The legend may be sleeping, but it’s not forgotten. Mitsubishi has once again stirred excitement among performance car fans, hinting that the iconic Lancer Evolution could make a comeback, this time, reimagined for the electrified era.
A Dream That Refuses to Die
Kaoru Sawase, Mitsubishi’s engineering fellow and the man widely known as the “godfather” of the brand’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, confirmed that the spirit of the Evo still lives within the company.
“We have a dream, of course, for Lancer Evolution,” he said through a translator at the Tokyo Motor Show. “It’s my personal dream.”
While Sawase stopped short of confirming any concrete plans, his comments suggest Mitsubishi hasn’t entirely given up on the idea of reviving the rally-bred icon. The company, he said, already has the technological tools to make it happen; the question is when.
Electrification on the Horizon
If the Evo were to return, it wouldn’t look back at the old playbook. Mitsubishi’s current expertise in hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems, developed for models like the Outlander PHEV, would form the foundation of any modern performance revival.
“Naturally, considering the global environment and the times, that will be the direction that we will be going,” Sawase said, alluding to electrification as a key part of the new Evo’s DNA.
Electric motors, he noted, offer a distinct advantage in vehicle dynamics. Unlike traditional petrol engines, they can deliver or reduce torque almost instantaneously, a critical trait for Mitsubishi’s famed all-wheel-drive systems.
The Evolution Legacy
The last Lancer Evolution, the Evo X, bowed out in 2016 after nearly a decade on sale. It was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 217kW and 366Nm, paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
That car marked the end of a 23-year dynasty that began with rally dominance and evolved into a cult symbol for enthusiasts worldwide. The Evo wasn’t just fast; it was a technological showcase, with its S-AWC system offering incredible traction and balance on any surface.
Partner Power and Persistent Rumours
Over the years, rumours have suggested Mitsubishi might tap its Renault-Nissan Alliance partners to resurrect the Evolution. Speculation has pointed to a shared platform with the Renault Megane RS or even an all-electric setup inspired by the Nissan Leaf.
So far, none of these theories has materialised. Still, Mitsubishi recently filed to trademark the “Lancer Sportback” name in the US, fueling talk that the company could revive the Lancer badge in some form, possibly tied to a new electrified compact model.
The Ralliart Connection
Mitsubishi’s performance arm, Ralliart, has experienced a quiet revival, primarily through cosmetic upgrades and limited-edition styling packages. Sawase, however, hinted that Ralliart’s future could hold something more substantial.
“As for the different use of Ralliart brands, they have been considered in a broad range,” he said, though he declined to reveal specific plans.
Former Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott was vocal about wanting genuine performance Ralliart models, not just visual tweaks. He even championed the idea of a high-performance Triton to rival Ford’s Ranger Raptor.
The Road Ahead
For now, Mitsubishi remains tight-lipped about any official plans. But the tone has shifted from denial to quiet optimism.
The Lancer Evolution may return as something entirely new, hybrid, electric, or even a performance-focused crossover. Whatever shape it takes, one thing is clear: Mitsubishi hasn’t forgotten the thrill that made the Evo a legend.
And for fans who’ve waited nearly a decade, that’s enough to keep the dream alive.
