitsubishi-developed S-AWC four-wheel drive system.

In its most potent form, the existing front-wheel-drive Renault Mégane RS’s MR designated engine delivers 296bhp and 295lb ft of torque. However, the possible addition of electronic boosting in a 48V mild-hybrid system being developed for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance is likely to increase its reserves closer to the 341bhp and 319lb ft of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder powerplant used by the limited-edition Subaru Impreza WRX STi S209.

The 11th generation of the four-wheel-drive Lancer Evolution has been conceived to sit on the CMF-C/D F4 platform developed within Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.

The current non-performance Lancer was discontinued as an international model in 2017, but the name lives on with a saloon model sold in Chinese-speaking markets due to its popularity.

The Evolution’s revival, part of Mitsubishi chairman Osamu Masuko’s plan to restore the Japanese maker to its previous position of strength within the performance car ranks, would depend on the Lancer returning in a new generation.

Masuko, 70, is set to surrender his position as CEO to Takao Kato. However, the Mitsubishi veteran will continue to lead the company in the position of chairman.

Previous plans by Masuko to develop a successor to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X were placed on hold following heavy losses at the company and its subsequent purchase by Nissan in 2016.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/n...ncer-evolution

LetsGetThisDone

iTrader: (1)

I'm not holding my breath..

lonestarr20

Nothing will ever be like a 8 or a 9 Evo.
The car was wicked and raw, this new Evo that they may produce will never have that edge guaranteed.
It will be too refined.
Mitsubishi was crazy to discontinue the Evo Period.

Pal215

iTrader: (12)

I think they should bring back the CT9A, but transform the body to look more modern yet following the same general shape. The opposite of what Toyota did from their supra concept car to their production car. It will need to have all of todays standard luxuries as well. The rumor is that there will be a hatch model too.

LetsGetThisDone

iTrader: (1)

Her we go with the "nothing will be like an 8/9, so raw, so wick, blah blah blah."

Reality was a stock EvoX outperforms a stock 8/9 on the road course, despite everyone's feelings. If they do the XI right and its a true "evolution" of the name plate, it will be an improvement.

Pal215

iTrader: (12)

Not trying to bash on the X's, but when Motortrend tested the IX against the X, the stock Evo X was slower in a straight line and on a track than the IX. The X's AYC was basically used to keep up with the 8 and 9's in a stock per stock form

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mits...on-comparison/

The X has a more capable engine than the 4G63 though and when modified correctly is an awesome competitor.

LetsGetThisDone

iTrader: (1)

A 100% invalid test because the EvoX they couldn't rev past 7k rpm. Laughable that they even worte that article. We all know the X does better than 14.0 at 97mph in the 1/4. Come the **** on..

@razorlab was faster at his normal local track in his EvoX with less mods and less power than his previous 8/9.

kyoo

iTrader: (29)

drop the weight, include a 6spd manual, and bring it on!!

Biggiesacks

If it's dope I'll buy one and retire my VIII from DD to weekend car.

G20

iTrader: (13)

I'll buy it. Started saving now... LOL.

Ooodavie

IxEvolution06ix

iTrader: (1)

Not a fan of most newer cars these days. They're too futuristic, heavy, auto. Prefer old school light weight, durable, manual transmission cars. 😁

lonestarr20

I'm not knocking the Evo X by any means, what I mean is I could imagine the 11 will be fat as a pig, all kind of software and upgrades that the car wont allow you to hurt yourself versus the 8 or 9 which will bite you quickly if you dont know what your doing.
It is a driver's car.
If you put a brand new 8, 9, 10, and just for fun an 11 in front of me, I'll take that 9 please...

RazorLab

iTrader: (8)

If you don't think the 10 is a drivers car then your thinking is so biased it's not even worth having a conversation.

lonestarr20

You must have forgot Evo X : AYC for quick lap times
Evo IX : skill and talent for quick lap times.
Not here to start a argument, if the 11 comes about I hope that it has the edginess of a 8 or 9, and the refinement of a X.
Magnetic ride control perhaps, to truly live up to the name :
EVOLUTION.