Although Mitsubishi had previously stated that the famed Lancer Evolution would cease production as the company shifts its focus to electric vehicles, the automaker has now done an about-face and said that there will be a next generation Evo after all – and it will be hybrid.
Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko has confirmed to Autocar that the new hybrid Evo will soon be under development.
“We will start work on the project next year, and it will be ready within three,†said Masuko. “I have set the goal of developing a sporting car featuring electric power.â€
Whats even more eye-opening is that Autocar infered from Masuku’s statements that the hybrid Evo’s fuel-fed motor will be of the diesel variety, a move that would allow the model to sidestep tough emissions regulations.
Though it might seem utterly profane to some Evo fans, a diesel-electric powertrain could offer a staggering amount of instantaneously available torque thanks to the 0-rpm twist of the electric motor combined with the low-end pull of the diesel mill.
In any event, expect the new Evo to feature an upgraded version of the S-AWC four-wheel drive system with improved torque vectoring capabilities when it goes on sale in 2014.
References
1.’Hybrid Evo gets…’ view
