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 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
This Tomei Powered promotional video explains some of the difficulties in improving the already superbly engineered Mitsubishi 4B11 and previews a few of the components offered for your Evo X. It’s a bit dated, but if you’re not aware of who Tomei Powered is and what their product line is this is a great primer.
Cosworth gives us a rare look at the Mitsubishi 4B11 being pushed to its limits on their engine dyno. I will never tire of seeing glowing hot manifolds. Check the video out:
The Evo X will be run in the 2011 One Lap of America event and will be striving to be in the top 10 overall standing. Plans are also in the works to campaign the car as a Street Class entry in the 2011 Redline Time Attack series which typically runs from late February to October and Barry, Sean and Chris will be teaming up to drive and support the events along with assistance from AMS. If time and resources permit the vehicle might also compete in the 2011 Targa Newfoundland rally.
