Mitsubishi Lancer EVO Replacement Will be an Evolution Performance SUV

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution fans are disappointed that the performance sedan is gone, but the nameplate is going to be revived. According to a report by Motoring, who talked with Mitsubishi’s global boss Trevor Mann, the Japanese automaker will bring back the Evolution nameplate with a new performance flagship SUV.

Mitsubishi who is now controlled by Nissan, knows the sedan market is not where consumers are spending their money. Especially in the U.S., sedans are dying and SUVs and Crossovers are exploding. Mitsubishi is doing well with their Outlander SUV and Outlander Sport in the U.S., and a performance SUV flagship could be the next thing on their agenda.

Don’t expect the new performance Evolution SUV to be coming anytime soon. The report by Motoring says the eco-performance model is 3-6 years away from production. Mitsubishi has introduced a Concept model recently that could give performance fans a glimpse of what they have in mind.

The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV made its North American debut in LA in 2014 and it could be forerunner of what Mitsubishi will bring to production. They could also be thinking about introducing a new vehicle into rally racing. Mitsubishi is considering getting back to their motorsports roots. Mann told Motoring, “Motorsport is something that we’ve talked about a lot recently, and because of our heritage it’s something that we’ve got to consider.”

Mitsubishi has killed the Lancer Evolution and their motorsports program, but they haven’t done away with the Evolution nameplate. Look for the Japanese automaker to bring out a new eco-performance Evolution SUV in the next 3-6 years. They could also be making a motorsports comeback. Stay tuned.

Photo credit: Mitsubishi