When Mitsubishi Motors discontinued the Lancer Evolution (it ended with the Evo X) around half a decade ago, performance car fans were left disappointed and hoped that the famed nameplate would be revived. In May, the Japanese carmaker did revive something – the Ralliart brand – although it said this will see the launch of custom-made accessories and a reentry into motorsports.
During a recent annual shareholders meeting, Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato provided more insight on the Ralliart revival plans, which was reported by Response and Japan Nostalgic Car.
“We announced the revival of Ralliart in May. We plan to expand it to a wide range of models as genuine accessories first, but we will also consider involvement in rallying in the future. We will make various efforts to realise this,” said Kato.
On the matter of the Lancer Evolution, Kato said this was strongly requested by shareholders, which is certainly surprising. In most cases, the lack of a business case that is at least profitable typically means enthusiasts models will not see the light of day.
Unfortunately, Mitsubishi currently has no plans to build a new Lancer Evolution, as the primary goal now is to return the company to profitability. As part of this goal, the company is focused on electrification and developing models that are said to bring back the feel of “Mitsubishi-ness driving.” This requires monetary investment that it cannot simply direct to making a new Lancer Evolution, which is certainly not a mass-market model.
“Electrification requires a lot of development costs, and the company is still not strong enough. We had a big deficit in the previous fiscal year, so we must first revive the company before putting out the cars that fans are waiting for. I want to go,” said Kato. So, the door to a new Lancer Evolution isn’t completely shut, but Mitsubishi just can’t afford to invest in such a car for now.
As part of its new strategy, Mitsubishi intends to have electrified vehicles account for half of its global sales by 2030. The company certainly isn’t a stranger to electrification, as was one of the first that offered an EV in the form of the i-MiEV way back in 2009.
Before that, in 2005, the company revealed the Lancer Evolution MIEV concept that is based on the Evo IX and featured four in-wheel electric motors, with each one rated at 68 PS (67 hp or 50 kW) and 518 Nm. A 95-Ah lithium-ion battery powered the e-motors, allowing the car to hit a top speed of 180 km/h.
If a new Lancer Evolution does become a reality, it will likely receive some form of electrification – possibly a hybrid or even a fully electric powertrain – to ensure it complies with emission standards that are getting more demanding. It’ll take some time, but if Mitsubishi gets on the right path and the conditions are just right, we could welcome back the Lancer Evolution.
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MIEV concept
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition
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Mitsubishi should launched a fighter to GR Yaris. Revived the legendary Mitsubishi Colt Cyborg nameplate… rebadged by P1 Satria previously. Proton Satria 1.6L 287-hp manual..
180-210 hp sounds more like something they could head for currently
I completely understand Mitsubishi. They are considering very carefully of many factors before deciding to do another EVO. Especially the COVID pandamic worldwide. God knows when we can fully recover.
Decision making using brain, not ego.
Problem is owning a Lan Evo is an ego thing and not brains, nobody really needs a tarmac tearing 280HP rally car for road use but people still bought them. Why? Becus EVO is a product of EGO and not brains.
To rebirth EVO the people needs to have EGO to buy them.
They cannot revise bcoz Big Boss Nissan dun want any competition internally for their yet to release 400Z. Nissan Shachou them them “DA-ME!” they say “HAI!”. Sad a brand I was well known for has become like this.
Don’t worry guys, the EVO will be revived in the future, with the price tag of a 911 Turbo S.
one of the rare cases where the shareholders are asking for something financially risky
No surprise there…who is the majority shareholder of Mitsubishi and who is the majority shareholder of that majority shareholder.
Making a hot car is not a bad idea even during this crisis as rich people remained rich and their buying power is still there. Such car is not for normal people like most of us.
Now, making a cheap car is difficult esp the selling part and complying to all the regulations. Its not that significant here due to our tax structure but elsewhere where tax made the competition so fierce, some mafucturer just decided not to sell their cheap car at that country.
The cant afford to make a new lancer right now much less and evo lancer. Give it time.
so u mean no inspira mk2?