Despite investor pressure to bring back the venerable vehicle, which was retired in 2016, Lancer Evolution just doesn’t make any financial sense, according to Takao Kato, CEO and President of Mitsubishi Motors.
The “Evo” will stay in the past, at least temporarily, despite the brand’s intended return to motorsports and the revival of Mitsubishi’s Ralliart Racing Division. This is especially regrettable given that the Evolution’s former opponent is still in the works, with the release of its most recent version scheduled for 2022.
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Mitsubishi discontinued the Evo for what reason?
In summary, Mitsubishi ceased production of the Evo for the same reason it ceased production of all of its other outstanding performance vehicles: money.
Most purchasers like cars that are useful, dependable, and affordable. Most consumers don’t care much about pure performance or excitement, preferring these qualities wrapped together in a crossover or SUV.
Despite the fact that vehicle aficionados tend to be a “loud minority,” the majority of people who buy cars today prefer the models that Mitsubishi offers.
The truth is that many of the people making such statements would not be likely to actually go through and purchase, despite the fact that many will declare (particularly online) that they would love to buy a new Evo if one were available today.
A manufacturer like Mitsubishi runs a significant risk by creating a new version of the Evo or another high-performance vehicle only to have it fail on the market. This could be a deadly decision for a business, particularly in the difficult economic environment we currently face.
For those of us who want for a return to the period of speed, handling, and thrill, it may be discouraging and upsetting, but ultimately it’s impossible to fault a firm like Mitsubishi for producing what its customers want.
Most people just want affordable transportation that will transfer them and their children in comfort, safety, and convenience, ideally with eco-friendly credentials.
If other, larger Japanese automakers succeed with any new performance vehicles, it may present the best chance for the revival of the storied Evo badge.
For instance, if Toyota succeeds with the new GR Yaris, Mitsubishi might be persuaded to resurrect the Evo (or at least develop another performance vehicle, such as the Mirage Cyborg!).
The Evo is no longer being produced by Mitsubishi, and there are no plans for a comeback, so now is the ideal moment to seek for your own Evo. Prices have been skyrocketing recently and are certain to keep rising as more examples succumb to accidents, neglect, and aging.
What was the Mitsubishi Evo’s successor?
All may not be bad. The Mitsubishi e-Evolution, which is the next car to use the Evolution nameplate after the Lancer Evolution, is also known as the Lancer Crossover in the image above.
Will Mitsubishi ever again produce cool cars?
In the upcoming years, Mitsubishi might finally return to the world of rally racing. Although it’s willing to increase performance across the board, the Lancer Evolution won’t get a speed boost.
The company’s CEO, Takao Kato, said to investors at a shareholder meeting held in Japan that restoring the Ralliart brand in May 2021 was the first step toward producing faster, more thrilling vehicles. According to Japanese journal Response, the CEO said, “We intend to expandto a wide range of models as genuine accessories first, but we will also contemplate engagement in rallies.” Importantly, a racing program has not yet received approval.
It is unclear how a prospective return to rallies would be carried out. The Lancer Evolution (shown), Mitsubishi’s former rally king, retired in 2015 without a replacement. The company already offers crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks; the Mirage, though, is likely too small to be considered a rally vehicle. Even without a Lancer to base it on, it’s easy to think that a return to racing will bring the Evo back to the range, but Kato poured cold water on those long-running rumors.
He emphasized that despite Mitsubishi’s stockholders’ requests, a new Evo is not in the works. “Electrification is expensive, and our power is still insufficient. We had a sizable deficit at the end of the previous fiscal year, “explained Kato. “We must first revitalize the business. Then, we’ll consider releasing the vehicles that fans have been waiting for.”
He intends to resurrect the business by swiftly introducing a number of popular models. Recent revisions to the Mirage, Eclipse Cross, and Outlander Sport all garnered positive reviews, and the new Outlander, which boasts significant enhancements, was unveiled earlier in 2021.
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Is Ralliart returning?
Returned is Ralliart. Mitsubishi introduced a concept at this week’s Tokyo Auto Salon to mark the resurrection of its formerly popular performance-focused subbrand.
Which is preferable, STI or Evo?
The 122 horsepower per liter of the Evo significantly outperforms the 102 horsepower per liter of the STI. But it’s not that easy either, as weight to power is another crucial ratio to look at. The STI outperforms the Evo by at least 1.2 pounds per horsepower, regardless of how the measurement is done (from the crankshaft or the wheels).
Will a new Lancer be released?
The new model, which was introduced in March 2021, is anticipated to be sold in Southeast Asia and Japan.
suggesting that Australia might have a shot with the model.
Will Mitsubishi bring the 3000GT back?
Mitsubishi does not currently have any intentions to reintroduce the 3000GT. There don’t seem to be any upcoming 3000GT updates.
Mitsubishi has made it quite plain that they see their future in the development and manufacture of affordable, useful crossover vehicles with hybrid/electric propulsion systems (how exciting). Mitsubishi likewise discontinued the Evo for this reason, and the company has no intentions to bring it back.
Some have speculated that since Nissan now owns a third of Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi may be able to use Nissan running gearspecifically, the engine that will be in the future 400zin a revived 3000GT/GTO.
This seems improbable to us because Nissan won’t want its components in a car that would undercut sales of the 400Z, but as with everything, “never say never.”
As a result, if you want a vehicle with “3000GT/GTO” on the badge, you had better find a used one because new examples are unlikely to be produced.
Visit this page to read our Mitsubishi 3000GT buyer’s guide for more details on how to get your hands on a fantastic example of this storied Japanese icon.
Do you anticipate Mitsubishi bringing the 3000GT back at some point? Comment below with your thoughts and let us know what you think.
What Evo has the fastest speed?
The quickest times from 0 to 60 mph are:
- 3.6 seconds for the #1 Lancer Evolution X FQ440.
- 3.8 seconds for the #2 Lancer Evolution VIII FQ400.
- 3.9 seconds for the #3 Lancer Evolution IX FQ360.
- 4.0 seconds for the #4 Lancer Evolution X FQ360.
- 4.3 seconds for the #5 Lancer Evolution IX FQ340.
- 4.4 seconds for the #6 Lancer Evo X FQ330.