For years, we have been mourning the passing of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution after the Japanese auto maker announced that the Evolution X will be the last of the great 2.0-liter turbocharged monster sedan. But as much as we do not trust rumours, this bit of news sparked our curiosity and really caught our attention. It seems that the Evolution will be back, and it is putting the Nissan GT-R as its main rival.
But first and foremost, you would have to keep in mind that it is not going to be the same Evo that you used to know. As they are putting the GT-R in their sights, Autocar reports that the next Evo will boast around 500bhp, and might be a plug-in hybrid.
Like the previous Evo, it will be taking its form from the Lancer platform. And since the next-generation Lancer is due to make a debut somewhere next year, we could expect the Evo to make its appearance within the next year or two.
The plug-in hybrid drivetrain is said to be a combination of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled up with two electric motors, totalling the output to 500 horsepower. It is also said that Mitsubishi will be implementing the technology learnt directly from their MiEV Evolution Pikes Peak II prototype racer into the new Evo.
If this rumoured machine will be built, its styling might be influenced by the Concept-RA shown at the North American International Auto Show back in 2008. With the GT-R already miles ahead in the game, do you think this new Evo stand a chance in keeping up with the supercar-killer?
