We’ve been hearing about it for a while and today we’re hearing about it once again. Mitsubishi is reportedly working on a Lancer Evo sedan with a hybrid powertrain and the car is expected to hit roads within three years.

Sources have told What Car? that the decision to go hybrid with the next-generation Evo will help the car meet future emissions and fuel-economy regulations. The move is a part of a wider move by the Japanese brand towards electric and hybrid power, sources said.

A plug-in hybrid diesel system is currently in favor for the next Evo, but Mitsubishi says that the car could be a gasoline plug-in hybrid to cater to the U.S. and Japanese market.

The model will also feature a new version of the company’s S-WAC four-wheel-drive system with more precise all-wheel capability.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WhatCar

Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko confirmed that the brand has plans for a hybrid Evo that will use a diesel-electric powertrain.

Masuko says “We will start work on the project next year, and it will be ready within three. I have set a goal of developing a sporting car featuring electric power.”

It is anticipated that the upcoming Evo XI will reduce emissions, and increase power output. The XI will also feature an updated S-AWC four-wheel drive system for steering, breaking, and handling.

While there were talks of the Evo being retired, that decision didn’t go over well with fans, so the brand chose to integrate the model into its plan to concentrate on the environmental aspects of its cars.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: AutoCar

So Mitsubishi as of recent haven’t been very promising with their news, especially since they announced the death of the Lancer Evolution (which is apparently not really dead), the model that gave the Japanese make a huge spike in popularity after gaining attention through various forms of media. But despite the rather troubling news, Mitsubishi seems to remain dedicated to motorsport experiences as they’ve just debuted their latest Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Experience.

For graduates of their Lancer Evolution Experience 1, drivers can now take a second, more difficult course starting July 15th at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California.

At an expected cost of around $1,495, the Experience 2 finishes with an on-track timed competition that has the students compete against each other. Winners of the “Time Attack” will walk away with a free one-year’s use of a Mitsubishi.

“First off, it’s a brush-up on driving dynamics and line theory in the classroom before a couple of warm-up runs on our paddock exercises,” said Jim Russell, a spokesman for the Racing Drivers School. “We put a clock on you to track your segment times while coaching you on improving your skills as a driver and how to unleash the performance potential of the Lance Evolution X.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Inside Line

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

So recently, Mitsubishi announced that they will be killing the Evo lineup and that the current Lancer Evolution will be the last of the famously fast, compact AWD sport sedans so that the company can focus on becoming an industry leader for electric cars. Welp, Mitsubishi has successfully made themselves completely irrelevant, so it’s almost rather pointless to even continue reading.

Mitsubishi has confirmed that it is working on a post-2013 successor to the current Lancer Evolution. Unfortunately though, it is most likely going to leave the current track-derived recipe in the pages history… forever, thanks to the significant chance of stricter emissions and fuel economy standards.

Although it may be a significant loss to the enthusiast communities, all hope may not be lost as Mitsubishi is considering a high-performance plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or PHEV, which is as counterintuitive as it sounds…yawn.

“Production of the current Lancer Evolution continues as planned. As for its successor, regulations and market feedback will dictate its engineering package and architecture. MMC has kept the Lancer Evolution sedan evolving as the brand’s highest-performing model in the global market. 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,” announced in a press statement.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: InsideLine

Proton Inspira Jeta Concept / Proton Lekir Concept

At an auto show in Kuala Lumpur, Proton revealed two concepts including one based on the Lotus Europa and another based on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X.

Known as the Proton Inspira Jeta, the re-badged version of the Lancer Evo X features slight modifications to the front-end, rear, LED daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, a new rear spoiler and a new rear diffuser.

Power for the Jeta come from a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 237-hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. 0-62 mph comes in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 144 mph.

The Lotus based Europa model is known as the Lekir and it features a restyled bumper, rear wheelarches and much more. No powertrain details were released but such a model could be powered by a 1.6L turbocharged Proton engine, and make use of the Europa’s platform and suspension components.

