Tokyo show: Mitsubishi hints at new Evolution

MITSUBISHI has released a teaser image of its vision for a future high-performance electric SUV, with the e-Evolution concept set to be revealed at next month’s Tokyo motor show.

The Japanese car-maker has revealed very little about the concept, but has hinted in the past that a replacement for its lauded Lancer Evolution performance sedan would likely come in the shape of a go-fast, electrified SUV.

Mitsubishi said in a media release that the concept would be packed with technology and the electric powertrain fits with the company’s plan to introduce more plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles into its line-up.

“This very high performance automobile will blend Mitsubishi Motors’ signature 4WD and electric powertrain know-how with advanced Artificial Intelligence technology under a low slung aerodynamic SUV Coupe shape,” the company said in a release.

It is unclear if the concept will preview a standalone production car that will materialise as the new Mitsubishi Evo, or if it also gives a glimpse at a less performance-honed mainstream model such as the next-generation ASX.

Mitsubishi stopped building the most recent Lancer Evo in 2016, with Final Edition models going on sale in Australia in late 2015.

The Lancer Evo was a direct rival for the Subaru WRX and became something of an automotive icon in its 24-year history over 10 iterations.

In recent years, Mitsubishi has released a number of concepts such as the XR-PHEV and the eX that have previewed future small SUVs, the former becoming the soon-to-be-released Eclipse Cross.

One week before the Tokyo motor show, Mitsubishi will release its mid-term plan that is set to detail its new strategic plan under its new owners, the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

The car-maker has big plans for this year’s show too, saying in the release that it will be “a true milestone event where the corporation will wave the flag under new circumstances to usher a new era of long-term growth and sustainable development, returning to where it belongs to better embrace the future”.

More details will be revealed during the Tokyo motor show which kicks off on October 25.