2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution XI

[Motor]

Next-Gen Mitsubishi Evo to go Hybrid

Wanting to make the company's most prized car more environmentally friendly, Mitsubishi executive Testuro Aikawa was heard to say that his R&D team were testing an Evo prototype fitted with the PX MiEV's hybrid system, and that "we could well see that system in the Evo within the next couple of years."

Plug-in tech for Lancer Evo XI

The next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evo could use a plug-in hybrid system that is being shown at the Tokyo motor show, sources have told Autocar.

The plug-in technology is being showcased on the Mitsubishi PX-MiEV concept, and if applied to the Evo XI would dramatically alter its make-up.

With the PX-MiEV, front and rear wheels are powered by two 81bhp permanent magnet synchronous motors. There’s also a 1.6-litre MIVEC petrol engine which not only drives the front wheels but also serves as a generator.

However, the system is configured around Mitsubishi’s Evo-style S-AWC handling control system, and automatically switches between different drive modes depending on driving style and remaining power in the lithium ion battery pack.

It’s a highly sophisticated switchable system that borrows i-MiEV electric car tech for the back wheels but uses a new parallel-type hybrid system for the fronts. It also delivers over 140mpg economy, Mitsubishi says.

Mitsubishi hopes to have it on the market by 2013, but company insiders say the technology could be directed at the new Evo.

At present, development work on the next Evo has effectively stalled, according to a source familiar with the programme, which explains why there has been no serious tweaking of the Evo X in Japan since its launch in 2007.


Mitsubishi PX-MiEV concept

Scoop! Mitsubishi Evo XI Goes Hybrid!

Mitsubishi's Performance Icon Goes Green. Sort Of.

You may have heard rumors the next generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will be an electric car. Well, they're true. But before you start writing angry rants in the comments box, read on. According to one source inside Mitsubishi, the Evolution XI, due in 2013, will be the best Evo yet.

The new Evo's 2.0 litre MIVEC petrol engine, borrowed from the current Japan-spec Galant, will be mated to a new plug-in hybrid system with lithium-ion batteries. But here's the twist: the Evo's main power source will not be the gas engine, but an electric motor that will drive the front wheels. The 2.0 litre engine, when needed, will drive the rear wheels.

The Evo XI will give drivers the option of driving in EV mode, though only for short distances, improving fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. But it won't be a namby-pamby eco-warrior. According to our source, the electric motor will be an upgraded version of the 63 hp permanent magnet synchronous motor used in the i-MiEV, and the 2.0 litre MIVEC gas engine is expected to generate around 320 hp. Depending on how Mitsubishi manages the power flow between the two, the Evo XI could effectively have up to 350 hp on tap. The current Evo makes do with a mere 291 hp.

Our sketches give one artist's impression of how the new Evo XI might look. Whatever the final design, this much is clear: Mitsubishi is determined to totally re-invent one of the world's great performance cars.

Let the rumors and speculation begin.

[jlitman]

As I've always said, shed the two rear doors and I will care.

[Colours]

Originally Posted by jlitman

As I've always said, shed the two rear doors and I will care.

Agreed

[Dasher17]

Originally Posted by jlitman

As I've always said, shed the two rear doors and I will care.

I think those cost enough as it is to insure. Maybe the X was different but I remember anything up to and including the IX were one of the most expensive cars to insure, make it two doors and it only gets worse.

I like this though because if I should ever need a practical "family" car, I don't want to be stuck in a god damned SUV or a 4 door SI.

[jlitman]

Originally Posted by Dasher17

I think those cost enough as it is to insure. Maybe the X was different but I remember anything up to and including the IX were one of the most expensive cars to insure, make it two doors and it only gets worse.

I like this though because if I should ever need a practical "family" car, I don't want to be stuck in a god damned SUV or a 4 door SI.

An Evo is not a practical car unless you are a rally racer. As for the family, open door, slide front seat forward, toss brat in back, slide seat to original position, done

[Carbonized_GT]

Gay.

[terrj]

The concept doesn't look half bad but like JLITMAN said Forget the 2 rear doors !

[Costco]

Originally Posted by jlitman

As I've always said, shed the two rear doors and I will care.

4 doors for more whores.

Coupes are cool, but sometimes a sedan is just cooler.

[GSBoek]

Eclipse and Lancer rolled into one.

[legende]

Originally Posted by GSBoek

Eclipse and Lancer rolled into one.

how do you figure?
and 4 doors isn't so bad. why hate if you can have a fast awd 4 door car when you finally become a family man?
the 2 door for weekends will always be there.

