Earlier this month Mitsubishi’s global product director stated that the current Lancer Evolution would be the last model produced. Of course it created quite an uproar. Now Mitsubishi has decided to change its plans and will not be killing the Lancer Evolution.
Mitsubishi president, Osamu Masuko has gone on the record by stating that the current Lancer Evolution X will continue as originally planned. As far as the next-generation Evo is concerned, Mitsubishi is going to let the market and regulations dictate the direction it goes. Mitsubishi is currently trying to focus its energy on more “green” vehicles like hybrids and electric vehicles. So for now it looks like the Evo is here to stay, although we have no idea what the next model will end up becoming.
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Mitsubishi Lancer Evo is Dead!
PRESS RELEASE:
ICONIC MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION EVOLVES
~ Mitsubishi Motors in the UK confirm the continuation of the exciting high performance Lancer Evolution X ~
CIRENCESTER, UK – Built in Japan, the Lancer Evolution X is a refreshing alternative for customers looking for timeless elegance and presence, sharp dynamics, reliability and value-for-money, all delivered by the quality brand that is Mitsubishi Motors.
Reduced Pricing & Positioning
A 4-door street-legal rally car with an undisputed heritage, and still a technology leader with its Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) and Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission (TC-SST), the Lancer Evolution X cannot fail to substantiate its claim. With a fully integrated and sharp design, and comprehensive equipment, as well as its controlled driving the Lancer Evolution X shapes up to the likes of premium German performance brands as well as more traditional Japanese competitors.
Having sold over 6,000 Evolutions since the year 2000, the legendary Evolution X remains extremely popular with a very strong price point versus its competitors in the same market segment, such as the Subaru WRX STi and the Ford Focus RS, with Lancer Evolution X prices starting from just £29,699.00. In addition to its competitive front-end price, the Evolution X FQ-300 SST retains a strong residual value.
Heritage
Now based on Mitsubishi’s ‘Project Global’ platform, along with Lancer, Outlander and the all-new impressive compact cross-over, the Mitsubishi ASX, the Lancer Evolution has a heritage of over 40 years in motor sports at the highest level – including four Driver and one Manufacturer World Rally Championships and overall victories in some of the toughest African and Australian rallies.
The Lancer Evolution X is the latest vehicle in a glorious line of Mitsubishi sports cars that started with the Lancer 1600 GSR in 1973, followed by the EX 2000 Turbo in 1980, the first Lancer Evolution in 1992 and its eight subsequent generations.
Intelligent Motion
Powering the Lancer Evolution X is a 4B11 DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine, focussing efforts on creating a high output engine that returns competitive fuel economy with cleaner emissions.
Since our inception in 1970, Mitsubishi Motors has been at the forefront of technical innovation – a pace setter, a game-changer, establishing the tempo for the rest of the industry with our advanced and efficient technological systems. Mitsubishi Motors is playing an active part in helping to reduce the impact that our endeavours and our customers’ activities have on the environment.
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has been committed to reducing CO2 emissions throughout its factories, offices and sales bases worldwide for many years and has recently announced at Geneva Motorshow 2011 that a number of Mitsubishi Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) and pure Electric Vehicles (EVs) will be available by FY 2015.
MMC President and Global Chief Executive, Osamu Masuko has said:
“We recognise that automakers have a responsibility to take the lead in developing environmental initiatives… Our goal is to become a world leader in the reduction of CO2 emissions on a global scale.”
Masuko continued to say:
“Production of the current Lancer Evolution X continues as planned. As for its successor, regulations and market feedback will dictate its engineering package and architecture. MMC has kept the Lancer Evolution sedan evolving as the brand’s highest performing model in the global market. However, as the markets needs 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.”