Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi is planning to revive the Lancer Evolution brand which was a very popular car since its first model, launched in the ’90s. The four-door family saloon car can seat five people and can still rival supercar performance at a not so exotic price tag.
The details on the new car are scarce, but it is being speculated that the successor to the Lancer Evolution X, which was produced between 2007 and 2016 is likely to share key elements with the next-generation Renault Megane RS. It could sport a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a dual-clutch automatic gearbox and advanced S-AWC four-wheel drive system developed by Mitsubishi.
The eleventh-generation Lancer Evolution is expected to use the CMF-C/D F4 platform developed by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and in the engine department, it is likely to have the Renault Megane RS’s MR designated engine which produces 296 BHP and 400 Nm of torque. The brand is also likely to use a mild-hybrid system developed by Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and could get a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 341 BHP of power and 432.5 Nm of torque which will rival even the most potent Subaru Impreza WRX STI.
The next-generation car is likely to have a sharp design on both the ends and is likely to follow the design philosophy from the 10th generation car, which had sleek headlamps along with a large air dam for the car to breathe. The complete car has a very classic sedan-like silhouette with sharp features and sleek taillights on the rear. The new-generation Lancer is also likely to have features such as a splitter on the front bumper and a aero diffuser on the rear along with a functional aero spoiler on the boot.
The Lancer was discontinued in 2017 from the international markets but the car is still popular in the Chinese market. The Lancer Evolution, if resurrected, will restore the Japanese carmaker position in the performance car market.