Mitsubishi set to resurrect Lancer Evolution

[kobayashiGT]

Mitsubishi set to resurrect Lancer Evolution

Source: https://www.motoring.com.au/mitsubishi-set-to-resurrect-lancer-evolution-119217/

 

 

Reborn Japanese hero to share its underpinnings with Renault Megane RS, according to fresh reports

 

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is set for a rebirth.

 

British publication Autocar reports the cult-favourite Japanese sports car will be revived under the alliance between Mitsubishi and Renault.

 

Continuing a rich history kicked off by the first-generation model in 1992, the Lancer Evolution XI is set to offer “supercar-beating acceleration together with the choice of either traditional four-door saloon or five-door hatchback bodystyles,” according to Autocar, which cites Japanese-based sources.

 

The newcomer will reportedly share elements of its drivetrain with the next-generation Renault Megane RS, using a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a dual-clutch gearbox and an advanced Mitsubishi-developed S-AWC four-wheel drive system.

 

Presently, the Megane RS engine makes 224kW and 420Nm in its most powerful Trophy-R trim similar outputs to the 226kW/414Nm Evolution X that was retired in 2015.

 

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,” the article claims.

 

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 Evolution’s revival is reportedly part of Mitsubishi chairman Osamu Masuko’s plans to restore the Japanese car-maker’s famous performance status.

 

Seventy-year-old Masuko is set to relinquish his position as Mitsubishi chief executive 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.

[Carbon82]

CGI of next generation Mitsubishi Lancer...

 

 

 

If we want a new Evo, it all starts with a reborn Lancer.

 

The pillars of automotive heaven shook at the end of June with a fleeting rumor that the mighty Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution could return. If – and it’s a big if at this point – that were to happen, the Lancer would have to return as well. Yes, technically speaking the Lancer still exists in Chinese markets, but it runs on the old platform and frankly, there’s no way Mitsubishi would revive an international Lancer based on the bones it already retired. Still, as Nikita Chuiko at Kolesa.ru points out, that would likely serve as a starting point to create a new Lancer.

 

That’s exactly what this rendering seeks to envision. While the storied nameplate exists today as the Grand Lancer, Chuiko elected to dive into the digital world with a fresh rendition on that platform. In this case, the Lancer is still very much a sedan – no crossover here like the Eclipse Cross – though it does have something of a highboy fastback look that could appeal to crossover fans. The front clip adopts Mitsubishi’s current design language with the chrome grille and thin headlights, with large driving lamp assemblies flanking a very square chin. A two-tone “floating roof”  with a continuous taillight arrangement in the back is thoroughly modern and rather tastefull as well.

 

Ideally, this fan rendering would translate to new underpinnings borrowed from the Renault Megane. The recent rumors about an Evo revival suggest that, if such a thing were to occur, Mitsubishi would lean heavily on its alliance with Nissan and Renault – specifically the latter with its hot Megane RS. A next-generation Lancer Evo would reportedly use the next-generation Megane’s powertrain, fitted into the CMF-C/D F4 chassis developed by the alliance. The current hot Megane gets by with 295 horsepower (220 kilowatts), but the next version could get a hybrid bump to generate 341 hp (254 kW). That could certainly make for an entertaining all-wheel-drive Evo.

 

Unfortunately, for now we only have rumors and renderings to hold us over. Still, there's at least a faint flickering light of hope.