Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Could Make a Comeback With Help From Renault

by Anthony Magagnoli

Published: June 28th, 2019

mitsubishi lancer evolution could make a comeback with help from renault

Lancer Evolution vs WRX STi had been as classic a rivalry as Mustang vs Camaro. But, with the departure of the Evo in 2016, there has been a hole in the marketplace and in the hearts of enthusiasts. Reports coming out of Autocar point to a revival of the famed rivalry, with an theoretical Evo XI getting some help from Renault.

While the Evolution name has been rumored to be revived in the form of some sort of SUV or electric vehicle — or both — the Lancer Evolution may yet return in proper super-sedan form. While details are spotty, it is speculated that the engine would come from the next-generation Renault Mégane RS. The current Mégane RS is the front-wheel drive Nürburgring production vehicle record holder, sporting a 296 horsepower and 295 ft-lbs 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine. With the next-generation engine anticipated to displace 2.0-liters, it may utilize a bit of electric boosting from a 48V mild-hybrid system to close in on the 341 hp coming from Subaru’s WRX STi S209.

The power is expected to be transmitted through a dual-clutch transmission and Mitsubishi-developed S-AWC four-wheel drive system. While purists may select a manual — if one is made available — the dual-clutch would provide a performance advantage that’s not currently being offered from Subaru.

The underpinnings for the next-generation Lancer Evolution would likely be on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Common Module Family (CMF) C/D platform. This platform is utilized in the United States under the Nissan Rogue and Infiniti QX50. Both sedan and hatchback versions of the Lancer could be offered, though it is likely that the sedan body-style would be the one utilized for the Evolution XI.

Mitsubishi has been working to reestablish itself in the U.S. and has been seeing steady growth here since 2012. The return of a performance model could be just what it needs to get people to notice the Diamond Star once again, and thus buy their SUVs. After all, that’s where the real money exists.

[Images: Mitsubishi]

#Evo #EvoXI #Evolution #LancerEvolution #MeganeRS #Mitsubishi #Renault #STI #WRX #XI

Anthony Magagnoli

Following 10 years in Toyota's Production Engineering division, Anthony spent 3 years as a Vehicle Dynamics Engineer for FCA. From modest beginnings in autocross, he won a NASA SpecE30 National Championship and was the 2017 Pirelli World Challenge TC Rookie of the Year. Aside from being a professional racecar driver, he is a private driving coach and future karaoke champion.

More by Anthony Magagnoli

Comments

Join the conversation

3 of 5 comments

Turbo_awd on Jun 29, 2019

How reliable is the X? I hear the dual-clutch model doesn't do well with power upgrades? Is there enough room inside for 4 adults?

Like Reply
- Noble713 on Jun 29, 2019
  
  The dual-clutch can handle up to ~400lb-ft of torque without upgrades. Past that you are taking risks. Most people recommend an aftermarket transmission cooler even if only lightly modded. It can fit 4 adults if they are....normal-bodied (aka not the average fatass American). Legroom in the back is pretty poor unless the passengers are
  
  Like
IBx1 on Jul 01, 2019

If they bring the Evo back just to make it automatic, so help me god...

Like Reply

Recent Comments

Jeff Self driving cars are not ready for prime time.
Lichtronamo Watch as the non-us based automakers shift more production to Mexico in the future.
28-Cars-Later " Electrek recently dug around in Tesla’s online parts catalog and found that the windshield costs a whopping $1,900 to replace.To be fair, that’s around what a Mercedes S-Class or Rivian windshield costs, but the Tesla’s glass is unique because of its shape. It’s also worth noting that most insurance plans have glass replacement options that can make the repair a low- or zero-cost issue. "Now I understand why my insurance is so high despite no claims for years and about 7,500 annual miles between three cars.
AMcA My theory is that that when the Big 3 gave away the store to the UAW in the last contract, there was a side deal in which the UAW promised to go after the non-organized transplant plants. Even the UAW understands that if the wage differential gets too high it's gonna kill the golden goose.
MKizzy Why else does range matter? Because in the EV advocate's dream scenario of a post-ICE future, the average multi-car household will find itself with more EVs in their garages and driveways than places to plug them in or the capacity to charge then all at once without significant electrical upgrades. Unless each vehicle has enough range to allow for multiple days without plugging in, fighting over charging access in multi-EV households will be right up there with finances for causes of domestic strife.