[GSBoek]

Originally Posted by legende

how do you figure?

I don't, I was just referring to the styling on the red rendering, but now that you mention it from that perspective it might not be a bad idea.

[Motor]

Update!

Next Evo goes diesel hybrid

Mitsubishi is planning a radical overhaul of its Lancer Evolution by changing the next incarnation into a diesel hybrid. The switch of drivetrain is designed to save the Evo from tightening economy and emissions regs while preserving its trademark mid-range shove.

Mitsubishi is said to have given serious consideration to axing the Evo model altogether. As recently as a month ago, sources in Japan said an earlier project — to switch the car to a petrol hybrid powertrain and base it on the PX-MiEV SUV concept’s platform — was dead.

But now the firm’s R&D department has been given approval to push the car in a different direction: a diesel hybrid.

Engineers hope that the mix of clean-diesel torque and electric motor assistance will allow the Evo XI to deliver a 0-62mph time of under five seconds, yet cut CO2 emissions to well under 200g/km.

Handling will be entrusted to a revised version of the Evo’s highly rated four-wheel drive system, S-AWC, which integrates steering, braking and traction control.

The switch marks a big gamble for Mitsubishi. Diesel hybrid will, in effect, rule the Evo out of competition use and could limit its appeal in key markets such as the US and Japan, where diesels have yet to gain widespread acceptance.

[Bitter]

they used to make a 2 door Evo, it was called an Eclipse GSX.

[EuGeNiLe GTS]

Originally Posted by Bitter

they used to make a 2 door Evo, it was called an Eclipse GSX.

and the plymouth laser? and the eagle talon..

but not 2 door EVOs, apples and oranges.

good thing we were able to scare people who shouldnt own them, by that story of crankwalk

[2KGTS]

Mine's always looked great with the baby seat in the back - especially at autocross!

[Dasher17]

I would hardly call a GSX an evo equivalent.

[Motor]

Update!

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution XI

If there is to be another Evolution, it will probably have some sort of hybrid option, which is an infinitely better scenario than having no Evolution at all.

With the launch of the Outlander Sport compact crossover as well as the electric i-MiEV, it seems Mitsubishi Motors is intent on adopting a green image. Word from Japan is that the company is slowly scrapping its sporty-car program in favor of more economical products.

The company’s in-house tuner, Ralliart, has been all but shut down, while plans for the next-generation Lancer Evolution have allegedly been put on hold. However, an inside source tells us that death reports of the next-generation Evo are premature. He informed us that there are still a few people within Mitsubishi who don’t want to see the company’s image car go away, and that development is underway on a plug-in hybrid version of the high-performance sports sedan.

“This way, it will conform to the company’s overall strategic plan of building fuel-efficient cars,” he says. “Yet it will have all the performance that the current Lancer Evo possesses.”

Although nothing is set in stone, it seems that at this point if there is to be another Evo, it will probably have some sort of hybrid option, which is an infinitely better scenario than having no Evo at all. And from what we’ve been told, the new car won’t be a slouch at the test track, either.

Photo-Illustration by Best Car

[jlitman]

Please.

Make.

A Coupe.

[Motor]

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

The new Evolution may be powered by a turbodiesel. Really.

The beloved, overachieving current-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X—the epitome of a rally car for the street, capable of conquering many so-called “sports cars” that cost far more—may be going the way of the dodo bird. Rumor has it that Mitsubishi will retire the legendary model for greener pastures after the Evo X’s production run ends. And our sources report that “green” is indeed the new policy for Mitsu*bishi these days. We hear that the company, conforming to the laws of automotive natural selection that favor a more environmentally friendly species of transport, is working on a new 300-plus-bhp sports sedan that will come wrapped in a more attractive upscale package, with either a turbocharged diesel engine or diesel hybrid under the hood. The car will be slightly larger than today’s Evo and get as much as 35 mpg combined. Greener for sure, and all this with the added benefit of having more torque on tap, due to the stout grunt today’s clean diesels deliver with their improved throttle response.

Likely to be built in China or Thailand—marking a significant change, as all Evos to date have been built in Japan—the replacement car is yet to be named, but should come out sometime in 2012. Our sources also tell us it will be less of a hard-core sports car/sedan and more of a supremely versatile, high-performance GT; one that might approach the ideal of an Audi S4 or BMW 335i, with prices in the $30,000 range. All-wheel drive, with perhaps a 4-wheel steering option, will continue to make this new Mitsubishi as capable in rain and snow as it is on the track, while a possible roll-stabilizing suspension system should improve the passengers’ in-cabin experience, as well as making the chassis more responsive to the driver.

