Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution makes a comeback

Mitsubishi had to discontinue its Lancer Evolution super-sedan/saloon series three years ago. The 10th generation of the car showed worse sales numbers than any generation before it, and the company simply did not have enough means to develop another one. Following a long period of financial struggles, Mitsubishi had to surrender a part of its shares to the Renault Group. But now that the business is booming again, the Lancer Evolution just might make a comeback – at least, that’s what some British car media claim.

The revived Evolution will allegedly utilize the CMF-C/D architecture and ship with the same drivetrain as the next-gen Renault Megane RS. The latter is represented by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine linked to a DCT transmission with the pre-select feature. Unlike the Megane RS, though, the Evo will also take advantage of the S-AWC all-wheel drive system and electronic differential locks.

The current-gen Megane ships with a turbo-four mill rated at 300 hp (224 kilowatts). The next iteration will introduce a mild-hybrid add-on and raise the output to 340 hp (261 kW).

The revived Lancer Evolution series will reportedly offer a choice between sedan/saloon and hatchback body styles. The regular Lancer should launch simultaneously with the Evo, or maybe even a bit ahead of it. In either case, we are going to have to wait a few years.

Photos: autocar.co.uk