If and when Mitsubishi decides to bring back the EVO, this should be the result.
Throughout the pages of history, we’ve seen many legendary rivalries. David and Goliath, King Kong and Godzilla, so on and so forth. Likewise, we’ve seen tons of legendary battles in the world of cars. Supra vs Skyline, AMG vs M, Miata vs The World, you get the idea. As far as these legendary automotive gauntlets go, few can quite match the rivalry of the Subaru Impreza WRX and WRX STI and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or as they’re more colloquially known, the Subie and the Evo.
Both of these cars came out around the same time in the early ’90s, both were road-going versions of iconic rally cars, both had four-cylinder turbo engines with AWD, and both of them could put a huge smile on your face. They had subtle differences between them, but at their core, they did the same thing. The biggest difference between the two currently is that you can no longer buy an EVO. While Mitsubishi gets busy preparing a fifty-second facelift for the Outlander Sport, with the help of digital artist Rostislav Prokop, HotCars took to imagine what a new Mitsubishi Evolution would look like in a car rendering.
Updated March 2023: The Mitsubishi EVO played a critical role in building the Japanese sports compact car scene. From circuit racing to drag racing, this all-wheel drive monster has proven it belongs alongside the best. After the EVO X, fans are left wondering if we would ever get to see an EVO XI. Wait no more, we created a render that gives you a glimpse into what the future of the EVO could look like.
The Mitsubishi EVO XI Looks Familiar With Sleek Modern Styling
The Mitsubishi EVO X arrived in 2008 and became the last generation from the legendary line-up. Since then, many things have changed, and some haven’t. There is now a new Subaru WRX, although the STI has suffered a similar fate as the Evo, there’s more AWD hot hatchbacks, electricity is slowly phasing out gasoline, and Mitsubishi still hasn’t stopped making the Mirage. Their design language has changed a fair bit, however, and Rostislav Prokop’s render definitely includes that. The overall shape is close to the EVO X, but there are some notable changes. The front-end features Mitsubishi’s latest grille design, although it does without the upside down headlights.
3 Images
This digital Evo XI is white, though we’re certain that the iconic red color that has come to define the EVO would also look fantastic. It sits on large, multi-spoke gloss black wheels, which seem to be covering up some beefy brakes with red calipers. The rear end features a slim set of taillights, with a black bar connecting them right in the middle, which reminds us a little of the current Peugeot 508. Of course, we also have to mention the redesigned spoiler, which now has a post right in the middle, although the shape is EVO-business as usual. If a new EVO really did happen, it would compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Subaru WRX, the Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla, the awesome Mazda 3 Turbo, and maybe some stuff from the class above, like the Mercedes-AMG A35 and A45, the BMW M135i, and the Audi S3.
A 1.8-Liter M5P Turbo Four Could Power The Mitsubishi EVO XI
This is a very interesting bit to speculate, as there are so many options Mitsubishi could go for here. One thing worth noting is that Mitsubishi is now part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which means they have access to some pretty exciting parts. If Mitsu were to go the pure ICE route or even MHEV route, the obvious powertrain of choice would be the 1.8-liter M5P turbo four, as also found in the current Renault Megane RS and Alpine A110, which we’d love to drive. While not quite as tunable as the 4G63 or 4B11, it’s a modern, efficient powertrain that can still give the car fantastic performance.
The next option would be a plug-in hybrid. That’s an easy solution also, as Renault offers plug-in hybrid powertrains in quite a few of its models. In most of them, it’s a 1.6-liter turbo four with an electric motor, providing a decent EV-only range and some excellent fuel consumption. With a beefier e-motor or ICE in this configuration, the EVO could easily crack 350 hp or possibly more. The final and most likely option would be a full EV, which would probably mean sharing components with the upcoming line of Alpine-branded EVs. As for the platform itself, if Mitsubishi doesn’t make it themselves, the best choice would be the Alliance’s CMF-CD platform, as also found in the Renault Talisman, the outgoing Kadjar and Megane, and even in Mitsubishi’s own 2022 Outlander, which is substantially better than the old one.
A Brand-New Mitsubishi EVO XI May Come Back As A Hybrid Or EV
This is very easy to answer: probably not. While Mitsubishi’s investors said they would love to see a new EVO, Mitsubishi must work on improving their brand image and their model lineup before they could even think about a new EVO. When everyone asked about a new EVO, Mitsubishi only ever expressed interest in bringing it back as some type of hybrid or electric crossover.
Whatever happens next with the EVO nameplate, it probably won’t be what we all want it to be. For now, if you want to experience the last of the EVO breed, go and have a look at a used EVO X. If you do decide to go that route, there are some things that you need to know.