All grown up.

[KAT_Ayanami]

****.... they are planning on making it EVEN BIGGER???

[marc]

hybrid?

hasn't Honda shown TWICE that "performance hybrids" are miserable failures (Accord Hybrid, CR-Z).

People who want performance cars don't care about hybrid bull****.
People who want hybrid bull**** don't care about performance.

[KAT_Ayanami]

Originally Posted by marc

hybrid?

hasn't Honda shown TWICE that "performance hybrids" are miserable failures (Accord Hybrid, CR-Z).

People who want performance cars don't care about hybrid bull****.
People who want hybrid bull**** don't care about performance.

Good points! Although I still think that the CR-Z is a great sporty commuter.

It would be for example a good replacement for a SI or a Celica if you decide that you need to put more miles than normal.

[Blue Bomber]

Originally Posted by KAT_Ayanami

Good points! Although I still think that the CR-Z is a great sporty commuter.

It would be for example a good replacement for a SI or a Celica if you decide that you need to put more miles than normal.

It was one of the worst handling cars of last year. In the same league as minivans. Celica/SI replacement it is not.

[Motor]

Update!

Mitsubishi confirms Evolution successor

Mitsubishi has confirmed there will be a replacement to the Evo X – but it will not be “advancing the concept in the same way as before”.

Mitsubishi’s global product director, Gayu Eusegi, revealed to Autocar at the recent Geneva show that although there was still a demand for the Evo, “we must stop” as there had been a “policy change” towards EV technology.

Eusegi’s comments attracted much negative publicity and internet campaigns to try and save the rally-bred sports saloon, and Mitsubishi’s president and CEO, Osamu Masuko, has now further clarified the future of the Evo.

“Production of the current Lancer Evolution X continues as planned,” he said. “As for its successor, regulations and market feedback will dictate its engineering package and architecture.

“MMC [Mitsubishi Motor Company] has kept the Lancer Evolution sedan evolving as the brand's highest performing model in the global market.

“However, as the markets need's and demands change, MMC is considering not advancing the Lancer Evolution concept in the same way as before, but to find a different direction for the Lancer Evolution model to evolve.

“The new direction, the technologies involved, and corresponding products will be disclosed in due course.”

Autocar understands that the next Evo will switch to a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, designed to save the car from tightening economy and emissions regs, while preserving its trademark mid-range shove.

Engineers hope that the mix of clean-diesel torque and electric motor assistance will allow the Evo XI to deliver a 0-62mph time of under five seconds, yet cut CO2 emissions to well under 200g/km.

Handling will be entrusted to a revised version of the Evo’s highly rated four-wheel drive system, S-AWC, which integrates steering, braking and traction control.

[ateens4]

Originally Posted by Dasher17

I like this though because if I should ever need a practical "family" car, I don't want to be stuck in a god damned SUV or a 4 door SI.

why?

[HardtopGTS]

Originally Posted by marc

hybrid?
hasn't Honda shown TWICE that "performance hybrids" are miserable failures (Accord Hybrid, CR-Z).
People who want performance cars don't care about hybrid bull****.
People who want hybrid bull**** don't care about performance.

Porsche 918?

[KAT_Ayanami]

Originally Posted by Blue Bomber

It was one of the worst handling cars of last year. In the same league as minivans. Celica/SI replacement it is not.

I forgot to ask about this.

Where did you read that? I looked for it and didn't find any reviews that complaints about handling.

I know they were not looking for that when reviewing the car, but even though.



Going back on topic.

Mitsubishi should make the Evo smaller and easier to live with. PERIOD.

Shorten the length of the car and wheelbase by a couple of inches, and lower the roof line another 2" or 3" (not car clearance or height) and you would be saving a few pounds that are not needed on that car as well as improving handling.

Then, remove all the crap from the trunk (battery and fluids). It does not really make that much of a difference. And sell the relocation of such items as an option.

Subaru is selling STis pretty decently. And most of those people dropped the Evo option due to these issues mentioned before.

The car looks great! But it is NOT a DD by any means.

[Motor]

Update!

New Hybrid Mitsubishi EVO

Meaner and greener. Here’s hoping for the former.

BestCar, our Japanese print friends with sources deep within Mitsubishi, informs us that Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is so against participating in motorsports that no one dares mention the word around him. However, despite news regarding the discontinuation of the Evo (a statement that originated from a different Mitsubishi official), Masuko was heard stating that Mitsubishi is fully intent on producing a high-performance car in the future, albeit green. Based on that fact and other internal rumblings, BestCar asserts that in all likelihood Mitsubishi will produce a new Evo.

