Why 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution drops out of performance car race

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution removes itself from the performance car race after this tenth-generation EVO is done here in the U.S. This will be the last generation of the rally-bred Lancer Evolution that won four straight World Rally Championship titles. Mitsubishi Motors is going in a different direction with their entire lineup and will now focus entirely on environmentally-friendly cars. Will there be a next-generation Lancer Evolution? It will have a different name and won’t be anything like the outgoing 2015 EVO. This is the Lancer Evolution’s swan song and it’s going away forever.

What’s new for 2015?

The 2015 Lancer Evolution goes out with a whimper and doesn’t get but a few upgrades. Mitsubishi North America 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. All EVO models will feature new heated side view mirrors with turn indicators and 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.

No changes were made to the competent Lancer Evolution drivetrain. It’s still powered by the 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled MIVEC 4-cylinder engine, it comes with a rally-bred suspension, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system and choice of a short-throw 5-speed manual gearbox or rapid-fire 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST).

New for the GSR

The 2015 Lancer Evolution GSR model gets a new Premium Package that includes a Sight and Sound Package plus leather seating, power glass sunroof, heated front seats, sound dampening enhancement and piano-black front console box with lids.

New standard features on top line MR

New standard features on the top line MR models include 9 speaker 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, FAST-key entry system, auto dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, color-keyed heat extractor vents, bright radiator front grille and beltline molding, sound dampening enhancement and piano-black front console box with lids.

Mitsubishi chose to discontinue the Lancer Evolution in most other global markets, but the 2015 Lancer Evolution high-performance sports sedan will continue on for one more year in the U.S. market. The Lancer Evolution sadly bows out, and this will be the last of this breed for Mitsubishi.

MMC develops new performance technology

A new performance car will be coming from the Japanese automaker, but it will be very different than this last EVO model. It’s a sad day for performance fans to see the Lancer Evolution drop out of the performance car race. But Mitsubishi isn’t done building performance cars. They will be back and are working on new performance technology they are developing in motorsports like the Mitsubishi MiEV Evolution III. The Lancer EVO is gone, but the story isn’t over yet.

Production started this month and Mitsubishi will release pricing for this last 2015 Lancer Evolution model closer to when it makes its dealer launch this fall.

Other 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution stories of interest.
Why fans will storm showrooms for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution successor