Will A New SUV Be Replacing The EVO Series?

Whilst many die-hard motoring fans will herald the death of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO series as one of the last great Mitsubishi cars of all time, Mitsubishi has been planning to replace the series with something a little different.

Many car manufacturers have made changes to their cars to bring in more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly cars to help drivers save money on gas and boost the environmental impact that greener cars have made.

It seems that Mitsubishi too has got into the green vehicle market with plans to launch a new range of performance SUVs that is thought to replace the EVO range of vehicles. These SUVs are slightly different from many other vehicles in that they will be designed to meet the expectations of fans of performance cars, such as the EVO.

Build on a Foundation of Excellence

The Mitsubishi EVO range had grown from the companies experience with rally cars and was built on performance, engineering and electronic advances that made the road car versions a superior car in many different ways. From the all-wheel drive system that almost single- handedly changed the entire industry, to the intelligent gearbox that is still used today.

Mitsubishi isn’t foolish to think that they could just end an award-winning car without bringing forward its achievements into newer cars. This is where the new Mitsubishi SUV will take precedence. Featuring a number of systems taken directly from the last EVO to move along the production line, the all-wheel drive system has been improved upon into the next generation of four-wheel drive systems.

An All-New EV Hybrid Drive System

One major change in the way this new Mitsubishi SUV will make headlines is in the drive-train. The new system will incorporate a hybrid system that uses electric and gas powered engines to power the car. Mitsubishi has worked closely with its electronic motor laboratory to create a system that can be used on and off the road and give all of the necessary power needed.

A hybrid system is a perfect inclusion to an all-wheel drive car, being that torque is much higher with an electric motor than is achievable with a regular gas system. We will have to see if the power ratios are anywhere near the thunderously powerful EVO X versions that set some records in what was possible in a street-legal sedan.

The Best is Yet to Come!

It is thought that production of the yet undisclosed hybrid SUV will appear sometime in 2017 or later, but keep your eyes peeled to find out the latest details. What we do know is that the electric system will include the S-AWC all-wheel drive, 8-speed dual clutch transmission and a plug-in hybrid EV drive system to look forward to. 

A Fond Farewell to a Rallying Legend

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution broke onto the scene in 1992 to great reception for its high-performance sports car abilities. Known commonly as the EVO by its huge following, the car defined an era of rallying, car tuning and car modification like no other.

In a statement earlier this year, Mitsubishi announced an end to the manufacturing of the legendary model, with no plans to introduce a successor. Let’s look at some of the highlights of this iconic machine throughout the years.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was one of many cars in the early 90s that were targeted at bringing all of the thrills and excitement of a sports car to the general public. With a retail price that fitted in with many similar 4-door sedans, the EVO bridged the gap between much more expensive performance sedans found in Europe with the exciting new look and feel of the growing tuning movement in Japan.

From Humble Beginnings, a Legend is Born

The Mitsubishi EVO started out as a highly tuned version of Mitsubishi’s Galant VR-4 model with its turbocharged 20.L engine and AWD drive train making the grade. Available in both GSR and RS variants, with the latter being stripped of many features including electric windows, anti-lock brakes, and steel wheels to make it 70KG lighter than its counterpart.

The evolution continued along its successful stint as an affordable performance car, with entry into the world rally championship to prove its worthiness as a true performance beast. With multiple championships came an even greater following in the tuning and car modification market to create an icon in the making throughout the rest of the world.

Revolutionary Improvements to a Classic Chassis

With the introduction of the EVO IV, the brand, image and iconic nature of the Mitsubishi car had firmly tightened its grip amongst motoring enthusiasts. Mitsubishi introduced a number of technological improvements in the car, including an active YAW control, a two different LSD units, an 180-degree turn of the engine to give greater balance to the vehicle, as well as improving power throughout the car.

The Affordable Supercar for the Masses

With the introduction of the EVO VIII Mitsubishi really found its target audience. Sales of the car were at an all-time high, and models were quickly being sold out as soon as production was complete.

With more changes made to increase the power of the engine, finely tuned brake systems, a suspension overhaul and improved aerodynamic and weight differences meant the new EVO VIII had delved into the realm of supercar speeds.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is the tenth and final installment of the most popular and iconic cars of the past decade. A fitting tribute to one of the most talked about cars in the rallying scene, and a true legend when it comes to tuning and “modding”. The final installment of the EVO legend may have come to an end, but the legend will continue for years to come.