The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or commonly referred to by enthusiasts as the “Evo,” remains one of the most iconic names in performance motoring. Renowned for its rally-bred engineering, sharp dynamics, and aggressive personality, the Evo built a devoted following, long after its discontinuation in 2016.
While fans have long accepted its discontinuation, new comments from Mitsubishi’s engineering team suggest that the legendary badge might not be gone for good. Speaking on behalf of Mitsubishi, the brand’s Engineering fellow, Kaoru Sawase, said that the “dream” of reviving the Lancer Evolution is still alive, Australian media outlet Drive reports.
While the engineer stopped short of confirming any development or timeline, he acknowledged that the brand has both the technology and the passion to pull the Evo out of retirement for its next generation. This includes Mitsubishi’s advanced all-wheel-drive system called Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), and its growing expertise in electrified powertrains.
To date, Sawase’s remarks are the strongest hint yet that Mitsubishi has not abandoned its performance heritage entirely. The company has spent the past decade focusing on SUVs and crossovers such as the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Mitsubishi Destinator, Mitsubishi XForce, and the Mitsubishi Xpander, leaving many enthusiasts wondering if it would ever return to its motorsports roots. With electrification reshaping the global automotive industry, however, the idea of a modern Evo as a hybrid or battery-electric vehicle (BEV) suddenly seems more plausible than it did a few years ago.
If Mitsubishi does pursue this path, the next-generation Evo is unlikely to mirror its predecessors exactly. Rather than being motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and manual gearbox, the future Evo could have a hybrid powertrain, combining a smaller displacement engine with an electric motor for efficiency and responsiveness. In this context, the Mitsubishi S-AWC could deliver the grip and agility that defined the previous Evos.
Of course, any potential revival could face major challenges. The global market has shifted to SUVs and EVs, with fewer automakers investing in traditional sports sedans. Developing low-volume performance cars requires significant resources and a strong business case, particularly as emission standards continue to tighten in many regions. Mitsubishi, which operates under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, would also need to align such a project with its broader electrification strategy.
Whether this dream of an Evo revival becomes a reality or not remains to be seen. Sawase’s statement brings hope, but Mitsubishi has not made any official announcement or development confirmation. For now, fans will have to settle for the possibility that somewhere within Mitsubishi’s engineering halls, the Evo’s spirit still flickers, waiting for the right time, technology, and market conditions to return.