Proton Inspira Jeta Concept / Proton Lekir Concept:

- By: Zain Haq

Source: AutoCar, AutoCar

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Before you go ahead and dive into this story, we’d just like to say that you can’t believe everything you read on the internet. A lot of the times, what we call ‘sources’ and ‘insiders’ are actually real people that provide a nice sneek peak as to what’s going on inside the company – other times we’re not really sure what to believe or if the ‘sources’ and ‘insiders’ are real people. In this case… well, we’ll let you decide.

A couple months ago it was reported that next-generation Lancer Evo XI will be a plug-in hybrid sedan that uses an electric-motor instead of a turbocharger that it uses right now. The report said that the hybrid Evo will use the same platform as the Concept PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid concept from last year”s Tokyo Motor Show… etc.

Well, it is now reported that Mitsubishi is so concerned with meeting European fuel-economy regulations that it had considered dropping the Evo all together until someone from the R&D department started bouncing around a new idea – a diesel hybrid Evo.

‘Insiders’ say that the diesel hybrid Evo would have so much torque that it can go from 0-62 mph in under 5 seconds and cut CO2 emissions to under 200g/km (which is pretty good).

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Say goodbye to the sweet whining of the turbocharger in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. According to sources, the next-generation Lancer Evo XI will be a plug-in hybrid sedan that uses an electric-motor instead of a turbocharger that it uses right now.

The system will use the same platform as the Concept PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid concept from last year”s Tokyo Motor Show – meaning, that the Evo XI’s 2.0L gasoline engine will be naturally aspirated and will get a boost from an electric-motor that runs on lithium-ion batteries. The electric-motor will power the front wheels, while the engine will power the rear wheels.

Sources say that the car will give drivers the option of driving in electric-only mode for short journeys, helping them improve fuel-efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions (because that’s what every Mitsubishi Lancer Evo driver is worried about).

Insiders say that the Evo XI will also get E-AYC, which regulates torque distribution between the rear wheels.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is one of our favorite high-performance cars here at egmCarTech. It’s always mind-boggling to wonder how Mitsubishi engineers managed to squeeze out almost 300-hp from a small 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Well, if AutoCar is to be believed, the Mitsubishi engineers will be taking the Lacer Evo a step further.

Sources have told the publication that the next-generation Lacer Evo will get a plug-in hybrid system that will be shown in the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV”s front and rear wheels are powered by two electric motors (making 81-hp) and a 1.6L DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine which works as a generator and can power the front wheels. The system is configured around the Lacer Evo-style S-AWC handling control system and automatically switches between different drive modes depending on driving style and remaining battery power in the lithium ion battery pack.

We’re not sure how this will improve the fuel-efficiency of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, but don’t expect to see anything official from Japan until 2013.

Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Mitsubishi keeps teasing us with models that we don’t get in the United States (well, just Evo variants). Today we get new pictures of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ400. Sold through Ralliart UK, the Evo X FQ400 is a meaner and faster Mitsubishi Evo that we’d love to get our hands on.

Power comes from the same 2.0L engine modified with a new turbocharger, exhaust manifold and revised ECU to extract a total of 405-hp and a peak torque of 298 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Upgrade brakes were added for some extra stopping power.

Only 100 units will be produced – all of which will be sold in the UK. Prices start at £45,000 ($79,015 USD).

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ400:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Mitsubishi (via CarScoop)

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the “fastest most extreme version of Mitsubishi’s motorsport derived machine” and it will never make it to the United States. Sorry, we’re just being brutally honest with you guys.

The new 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 will be going on sale next month in the UK with a price tag starting at £49,999 ($79,641 USD).

Power comes from a 2.0L turbocharged MIVEC gasoline engine making 403-hp with a maximum torque of 387 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph run in 3.8 seconds with a top speed that is electronically-limited to 155 mph.

You know the routine. Make the jump for the high-res image gallery and the press release.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400:

Press Release:

FQ-400 – THE FASTEST AND MOST EXTREME LANCER EVOLUTION EVER RELEASED BY MITSUBISHI MOTORS in the UK

- List price from £49,999
- On sale – June 2009
- The most powerful, accelerative Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to date
- Peak power of 403bhp @ 6,500rpm; peak torque of 525Nm @ 3,500rpm
- 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds (est.); top speed 155mph (electronically limited)

The tenth version of Mitsubishi’s iconic Lancer Evolution models has a new performance flagship model to top its range, the FQ-400.

