Next Mitsubishi EVO To Possibly Rival Nissan GT-R

The next generation Mitsubishi EVO might be a performance rival to the ultra-fast Nissan GT-R with up to 500 HP, according to a new report from the UK publication Autocar. Furthermore, what is sure to turn the stomach of many automotive purists, the EVO is likely to come with a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain.

The next generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer will be launching next year with the PHEV option and Mitsubishi is said to be pondering using technology from their MiEV Evolution II race car and using it to build an ultra-high performance Evolution model. The new base Lancer PHEV will likely have a 2.0L gas engine combined with two 80 hp electric motors and be capable of an all-electric range of around 64 km.

Mitsubishi will likely wait and see how the new PHEV Lancer performs in the market before making any final decisions on the EVO but the good news is that their PHEV Outlander has sold more unit than expected after launching in Japan and the Netherlands. EVO fans will be hoping for a similar situation for the Lancer PHEV.

Even if the Lancer gets a great reception, factors such as a charging network and other infrastructure to support PHEVs could stall or even derail the project.

Source: Autocar.co.uk