Next Generation Mitsubishi EVOlves into Electric

Or regresses, some might say...Regardless of your view on electric vehicles, we all are aware that electric is the shape of things to come. And that includes the demise of current loved models and their rebirth into a new breed.

According to a report by PistonHeads, the next generation Mitsubishi Evo (set for release sometimes in 2013 – EVO XI) will lose its turbocharger and get an electric drive. Fortunately for EVO fans, Motor Trend says the change will not be complete, as the 2013 generation will come as a hybrid, rather than a full electric.

The electric motor will thus not replace the engine, but the turbocharger, as such an option would allow for the same level of boost to be provided smoother than in today's version. According to the sources, the electric motor has already been previewed in the PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid concept.

For the next generation EVO, the 2.0l naturally aspirated petrol engine will be used to power the rear wheels, while the electric motor will spin the front ones. The four wheel drive thus born will be able to reach 60 in 4.5 seconds.

As for the rest of the 2013 EVO, the Japanese carmaker will also use active steering and roll-control suspension, originally planned for the EVO X.

So, like it or not, electric slowly makes its way into the automotive world, including in non-mainstream segments of the market. And, as we witnessed in the e-tron or the CR-Z coupe, it may not be such a bad thing after all.