TOKYO: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is finally expected to pull the plug on the Evolution X as we know it to be and replace it with a car that will be powered by a hybrid drivetrain.
However, the car is expected to display the same characteristics of the Evolution series cars with comparable performance figures but with lower fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.
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It is not known if this car will still be badged at the Evolutions series although it is highly unlikely.
And so, the 23-year success story, which was divided into 10 generations of this rally-inspired sedan, will come to an end.
To celebrate its success and its iconic status, Mitsubishi recently unveiled the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon, a key indicator that the end for the Evolution X is looming closer.
The car is the most powerful Evolution X ever produced and boasts a 466hp power output from its 2-litre turbocharged engine, a hefty 178hp boost from the standard model.
Mitsubishi has opted to focus their attention and energy on electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, as the way forward.
The Evolution series was first unveiled in 1992 with Evolution I, which was intended purely for the Japanese market but huge demand worldwide eventually forced the cars to be sold throughout the world.
It was based on a Lancer chassis but had the Galant VR-4’s tried and tested all wheel drive system from the Galant VR-4. The car was aimed at complying with World Rally Championship homologation regulations and was a street car with all its conveniences but with all the abilities of a performance sedan. Its 4G63 motor produced some 244hp and 309Nm of torque.
All cars available in the Japanese market had a 180km/h limiter while the ones available outside could top out at a comfortable 228km/h. Over the years, the Evolution series developed further and was replaced with the body shell of its Lancer siblings.
