Photo: Instagram | Kelsonik
Imagine this: it is 1992, we're all baffled by the iconic McLaren F1, and at the same time, Mitsubishi decides to use the AWD drivetrain from the original Galant in the Lancer. They made two versions of it, the RS and GSR, and the former was a model that lacked stuff such as power windows and anti-lock brakes. The result was a lighter vehicle that went like stink on all kinds of loose surfaces.
Christened the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I, it stayed in production for the following two years, when its successor, the EVO II, was launched. The EVO III, IV, V, and VI came out in 1995, 1996, 1998, and 1999, respectively, and in 2001, the Japanese automaker graced the car world with the EVO VII. Two years later, the EVO VIII was introduced, and the EVO IX saw the light of day in 2005. The final EVO model was the X, and it stayed in production from 2007 to 2016.
The EVO X was the last time Mitsubishi used the nameplate on a car. Since it drove off into the sunset, there have been several rumors claiming that they would eventually give it another shot. But since most new car buyers favor crossovers and SUVs these days, a rally-bred sedan with all-wheel drive does not sound like a moneymaker. Hence, it will probably never return to the automotive world, not as we all know it. And that's a very sad thought that leaves its fans and its direct challenger from Subaru in tears, as it doesn't have a playmate anymore.
Mitsubishi sent it out with the Lancer EVO X Final Edition. Production was capped at 1,000 copies, and all of them were marketed in Japan, boasting 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet (406 Nm) of torque. Brembo brakes, chassis upgrades, lightweight wheels made by BBS, Recaro sports seats, and a few other bits and bobs separated it from the rest of the range, and they even previewed it with a concept that had 473 horsepower on tap.
Now, while we keep weeping about the EVO, several rendering artists have tried to imagine what a modern one would look like. Kelsonik's digital work on the Lancer EVO XI is very familiar, as we already covered it a couple of times, and the pixel manipulator is now back with another CGI take on the model. It has a more futuristic look with sweptback headlights and a large grille, and it features flush-mounted door handles. The beefed-up bodywork comprises fat wheel arches, a new apron, sporty side skirts, and a large wing at the rear. The rally-bred car is finished in yellow with a few black accents, and we absolutely love it. Too bad Mitsubishi doesn't.
The EVO X was the last time Mitsubishi used the nameplate on a car. Since it drove off into the sunset, there have been several rumors claiming that they would eventually give it another shot. But since most new car buyers favor crossovers and SUVs these days, a rally-bred sedan with all-wheel drive does not sound like a moneymaker. Hence, it will probably never return to the automotive world, not as we all know it. And that's a very sad thought that leaves its fans and its direct challenger from Subaru in tears, as it doesn't have a playmate anymore.
Mitsubishi sent it out with the Lancer EVO X Final Edition. Production was capped at 1,000 copies, and all of them were marketed in Japan, boasting 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet (406 Nm) of torque. Brembo brakes, chassis upgrades, lightweight wheels made by BBS, Recaro sports seats, and a few other bits and bobs separated it from the rest of the range, and they even previewed it with a concept that had 473 horsepower on tap.
Now, while we keep weeping about the EVO, several rendering artists have tried to imagine what a modern one would look like. Kelsonik's digital work on the Lancer EVO XI is very familiar, as we already covered it a couple of times, and the pixel manipulator is now back with another CGI take on the model. It has a more futuristic look with sweptback headlights and a large grille, and it features flush-mounted door handles. The beefed-up bodywork comprises fat wheel arches, a new apron, sporty side skirts, and a large wing at the rear. The rally-bred car is finished in yellow with a few black accents, and we absolutely love it. Too bad Mitsubishi doesn't.
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