The Evolution of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo has not ended as the successor of it is expected to be a more breathtaking monster. The Japanese automaker, Mitsubishi, is apparently considering the development of a more substantial Lancer Evo that is more likely to play rivalry with the Nissan GT-R. The top company officials are contemplating the best options for the Lancer Evo’s successor and arguably it will feature a petrol-electric powertrain that would be capable of churning out approximately 500 BHP of power.
If the model comes to reality, the nameplate will certainly be replaced with some other title but who can deny the fact that the DNA of the Evo will be accounted underneath it. The replacement of the Lancer Evo is in its early phase itself, whose possibility depends on the response Mitsubishi will get for its PHEV (plug-in hybrid) vehicles from the markets. The company has already launched its Outlander PHEV in Japan and it is due for introduction in the UK by the year end. Hopefully, Mitsubishi has more bookings for the Outlander PHEV than its total production.
A standard version of the Lancer PHEV is also planned for 2014 whose success will define the certainty of the next-generation Lancer Evo. The Lancer PHEV will be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with two 80 BHP electric motors. The same powerplant configuration is featured on the Outlander PHEV that has 60 kms running capacity on all-electric mode with a top speed of 120 km/hr (electric mode). However, the absence of a potential fast charging network in the European countries might delay the launch of the Lancer PHEV.
However if Mitsubishi manages to get an impressive response for the Lancer PHEV, the possibilities of the Evo successor will be escalated. The next-gen Evo will share its bedrocks with company’s tested i-MiEV Evolution concept while the design language will be more like the Mitsubishi Concept RA (pictured here). The company officials have already declared if the Evo successor will come to the actual world, it will be a more dynamic, better performing Evolution like never before.
Source – Autocar.co.uk