Extreme Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-400 is the fastest and most extreme version of Mitsubishi’s motorsport derived machine. With 403bhp and 387lb.ft of torque on offer from its advanced, lightweight aluminium 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) petrol engine the FQ-400 is able to reach 62mph from standstill in an estimated 3.8 seconds before reaching an electronically limited 155mph – where permitted.

Traction and handling
Ensuring all the FQ-400′s power is put to good use is Mitsubishi’s sophisticated Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) four-wheel-drive system which appropriates power to the wheels that can best use it, giving the FQ-400 quite sensational cross-country performance.

The S-AWC system combines a number of electronic systems that both enhance the FQ-400′s performance and safety, with Active Stability Control and Active Centre Differential, Active Yaw Control and Sport ABS giving the FQ-400 incredible cornering ability, traction and grip. Depending on the conditions the driver can select the most suitable set-up for the S-AWC system, three choices – Tarmac, Gravel and Snow – being offered via the wheel-mounted button and displayed in the central instrument binnacle.

Cornering stability
Increasing the FQ-400′s cornering ability even further over its FQ relatives is a wider track and lowered suspension featuring Eibach springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers. Lightweight 18-inch, nine spoke alloy wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres enhance the FQ-400′s grip, giving it sharper cornering response on the road and more incisive steering. The enhanced agility and performance is backed by a revised braking system which uses aerospace grade aluminium alloys and floating sealed discs grabbed by high performance pads.

Extreme Power
To achieve the incredible 403bhp from just 2.0-litres Mitsubishi has had to significantly revise the FQ-400′s advanced powerplant. Motorsport specification high-flow fuel injectors are fitted to the aluminium cylinder head and a new hybrid turbocharger is also fitted. The higher specification turbocharger features low-friction bearings, a high temperature turbine and strengthened thrust bearing to increase response and reduce turbo lag. Feeding the turbocharger cooled air, improving its performance and efficiency, is an enhanced intercooler, while the exhaust’s gasses flow from the engine via a 3-inch diameter high flow stainless steel piping and catalytic convertor before exiting through a centrally positioned exhaust.

Mitsubishi has remapped the Engine Control Unit (ECU) extensively with over 500 hours of development time to allow its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine to not just produce its exceptional output but to do so with excellent driveability. The FQ-400′s acceleration is sensational, it pulling hard through the gears regardless of engine revs. With peak torque of 387lb.ft on offer from just 3,500rpm, the FQ-400 is just as able to trickle through town traffic as it is taking a rally special stage.

A ‘nod’ to the Evo VI
The FQ-400 looks every bit the rally refugee too, giving a strong ‘nod’ to the styling cues of the legendary Evolution VI, and builds on the already aggressive style of its Lancer Evolution X FQ relatives.

A heavily vented bonnet helps heat escape from the FQ-400′s turbocharged engine and a new lightweight composite front bumper incorporating Mitsubishi’s trademark ‘Jet Fighter’ grille features carbon-fibre elements on its leading edges. Additional lighting and High Intensity Discharge (HID) lights mark out the FQ-400′s nose, its added aggressiveness further enhanced by a 30mm drop in front ride height. Composite side skirts, a re-styled rear bumper with a carbon fibre diffuser, a rear wing incorporating a gurney strip and a roof-mounted ‘Vortex Generator’ all help manage airflow and cooling.

Behind the 18-inch lightweight, nine spoke alloy wheels it’s possible to see the Alcon brakes on the front, while the Toyo Proxes R1R tyres underline the FQ-400′s potency with their aggressive ‘cut slick’ tread pattern. Inside, the driver is held tightly against the FQ-400′s sensational accelerative, braking and cornering forces in Recaro bucket sports seats, the range-topping Lancer Evolution X also gaining an FQ-400 liveried handbrake handle and carbon fibre gearknob.

