Actually they can't simply continue on working in the 4B11 cause all the restrictions are pretty much around the corner, and they seriously were about to Axe the Evo (dumbest thing to ever occur to Mitsu after destroying all their Eclipse heritage)... but they're trying to find a way to move their flagship car to better emission standards so they're most likely working their butts off to develop-or at least to finish developing that engine they showed off back in '08 in the Concept RA

Remember that 2.2ltr 4-cyl diesel with 205hp and 310lb-tq? I have no doubt in my mind this is what Mitsu is trying to ready-up for the upcoming Evo

and I heard (insideline) Subaru is reading the NEXT WRX STI for 2012-13... which gives Mitsu about 2 more years to hurry up and come up with something good...

I'm sure they'll have a prototype ready by next year's Tokyo Auto Show

so yes, I think Mitsu has no option other than ditching the 4B11 and go for a diesel, or keep developing the 4B11 for the Lancer only (this might be the case) and focus on all-diesel for the Evo... actually, the ASX (Outlander Sport) has a freaking diesel running in Europe:


* Engine type 1.8L 16 valve inline 4 cylinder, DOHC MIVEC intercooled turbocharged diesel
* Displacement cc 1798
* Bore/stroke mm 83 x 83.1
* Compression ratio 14.9 (+/- 1.5)
* Max. output kw (bhp) at rpm 110 (147) / 4000
* Max. torque Nm (lb.ft) at rpm 300 (221) /2000-3000
* Emission control type EURO V
* Alternator V/A 12V - 130A
* Battery V/Ah T-105

http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/asx...px?Variant=PB7

 

Exactly, just like Porsche's Hybrid is no "prius-like" hybrid... this is one car to outperform most of what's currently being offered...

http://www.insideline.com/porsche/po...-will-pay.html

Mitsu knows (or at least you and I hope) what they're doing