The Rochester DSM One Lap of America Mitsubishi Evo X nuked a piston on a track day in the most mind-melting carnage we’ve seen in awhile.

4B11 Piston Melted

Thankfully it is at Magnus getting reworked for the 2012 One Lap of America which starts May 4, 2012.

You’ve probably heard by now some conflicting reports about the future of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Does Mitsubishi hopes to jump back into the world market as a leader of eco-friendly electric and fuel-efficient automobiles by eschewing the Evo?

There was a day when, by American and Australian standards, a four-cylinder WAS eco-friendly and fuel-efficient. And surprise to those uninformed displacement jockeys: the little 4G63, for example, was turbocharged.

The 4B11 was born out of a global design with the collaboration of significant partners, based on a deep history of efficent power-to-displacement four cylinders proven in the WRC and Dakar rallies.

With Mitsubishi canning Ralliart and giving up on the WRC and Dakar it seems as though that history isn’t as valuable to the rest of the automotive market. They want cheap and efficient. Maybe throw in a iPod dock too.

Now Mitsubishi is going in a “different direction” on the Evo, possibly as an electric, maybe not as a Lancer (i-MiEV Evo anyone?). Mitsubishi stated that “market feedback will dictate its engineering package and architecture” and we know that after 7 generations without an Evo in the United States that the enthusiasts voice is muted.

The current generation Evolution X will continue to be sold through 2013

“MMC has kept the Lancer Evolution sedan evolving as the brand’s highest performing model in the global market,” Mitsubishi said. “However, as the market’s needs and demands change, MMC is considering not advancing the Lancer Evolution concept in the same way as before, but to find a different direction for the Lancer Evolution model to evolve. The new direction, the technologies involved, and corresponding products will be disclosed in due course.”

Proton Concept Jebat

Proton has unveiled the Jebat concept car to the home crowd in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this weekend. We’ve seen the cosmetic touches they’ve added to their Inspira model, a fairly straightforward facelift on the Mitsubishi Lancer. Proton has an agreement with Mitsubishi.

This monster for Malaysia sports a proper 4B11T but is only tuned up to about 237 bhp. The Jebat wears wide bodywork, enlarged wheel arches, diminished rear wing and a rather weak panda gloss white and matte black paint job. The inside is appointed with Recaro seeting and a Clarion AV system.

The Proton Jebat Concept car, Panda-esque matte black tail

Meh.

Jason Macgill and his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

In the latest MyRideIsMe.com post, Enomoto-san features Jason Macgill’s Tomei Powered – Sponsored Evo X

It’s a fantastic build, not just for show, but a real performer featuring the latest Tomei Powered modifications and Robispec suspension. Obviously a 4b11 fan, his daily driver is a Lancer Ralliart Sportback.

Jason is no stranger to Mitsubishis having been through an Evo VIII and Evo MR in Time Attack competitions and rolling through Southern California’s Show Circuit with Team Hybrid. But when the X hit the U.S. Jason was first in line.

h/t: MyRideIsMe

Ben Stewart at Popular Mechanics asks us Does it stack up against competitors from Hyundai and Nissan? We think there’s more than enough room in the small-utility market if it grows by 480% (like Mitsubishi forecasts). In many regards the Sport is a just a shortened Outlander and we know it is a good platform, but the eco-friendly naturally aspirated 4B11 won’t make this a barnstormer. Luckily everyone is anxiously looking for a 4B11T and maybe Mitsubishi will get the message.

Entry-level crossovers like the new Outlander Sport deliver good value. The Sport won’t be in Mitsubishi dealerships until October, but the company says the ES will start at less than $19,000, and even the heavily equipped SE probably won’t top $25,000. Fuel economy is promised to be equally competitive, as ES models should deliver 31 mpg on the highway thanks in part to a slippery 0.32 coefficient of drag. The Outlander Sport is certainly an attractive crossover, with a supple suspension and smart interior, but it would be even more attractive with a turbocharged 237 hp engine under the hood. Let’s hope a Ralliart version is in the works.

With the Lancer Evolution likely turning hybrid-diesel (yes really) there might be more chance for the 4B11T to find its way into the Outlander Sport. We’ll be first in line for a Evolander Sport, thankyouverymuch.