It is far from a secret that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X is dead. The legendary rally machine is just barely hanging onto life as Mitsubishi positions itself as a crafter of hybrid and electric vehicles. Despite the Evo X’s death, the world always assumed that an Evo XI would appear at some point in the future. Sadly, it seems that is not the case. Autocar snagged some interview time with Mitsubishi’s product manager, Kanenori Okamoto, and he confirmed that there are no plans to revive the Evo. Rather, if we get anything it will be a high-performance SUV. “It will not exist as we know it,” Okamoto said. “It will be replaced in spirit by an SUV with high performance.”

This sounds like a crushing blow to fans of the brand, but it seems that there may be some method to Mitsubishi’s madness. While there has been no decision on what platform the new car could be based on, it will use some technology and knowledge that Mitsu gained form MiEV Evolution Pikes Peak racer. It will also use the latest version of the Evo’s S-AWC AWD system.

With all that tech underneath it, the new super-SUV could be quite an entertaining drive. I can almost see it lining up against a machine like the Bowler Wildcat. To be honest, Mitsubishi->ke58 hasn’t been very relevant in the rall->ke191y circuit for more than a decade, but maybe this new machine can see them tackle races like Baja and Dakar. That would by quite an impressive feat.

Keep it locked here to get more details on whatever crazy scheme Mitsubishi may be hatching. We will be sure to drop the news as soon as we get it.

Why it Matters

Creating high-performance hybrid systems that can stand up the rigors of off-raod racing and rally competition is the next logical step in the progression of hybridization and electrification for the automobile. The crucible of motorsport tests products in conditions that are far outside the realm of standard driving. To create a system that can perform and survive under such circumstances will be an astronomical feat; one that will dramatically improve the safety and reliability of hybrid and EV cars.

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The Mitsubishi Lancer X is the latest and greatest version of Mitsubishi's iconic, rally-bred sports sedan. It combines a powerful, turbocharged engine with one of the most advanced AWD systems to ever hit the market; creating one phenomenally quick and precise machine. There are few better ways to get down a twisty, gravel road through the forest than in the Evo X.