We've already heard that Mitsubishi->ke58 is working on a new generation Lancer Evo, but it looks like its actual production may happen earlier than expected. Mitsubishi UK has announced that once the last 10 units left in stock are sold, the current Evo X->ke2426 will officially be discontinued because of the strength of the Japanese yen. According to Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi UK’s Managing Director, the price would have to double for the Evo X to continue being produced: "We used to sell the Evo for £30k; now we would have to charge £60k."

Instead, Mitsubishi UK will focus on the successor for the Evo X because of the Lancer Evo's importance on the UK market. The problem with that is, while the standard Lancer->ke1122 is set to arrive in 2014, the Evo performance version is still not signed off for production.

Aside from confirming the discontinuation of the EVO X, Bradley also confirmed that the next Lancer Evo will drop the current high-revving turbo petrol engine in favor of a hybrid drivetrain combined with a diesel engine. The model will remain a four-door sedan and not turn into a hatchback as previously rumored.

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