Well, first the good news. Mitsubishi will indeed launch an all-new Lancer model in the near future as well as a high-performance Evo model. Considering some recent rumors that the Evo may not come back at all, we’re thrilled to know that Mitsubishi still has some high-performance fun in its blood. However, a new report coming from Motor Trend is claiming that not only will the next gen Lancer be built on a Renault platform, it will also be a hybrid. And here’s the big news: the name "Evo" is likely dead. Yes, there will be a high-performance Evo replacement, but it’ll be very different from the current car.
The next Evo (or whatever it’ll be called) will no longer be based off the Lancer and will have a unique platform of its own. Why? Because the Renault architecture won’t be able to handle its performance and handling abilities. Instead, the car will be a technology showcase of Mitsubishi’s advancements in state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid EV technology. Power will come from a 1.1-liter three-cylinder turbo engine. The automaker’s Super-All Wheel Control, a system which integrates management of its Active Centre Differential , Active Yaw Control, Active Stability Control, and Sports ABS will be a main feature. All-wheel-drive will be standard and there’ll be 50/50 weight distribution.
