I know this is hard to believe but Mitsubishi is planning a radical overhaul of its Evolution model altogether. In fact, Mitsubishi is said to have given serious consideration to axing the Evo model altogether because of tightening emissions legislation. Sources in Japan say that there were earlier plans to switch the Evo to a petrol hybrid powertrain and base it on the PX-MiEV SUV concept's platform, but that project was given the boot.
Well that project died but instead of pulling the plug on the legendary Evo, Mitsubishi is going to be changing the next incarnation of the Evo into a diesel hybrid. This is designed to save the Evo from tightening economy and emissions regulations while preserving its trademark mid-range shove.
This is not just a rumour anymore, according to Autocar UK, the firm's R&D department has been given the approval to push the car in a different direction; a diesel hybrid.
Mitsubishi's engineers hope that the mix of clean-diesel torque and electric motor assistance will proper the next generation Evolution from a standstill to 100km/h in under five seconds, yet cut CO2 emissions to well under 200gm/km.
The Evo is known for its handling thanks to its sophisticated four-wheel drive system, and the next-gen Evo won't be any different. It will be entrusted with a revised version of four-wheel drive system, S-AWC, which integrates steering, braking and traction control.
This may all sound very good on paper and this website but switching to diesel power is undoubtedly a big gamble for Mitsubishi. If the Evo does run on diesel, it will effectively be ruled out of competition use and this could limit its racer appeal that it has so successfully relied on. It might not also be very appealing in its key markets such as the US and Japan because diesels have yet to gain widespread acceptance
The switch marks a big gamble for Mitsubishi. Diesel hybrid will, in effect, rule the Evo out of competition use and could limit its appeal in key markets such as the US and Japan, where diesels have yet to gain widespread acceptance. Whatever it is, accepting the Evo as a diesel will be difficult, but if it retains its incredible power, speed and handling, then I don't see why its legacy will not continue.
Source: Autocar
The image above is a rendering by illracer and is just for illustration purposes only
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