Mitsubishi Motors Corp. will pull the plug on the Lancer Evolution, the brand’s all-wheel-drive performance sedan, at the end of the nameplate’s current generation.
“Mitsubishi Motors does not have any plans to design a successor with the current concept, as a high-performance four-wheel drive gasoline-powered sedan,” spokeswoman Namie Koketsu said, describing the car as having “icon” status. “Mitsubishi Motors will explore the possibilities of high-performance models that incorporate electric vehicle technology.”
The loss of the Evolution shrinks an already small lineup for U.S. dealers, who battle a dearth of fresh offerings, especially in the sedan segment. It also marks a departure for Mitsubishi, which once built a reputation as a purveyor of tech-savvy performance cars such as the Evolution, Eclipse and 3000GT.
There’s tons of rumors about the XI and if it’s even happening at this point. Rumors say the next version could be a GTR type vehicle with 500+ hp with electric etc. If anyone is looking at picking up an Evo this is the last model year they will be made.
The fact remains that Mitsubishi’s other products are SO poor and SO shoddy that niche cars like the Evo don’t make financial sense anymore, especially at the age of the X and it’s retail price. Couple that with the re-branding as an electric / hybrid company and there’s simply no place in the lineup for the Lancer Evolution in it’s current form. I’m certain there will eventually be an Evolution XI, but I’m just not sure there’ll be a Mitsubishi presence in the US for it by then.
You can get into a BRAND NEW Evo X for 35k. I do believe that is quite a bit cheaper than a new boxster and I’m certain it would outperform the Porsche as well.
I’m not gonna get into with you but the “45k” model probably has a sunroof so you get EXTRA sound deadening and you took the time from an MR which isn’t as fast as a X GSR would be due to weight etc.
I could see the evolution being gone soon. I mean, it’s been what? Since 2007 since they came out with the X? Nothing yet even close to a concept car to replace it!