No compromise
Despite its obvious focus the FQ-400′s suspension offers compliance thanks to the Eibach Springs and Bilstein Shock Absorbers, the FQ-400′s usefulness as a daily driver not compromised overly thanks to Mitsubishi’s chassis tuning. The stiff bodywork not only provides an exceptionally rigid platform for the suspension to work, but excellent crash-worthiness, the Lancer Evolution X attaining a five-star score in Euro NCAP’s independent crash tests. The FQ-400′s S-AWC and its incorporated stability, traction and braking systems helping avoid an accident in the first place. Even so there’s reassurance of seven airbags, seat belt pretensioners and ISO Fix child seating all included in its standard specification.

Fully loaded
Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400′s ease of use, the huge performance it offers not coming at the expense of usefulness. Like its Lancer Evolution X relatives it features comfortable seating for five as well as a usefully sized boot, the FQ-400 bringing all the convenience of the standard saloon car it’s based upon – but with explosive performance potential.

Setting the standard
Standard it’s not though, instead the FQ-400 is a standard setter, with performance that’s the measure of any rival and many exotic sports and supercars costing many multiples of its £49,999 list price. Available from June 2009, the FQ-400 is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty.

- By: Omar Rana

Here is one situation that makes us wish we lived in the UK. Being fans of the new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, it hurts our hearts that the new Lancer Evolution FQ-330 SST will only be offered in Europe.

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-330 SST gets a ECU re-map which helps it produce an additional 36-hp for a total of 329-hp. Power is transferred to the wheels through Mitsubishi’s 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sports Shift Transmission.

Pricing comes in at £3,000 ($4,730 USD) over the standard Lancer Evolution X.

(Don’t tell anyone, but we’d much rather get the 405-hp Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ400)

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

MORE FQ- POWER ADDED TO TWIN-CLUTCH SPORTS SHIFT TRANSMISSION (SST)

* Lancer Evolution FQ-330 SST adds 36 bhp and 22 lb ft torque to the Sports Shift Transmission line-up

Since its introduction in 2008, the Lancer Evolution X has been an enormous success, gaining popular acclaim from customers and the media alike. Now, after extensive testing, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has added the eagerly awaited FQ-330 SST to its already impressive line-up.

The FQ-330 SST model utilises a breathing kit and ECU re-map to accomplish its enhanced power output, and has been systematically tested over the past 6 months to achieve successful results. This power upgrade noticeably improves not only the acceleration, but also significantly enhances the drive.

Power increased to 329 bhp
The power upgrade to 329 bhp is achieved by the addition of a high performance exhaust and downpipe, an intercooler piping kit, racing suction pipe, and upgraded CAT, which delivers an additional 36 bhp and 22 lb ft of torque mated to the advanced 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sports Shift Transmission.

Product line up and specification
The Lancer Evolution X FQ-330 SST includes the following standard equipment:

* Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
* 18″ Enkei alloy wheels
* Brembo braking system, including 2-piece front brakes
* Eibach coil springs
* Bilstein shock absorbers
* HID xenon headlamps with Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
* Recaro front seats
* Bluetooth hands-free system
* Leather sports steering wheel with audio controls
* Front, side, curtain and knee airbags
* Privacy glass
* Front fog lamps
* ISO Fix
* Automatic headlamp and wiper sensors
* Remote central locking
* CAT1 approved alarm/immobiliser
* CAT5 approved tracker system + 1 year free subscription
* HDD satellite navigation system
* Rockford premium audio & Music Server – 6 premium speakers + subwoofer
* iPod/MP3 auxiliary input port

SST transmission
The GSR SST benefits from the fitment of Mitsubishi’s 6 speed TC-SST (Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission) automated manual gearbox with steering column mounted magnesium paddle shifters.

This advanced transmission puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts, each with its own clutch, and switches between these clutches to produce an almost seamless and lightning-fast gear change in either fully automatic or manual transmission modes. A switch located at the base of the gear selector allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Super Sport modes for optimum shifts in a wide variety of situations ranging from driving around town to taking tight lines on winding roads. Because the TC-SST uses clutches rather than a torque converter to transmit power it benefits from improved efficiency and better fuel economy.

Colours and price
The FQ-330 SST is available in Cool Silver (M); Orient Red (M); Lightning Blue (P); and Phantom Black (P) colours with metallic and pearlescent paint included in the price of £35,999, £3,000 more than the FQ-300 STT variant.