While we initially reported the next-generation Evo might be either a diesel or hybrid, the latest information has Mitsubishi leaning toward the latter, borrowing technology from the PX-MiEV concept shown at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. The PX-MiEV touts a plug-in hybrid system that relies on electric motors at low to middle speeds. Operating as a series hybrid, when the lithium-ion batteries run low, the 1.6- liter gasoline engine turns on and powers a generator that in turn provides charge to the electric motors. For higher vehicle speeds, the PX-MiEV’s hybrid system switches to a parallel hybrid system with the 1.6-liter engine providing additional combustion power to the wheels.

For the drivetrain, the PX-MiEV utilizes Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel-drive system and active yaw control, technologies both employed on the current Evo. Short of a turbocharger, the PX-MiEV’s powertrain is a striking vision of what a hybrid Evo could be. One can always hope.

[Skooter]

Originally Posted by Motor

Osamu Masuko, president of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, is so against participating in motorsports that no one dares mention the word around him.

lol wtf seriously?
Who the fvck put him in charge of Mitsubishi? Send his ass off to manage Kia or Hyundai...

[lVlemphizStylez]

sh!t it's a Civic with a Mitsubishi badge...

[Nlkko]

Fvcking hippies and their hybrid BS.

[GSBoek]

Originally Posted by lVlemphizStylez

it's a Civic with a Mitsubishi badge...

Whay I thought too.

[creekboi7]

Originally Posted by Dasher17

I like this though because if I should ever need a practical "family" car, I don't want to be stuck in a god damned SUV or a 4 door SI.

.

Originally Posted by Costco

4 doors for more whores.

Coupes are cool, but sometimes a sedan is just cooler.

.

Originally Posted by GSBoek

Eclipse and Lancer rolled into one.

i thought the same.

[Motor]

Update!

Hybrid Evolution gets green light

The next Mitsubishi Evo will be powered by a hybrid powertrain and will go on sale within three years, company president Osamu Masuko has confirmed to Autocar. Although Masuko did not reveal the full technical details, it is understood that the Evo XI will switch to a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, saving it from tightening emissions regulations while preserving its trademark mid-range shove.

“We will start work on the project next year, and it will be ready within three,” said Masuko. “I have set the goal of developing a sporting car featuring electric power.”

The Evo XI will feature a revised version of the S-AWC four-wheel drive system, which integrates braking, steering and traction control.

The future of the Evo has been the subject of much debate this year. Senior management initially claimed it would be axed in favour of investing in electric vehicles, but it reversed this decision following a backlash from fans.

Masuko is believed to have made the decision after being persuaded that a halo model such as the Evo could have a positive effect on the entire Mitsubishi range, which is set to become increasingly environmentally focused.

[DANZZT231]

Interesting.

[Motor]

Update!

Next Mitsubishi Evo will be a hybrid

-New hybrid Evo within three years
-Diesel-electric powertrain likely
-New four-wheel-drive system, too

Mitsubishi will launch a new Evo performance saloon with a hybrid powertrain within three years.

A plug-in diesel-electric hybrid system is currently the favoured option for the Evo. However, the company says it could yet make a plug-in petrol-electric car, because of doubts that diesel will be accepted by enthusiasts in countries such as Japan and the US.

Like the current car, the next Evo will be a halo model for the brand and an engineering showcase.

It's going to have something in common with the Prius.

[SilverBullet GTS]

Praying this is a marketing ploy to sell X's.

[ajh1717]

I'm so sick of "hybrid" performance cars.

[HardtopGTS]

Cool idea. Can't wait till all electric.

[ajh1717]

Originally Posted by HardtopGTS

Cool idea. Can't wait till all electric.

wut.

why?

[jlitman]

Peak torque at 1 RPM.

If they ever get the charging issue sorted, electric cars will be way faster than any combustion powered jalopy.

[ajh1717]

Originally Posted by jlitman

Peak torque at 1 RPM.

If they ever get the charging issue sorted, electric cars will be way faster than any combustion powered jalopy.

True.

However, we don't have the technology yet to make a fully electric car efficient. Charge time, and battery size/amount are what kill this.

[The__J__Factor]

1 electric engine on each corner = ultimate awd system.
Individual torque and wheels speeds per corner would be a machine.

But yeah sucks it will probably be even bigger, heavier and less raw.