- Mitsubishi is not creating a brand new Lancer Evolution.
- The corporate’s president does hope to deliver it again at some point.
- The Galant and Diamante are additionally on his wishlist.
The Mitsubishi Pajero is coming back, however what about different iconic nameplates? It’s query that got here up throughout a Q&A session with shareholders. Three sedans have been particularly talked about: the Lancer Evolution, Diamante, and Galant. As for why the Eclipse wasn’t introduced up, it has already returned. A lot to purists’ dismay, the title has been repurposed for not one, however two totally different crossovers primarily based on Renault and Nissan fashions.
There are not any plans to take a shortcut by reviving the Lancer Evolution as a badge-engineered sports activities sedan primarily based on an present product. On the identical time, Mitsubishi admits it’s not at present able to deliver again one among its most legendary nameplates. Nonetheless, the corporate’s president hopes the day will come when the higher-ups really feel snug dusting off the Evo title as soon as once more.
Talking in the course of the 57th Annual Basic Assembly of Shareholders, President Keisuke Kishiura touched on bringing again the rally icon:
‘Fashions such because the Lancer Evolution, Diamante, and Galant are extraordinarily vital to Mitsubishi, and we contemplate them treasures. Whereas we shouldn’t have any concrete plans to launch these fashions right now, we purpose to construct an organization able to bringing these fantastic vehicles again to the market sooner or later in order that we are able to meet your expectations. I’ll cleared the path on this effort, and I’d be pleased about the continued help of our shareholders.’
For now, Mitsubishi isn’t committing to a brand new Evo, however the assertion no less than indicators a transparent need to revive the efficiency sedan sometime. Kishiura seems genuinely passionate in regards to the Evo and will assist lay the groundwork for the mannequin’s eventual return. As they are saying, grease the wheels.
On a associated word, the corporate’s president additionally expressed curiosity in fielding a factory-backed WRC staff with a brand new Lancer Evo. Nevertheless, judging by the present state of affairs, that continues to be little greater than wishful considering.
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Motor1’s Take: Whereas a brand new Lancer Evo is a “no” for now, it’s a “perhaps” for the longer term. How distant? Provided that Mitsubishi isn’t at present creating an Evo XI, any reasonable probability of it reaching manufacturing is unlikely to materialize this decade. The earliest alternative would in all probability be within the early 2030s, as the corporate has greater priorities to handle first. For instance, the return of the Pajero will kick-start a complete household of fashions.
Mitsubishi additionally wants extra in-house merchandise as an alternative of relying so closely on Nissan and Renault. A correctly executed Lancer Evo revival might present a major picture increase, however the hesitation to construct a distinct segment efficiency automobile is comprehensible. Quantity-selling fashions will proceed to take precedence, and if the celebrities align, fans might lastly have one thing to look ahead to within the subsequent decade.
