Mitsubishi prepare final Lancer Evolution

Tuesday, 6 January 2015

Mitsubishi could be set to farewell the iconic Lancer Evolution with a bang, snap and crackle befitting its rally heritage.

The manufacturer is set to retire its turbocharged cult-classic sedan, but not before paying tribute to its legacy with a special model set to debut at the Tokyo Auto Salon this weekend.

Mitsubishi says the Lancer Evolution X Final Concept has an upgraded engine with nearly 350kW of power, along with a litany of parts from Japanese performance specialists.

There are plenty of HKS components under the bonnet, including a larger turbo that complements adjustable Hipermax suspension, Yokoyama tyres and Volk Racing wheels.

Mitsubishi has not revealed whether the Final Concept will go into production.

The manufacturer has confirmed that the current, tenth generation Lancer Evolution will be the last in a line of vehicles powered by turbocharged four-cylinder engines that drive all four wheels.

But the Evolution name will live on in upcoming hybrid or electric performance cars previewed by recent concepts, including a next-generation SUV-based machine for the Gran Turismo series of racing games.