One reason why you don’t want the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi dealers are taking orders now for the 2015 Lancer Evolution, but there’s one good reason you don’t want it and should buy the 2014 EVO instead. Mitsubishi Motors North America has just reported October sales for the 2014 Lancer Evolution performance car and buyers are snatching them up at a record clip. There may be a good reason why performance enthusiasts are buying the last of the 2014 models.

Mitsubishi's reported vehicle sales for October were boosted by robust sales of the sporty and affordably-priced Lancer sports sedan (up 17.5 percent from last October), as well as the ultra-high-performance Lancer Evolution luxury sports sedan which saw sales up 10.5 percent year-to-date. Buyers don’t seem to be waiting for the newer 2015 Lancer Evolution model. And there’s one good reason to buy a 2014 EVO and not the 2015 model.

2015 models won’t have Recaro seats

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is pulling the performance Recaro seats from the 2015 Lancer Evolution due to an airbag requirement in the new model sedans. Apparently this was done to accommodate a new side airbag that will be installed in the front seats of all new 2015 EVOs. All 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sports cars will now be equipped with the standard Ralliart/Lancer GT front seats. Performance fans know how important having Recaro seats are in the Lancer Evolution.

Fans are disappointed in the Recaro seats being discontinued for the 2015 models and sales could suffer greatly because of it. It looks like EVO fans are buying the last of the 2014 models that still offer the performance seats. And the 2015 models don’t have much new to offer that would make buyers wait for the new models. There are still 2014 Lancer Evolutions on dealer lots, but they will be selling fast.

What’s new for 2015?

The 2015 Lancer Evolution is going out with a whimper and doesn’t get but a few upgrades. MMNA didn’t even release color images of the last EVO and only offered black and white shots of the last model. It makes sense that Mitsubishi wouldn’t put a lot of focus on a model that is being discontinued.

Just a few upgrades to 2015 EVO

The only new features the last EVO will get is heated side view mirrors with turn indicators and a drop cup holder with lid. That’s the only changes made to all 2015 Lancer Evolution models in the lineup. The GSR and MR models get a few updates to their trim packages.

The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sales are up 10.5 percent year to date and will likely be gone soon. The new 2015 Lancer Evolution models will be missing the Recaro racing seats and fans are disappointed. So if you were waiting for the new 2015 EVO expecting the same equipment, you might want to get a 2014 model before they are gone.

Other 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution stories of interest.
Why 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution drops out of performance car race