Insurance groups and servicing
A testament to Mitsubishi’s confidence in the FQ-330 SST’s reliability comes in the form of its 3-year unlimited mileage warranty, and pan-European breakdown and recovery service.

Servicing too is highly affordable with the first 3-years / 30,000 mile servicing available for just £495 with the Mitsubishi Service Plan. The insurance group rating for the new model is 20A, in line with the 5-speed manual variant with the same power output.2

- By: Kap Shah

Following GM’s decision to not offer a 2009 Saturn Astra, Mitsubishi spokeswomen Christine Jew said the high-performance Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sedan will take a break for 2009.

Jew said that there were no changes planned for a 2009 Evolution Lancer and that there is enough inventory to last until the 2010 model is released until later this year. According to KickingTires, Cars.com’s listings show 887 Lancer Evolutions from the 2008 model year are still available.

Sales of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution were up over 50 percent in 2008. Jew said that there will be minor changes to the 2010 model year.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X:

Source: KickingTires

The South Yorkshire Police has added a new police specification Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X to its Road Crime Unit. Inspector of the South Yorkshire Police applauded the new Evolutions strong visual appearance, performance and safety credentials.

While it’s no Lamborghini LP560-4 used by the Italian police, the Evolution X Police car will still help law enforcement catch criminals with its 300-hp engine that helps it go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds while taking corners like a pro.

The new Evolution X Police cars will be fitted with the latest Police hardware and software. One key feature is the Automatic Number Plate Recognition that allows officers to check who the vehicle is registered to and if there is anything suspicious about the vehicle they are in pursuit of.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

Mitsubishi South Yorkshire Police Lancer Evolution X:

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X holds a very special place in our hearts and when we heard almost 2 months ago that Mitsubishi is working on a FQ400 405-hp limited edition inspired by the 400-hp Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Evo X, you can be sure that we were very excited. Well, the new 2008/2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ400 has landed and it’s everything we expected although its not that different performance wise than the 2005 EVO FQ400.

Power comes from the same 2.0L engine but Mitsubishi has added a new turbocharger, exhaust manifold and revised ECU to extract a total of 405-hp and a peak torque of 298 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Upgrade brakes were added for some extra stopping power.

Appearance wise the new Lancer Evolution X FQ400 doesn’t look very different from the standard EVO but it does get minor changes like lightweight body panels, new vents near the foglamps for extra engine cooling, side sills and twin-pipe exhaust system.

Mitsubishi will only be producing 100 units of the FQ400 which will go on sale in the UK in March of 2009 with prices starting at  £45,000 ($79,015 USD).

Source: AutoExpress

Just when you thought the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X couldn’t get any better, Mitsubishi has approved plans to build a new range-topping model called the FQ400. Joining the FQ300 and the FQ360, the FQ400 will go on sale next year.

Inspiration came from the recent 400-hp Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Evo X that took part in the Britcar 24-hour race. The Racing Lancer Evo X finished 5th in its class and 25th overall.

According to AutoExpress, there aren’t any firm details on the street-legal version but it will produce close to 400-hp with a new turbocharger, exhaust manifold, a revised ECU and fuel system. 0 to 60 mph will come in 3.5 seconds with top speed coming in at more than 170 mph. It’ll also get other tweaks like bigger brakes and an upgraded suspension. Pricing is expected to be around £45,000 ($79,015 USD).

Click through for more high-res images of the Racing Lancer Evo X and the 2008 Lancer Evolution X.

Mitsubishi Racing Lancer Evo X at Britcar 24-hour Endurance:

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X:

Source: AutoExpress

Mitsubishi has launched a Lancer Evolution X GSR Premium edition in its home market in attempt to give the Japanese fans a little more power and exclusivity for their money.

Outside, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR Premium Edition gets new body-colored hood and fender air vents and 18-inch BBS alloy wheels. On the inside, it gets Recaro leather seats, Rockford Fosgate nine-speaker sound system and 30GB hard-disc with navigation.

As for performance, Japan has allowed the Evolution X GSR Premium Edition a total of 296-hp rather than keeping regulated to 276-hp. Maximum torque remains at 311 lb-ft. Buyers have a choice of either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission. Pricing is close to $50,000 USD.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR Premium Edition:

Source: InsideLine