Mitsubishi Evolution XI details and rendering

Like every other manufacturer out there, Mitsubishi is projecting a green image to the world after the introduction of the RVR crossover/Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and the all electric i-MiEV. As we mentioned earlier, the much loved Evolution might just not make it past 2012. There are reports in Japan that Mitsubishi are slowly scrapping all their sports car programs and Mitsubishi’s in-house tuner Ralliart is just about shut. So will the next-gen Evolution go ahead? Will we see the Evolution XI after all?

Hit the jump to read more or click here to read more on the Evo’s Indian launch.

The answer is Yes. Other sources confirm that the reports are premature. There is a whole lot of thought that has gone in taking a decision. The Evo is clearly fighting for survival. While some do feel that the Evo must be put to rest, many within the company feel that they should not lose their icon, the sole model responsible for taking Mitsubishi to great heights that it is in today. As a result, the next-gen Evo might be a hatchback (like Scooby – Impreza) and feature a hybrid system. Diesel-electric hybrid systems and plug-in hybrid options are being evaluated.

An inside source from Mitsubishi said

(Using a hybrid) “This way, it will conform to the company’s overall strategic plan of building fuel-efficient cars,”. “Yet it will have all the performance that the current Lancer Evo possesses.”

Like we mentioned earlier, the existence of an Evo (in some form) is a million times better than having no Evo at all. What we hear is that the new Evo, although taking the hybrid route will be quicker or just as quick as the outgoing model. Now that’s what we want.

Officially Official – Mitsubishi to launch Evo X and Pajero Sport this year

Evolution XI going diesel hybrid

Mitsubishi to launch Evolution X in the second week of July

Mitsubishi Evolution X spied at MMST racetrack, Chennai

[Road & Track]