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Sam Charlwood27 Jun 2019
NEWS

Mitsubishi set to resurrect Lancer Evolution

Reborn Japanese hero to share its underpinnings with Renault Megane RS, according to fresh reports

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is set for a rebirth.

British publication Autocar reports the cult-favourite Japanese sports car will be revived under the alliance between Mitsubishi and Renault.

Continuing a rich history kicked off by the first-generation model in 1992, the Lancer Evolution XI is set to offer “supercar-beating acceleration together with the choice of either traditional four-door saloon or five-door hatchback bodystyles,” according to Autocar, which cites Japanese-based sources.

The newcomer will reportedly share elements of its drivetrain with the next-generation Renault Megane RS, using a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine mated to a dual-clutch gearbox and an advanced Mitsubishi-developed S-AWC four-wheel drive system.

Presently, the Megane RS engine makes 224kW and 420Nm in its most powerful Trophy-R trim similar outputs to the 226kW/414Nm Evolution X that was retired in 2015.

However, the possible addition of electronic boosting in a 48V mild-hybrid system being developed for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance is likely to increase its reserves,” the article claims.

The 11th generation of the four-wheel-drive Lancer Evolution has been conceived to sit on the CMF-C/D F4 platform developed within Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.

The Evolution’s revival is reportedly part of Mitsubishi chairman Osamu Masuko’s plans to restore the Japanese car-maker’s famous performance status.

Seventy-year-old Masuko is set to relinquish his position as Mitsubishi chief executive to Takao Kato. However, the Mitsubishi veteran will continue to lead the company in the position of chairman.

Previous plans by Masuko to develop a successor to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X were placed on hold following heavy losses at the company and its subsequent purchase by Nissan in 2016.

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