Mitsubishi Lancer Reimagined As A Rally-Ready Crossover Coupe

Mitsubishi's current U.S. lineup may not be as performance-oriented as it once was. There are no 3000GTs or Evos. But with customers flocking to crossovers, the marque hopes it can cash in on the craze by reviving nameplates like "Eclipse." But the Eclipse won't be the only victim to the SUV shift; Mitsubishi has also confirmed the arrival of a Lancer crossover.

In an interview with Auto Express, Chief Operating Officer Trevor Mann said "Lancer's probably the easiest one; we believe we've got a solution that could fit the segment. Because if you look globally, the C-segment hatchback market is not shrinking. It's down a bit in the US and Europe. But its numbers are still expanding in China."

If a Lancer crossover does happen, let's hope it looks something like this.

Artist Tigran Lalayan has imagined a Lancer crossover coupe concept that would look right at home in the current Mitsubishi range. It doesn't share a ton in common with the outgoing sedan – apart from the slim upper grille – but it does have a few sharp features, including some shared elements with the e-Evolution concept from 2017.

The headlights have a futuristic Cadillac XT4-vibe to them, with cascading LED accents. The backside is more distinctive with sharp taillights that embed into the body and a small lip spoiler. The artist even rendered a rally version, given Mitsubishi's rally roots, with bolted-on fenders, embedded fog lights, and a massive spoiler. We wouldn't be disappointed watching this Lancer take on a rally stage.