Mitsubishi Evo to return … as an SUV

Has Mitsubishi made the biggest mistake in its history or come up with a masterstroke by announcing the Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept?

Teased here in a single image, the Evolution concept features an angular design motif and bold roof buttresses. It appears to be a coupe but its stance is very much in the vein of an SUV, with a raised ride height.

It looks nothing like the much-loved Mitsubishi Lancer-based Evolution that helped elevate Mitsubishi's status in the eyes of influential enthusiasts.

Mitsubishi has not said what engine will power the new e-Evolution concept, but it's safe to say there will some level of electrification, if not a completely electric powertrain.

Expect something in the vicinity of 300kW for the "very high performance automobile" that Renault-Nissan-owned company says "will blend Mitsubishi Motors' signature 4WD and electric powertrain know-how with advanced Artificial Intelligence technology under a low slung aerodynamic SUV Coupe shape."

In other words, it'll drive itself too.

The Japanese company says the new model will be a "beacon" for its renewed ambition to "usher a new era of long term growth and sustainable development, returning to where it belongs to better embrace the future."

Now controlled by Renault-Nissan, Mitsubishi can draw on deeper cash reserves although its desire to focus on SUVs appears to be unchanged if this concept is anything to go by. The chances of a WRX STI rival now appear slim.

As we've previously reported the next Mitsubishi Evolution super SUV remains years away but this new concept confirms Mitsubishi hasn't given up on go-fast models just yet.

Stay tuned for more news on the evolution of the Evo from high-performance pocket-rocket to high-riding electric SUV.