Mitsubishi Evo To Return In Electrified Crossover Form

by Cameron Aubernon

Published: April 28th, 2015

mitsubishi evo to return in electrified crossover form

Though the Mitsubishi Evo as we know it will soon fade into history, the Evo nameplate will return in the form of an electrified crossover.

Mitsubishi boss Tetsuro Aikawa told Autocar that the future Evo would be linked to EV and PHEV technologies:

In the future, we would like to launch such a vehicle with Evo characteristics. In Japanese, when you pronounce ‘Oh’ [in Evo], it means ‘king’. So we would like to launch this type of car, featuring EV and PHEV technology, which is the ultimate of its kind. ‘EV’ for electric vehicle, ‘O’ for king – Evo.

As for what that Evo may resemble, speculation points to the next-gen ASX crossover, based upon the XR-PHEV II concept featured at this year’s Geneva Auto Show. The ASX Evo would follow in the footsteps of the previous Lancer-based icon, with power from its PHEV drivetrain funnelled to all corners instead of only the front pair as done on the standard ASX.

That said, the wait may likely be a long one. According to Aikawa, a significant number of base ASX models would have to be sold prior to bringing the ASX Evo to the assembly line, as those sales are what fund R&D for the higher-performance model.

[Photo credit: Mitsubishi]

#ASX #Crossovers #Electrification #Evo #EVs #High-performanceVehicles #IconicVehicles #Mitsubishi #PHEVs #TetsuroAikawa #XR-PHEVII

Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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9 of 62 comments

Flybrian on Apr 28, 2015

So, this is going to be like the iMEV-that-no-one-bought-and-can't-even-pull-$6500-for-a-2012-with-15k-miles-at-the-auction II?

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- See 4 previous
- 28-Cars-Later on Apr 28, 2015
  
  Busy today? I didn't see you opine in the new or used best bang for your buck article.
  
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- Flybrian on Apr 28, 2015
  
  @28-Cars-Later Too busy. So many sadz. But I did move out a HUMMER and a boat. So a few gladz. Tomorrow's another day to bloviate.
  
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- Bball40dtw on Apr 28, 2015
  
  @Flybrian It's always a great day when you sell a boat. Glorious day even.
  
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- 28-Cars-Later on Apr 28, 2015
  
  @bball40dtw CALPURNIA: When cars are sold, there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the sale of a boat. http://shakespeare.mit.edu/julius_caesar/julius_caesar.2.2.html
  
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- Shaker on Apr 29, 2015
  
  @bball40dtw To the old boat joke: There is shared rapture and joy for the buyer and seller alike; of a fiberglass tub that leaks money, as if pierced with a spike. :-)
  
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Multicam on Apr 29, 2015

This made me check my watch and make sure it wasn't April 1st.

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Azmtbkr81 on Apr 29, 2015

I think Mitsubishi is stealing a page from Jeep's playbook here: slap a storied name on frumpy crossover and watch the dollars stack up. As long as the crossover segment remains hot this seems to be a completely viable, if distasteful, strategy.

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DrGastro997 on May 09, 2015

Another sign that Mitsubishi has no idea what to do with themselves and with the American market. Imagine a strategy meeting between Aikawa and the board members. The 大 (oh) need not belong in Mitsubishi- yet...

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