Mitsubishi Creates A New Electric Lancer Evolution SUV

The Lancer Evolution might have gone out of production in 2016, but Mitsubishi never gave up on its most revered technologies and biggest street name. The four-time World Rally Championship driver title sedan had ten official versions over 24 years. The Evo became the brand’s flagship model showcasing its most potent turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, rally-tuned chassis, and suspension that allowed the Evo to defy the laws of physics.

British motoring critic Jeremy Clarkson was astonished by the ease and speed at which an Evo could turn in corners. His comment on Top Gear was “this Evo corners faster than a Lambo Murcielago! Look, one finger power sliding. No car I’ve ever driven can do this.” High praise on the Evo performance.

Mitsubishi has been very open on wanting to rekindle the Evo legend. In doing so, it redirected the brand’s engineering expertise towards the latest industry fads, namely an electric SUV. The company is planning to unveil the fully electric 4WD e-Evolution concept SUV at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Given the alliance between Nissan and Mitsubishi, two carmakers that are focusing on the electric vehicle, the next generation Lancer Evo SUV, is based on that e-EVOLUTION concept. It has the Nissan X-Trail platform, and it employs much of the technology in the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid plus. Some are special upgraded traction control that is featured from the Lancer Evo.

Chairman for Mitsubishi, Osamu Masuko, confirmed as much at a press conference in Tokyo in late March 2019 to launch the domestic-only 660cc-ability eK Series minicar. “The Nissan and Mitsubishi alliance will share strategic technologies in a mutually beneficial relationship that creates competitive products.” And yes, he was directly referring to future electric concepts like the new Evo SUV.

This alliance will be highly competitive, but it will build the respective next-generation of EVs. That will include one of Mitsubishi’s most popular Outlander, the plug-in hybrid powertrain, and its futuristic 4WD e-EVOLUTION concept plus its rally-honed suspension. Nissan will supply the X-Trail platform, the e-Power technology as well as the brand’s multi-award winning Leaf electric powertrain, which powers the most significant selling EV on the planet.

The project will feature updated versions of Nissan’s semi-autonomous Pro-Pilot driver assist system. Mitsubishi might continue to develop its fully electric powertrain with 4WD for the so-called Evo SUV, and it is also considering a variant with its availability with an updated version of the Nissan’s IMQ concept. It gets the latest e-POWER system which is moved by an electric motor, and it possesses a turbocharged 1.5-liter gasoline engine that acts only as a generator that recharges the batteries.

One aspect of the Lancer Evo that fans will want to see in a new Evo SUV is an interpretation of the brand’s legendary Super All-Wheel-Control (S-AWC) system. The S-AWC is highlighted by the Super Active Yaw Control (Super AYC). The S-AWC refers to Mitsubishi’s 4WD system that integrates the management of the sports ABS, active center differential, and dynamic stability control.

The vehicle’s signature technology, the Super Active Yaw Control, transfers torque to the rear wheel where it needs it the most when the grip levels are compromised. With the new electric powertrains, these traction control systems will have to be reinterpreted for the next generation of sports SUV. But with the immediate delivery of electric drive and an immense grip of ‘Mitsubishi’s traction systems.

Evolander

Headlining the Mitsubishi’s SEMA display is the Evolander concept. The all-new addition to Mitsubishi’s line-up goes on sale in November 2019. The minds behind MRDA infused the Evolander concept with performance elements and design cues inspired by the Mitsubishi’s omnipotent, super-sedan, race-ready, the Lancer Evolution.

The Evolander represents the engineering and design possibilities of what an Outlander Ralliart production model can be in the future. The Evolander outputs the Outlander with a 3.0-liter V6 engine, and it swells up to 300 hp with ATI/Roadrace Engineering Procharger system (it uses a centrifugal compressor to produce six psi of boost). The increased power is going through a 6-speed automatic transmission that has the same magnesium-alloy paddle shifters, and it will be equipped on the next generation performance model.

The Evolander’s exterior design follows an “urban performance” theme, and it shares several characteristics with the Lancer Evolution sedan. The Evolander’s fascia design imitates that of the Evolution vehicles with its cooling and brake duct intakes and its aggressively vented hood. The Lancer Evolution lends its iconic, rally-inspired, box flares to the Evolander,  and it increases the width of the vehicle (by the fenders) by 28 mm.

The Evolander features a bolder aerodynamic treatment, with lower side sills, fender vents, a rear diffuser and a Ralliart rear spoiler that add the “sporty urban” look to the SUV. The Evolander’s interior fuses the sporting elements of Evolution with the technology features found on the Outlander. The Recaro Sport form-fitting, reclining racing seat cradle and support the driver and passengers which help improve vehicle control and the driver’s seating position during the aggressive driving.

You can search the inventory of Mitsubishi’s at University Mitsubishi. Make sure to stop by for a test drive and see if this model and make is the car for you.

Photo Credit: forbes.com