In a move that is sure to upset the loyal Rally and Racing fans that have embraced the last couple of generations of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, reports surfaced today that the company will discontinue the vehicle. According to Autocar UK, Mitsubishi’s global product director told Matt Prior that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will be the last of its model type. The reason? The electric vehicle (EV).
“The Lancer Evolution X, Eusegi told me, will be the last Evo. “There is still a demand [for the car],” he said, “but we must stop.””
That is quite a shock, especially for the small, fast and affordable performance all-wheel drive market. It opens the door for the Subaru Impreza WRX STI to be the only car of its configuration on the market. Eusegi claim to Autocar UK that there is still a market, but they still must stop production and development is interesting, especially since other automotive manufacturers have managed to blend green and the niche performance market. For U.S. customers it is hard to name a popular Mitsubishi product with out naming the Lancer family. It is possible that with the influence for the future pegged on “EV technology” that the Mitsubishi i could garner the same following and respect of the EVO. However, it seems short sided to blow away a loyal following for a market that isn’t even 10% of the automotive market—not even close to 10%.
When asked if the EVO X will be the last model Eusegi responded: “Yes. Maybe the world can change, and maybe someday we can do a motor race by electric vehicles. Maybe then we can enter the market again.”
I guess the means that EVOs will become collectable like the Pontiac G8.
[Source: Autocar UK]
