Previously we reported previously that Mitsubishi were dropping off the “Evolution” model to concentrate on environmental friendly electric cars. Now, it appears the moniker “Evolution” is far from over. We have two cases here that prove so.
The first one involves the Gran Turismo video game for PlayStation, where Mitsubishi debuts the Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Gran Turismo as part of the downloadable content in Gran Turismo 6. It is an all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission and S-AWC vehicle dynamic control system. Judging by the looks of it, think of it as the ASX crossover on steroids, adorned with huge aero kits and wing and you will get the picture how the Concept XR-PHEV Evolution will look like. Concepts usually set the direction of future models from a manufacturer, and Mitsubishi claimed so far only the grille represents the styling of the future product.
Here the video taken from Gran Turismo 6, and Concept XR-PHEV Evolution. Could this be the final piece of the missing jigsaw for this famous 3-diamond shape to return to the Dakar Rally or the World Rally Championship?
Meanwhile, we reported in April that Mitsubishi is set to drop the Lancer Evolution X model by the end of 2014. Apparently, Mitsubishi has dropped a lifeline to the iconic Lancer Evolution X model as Amanda Savercool from Mitsubishi’s US operations has denied the earlier report and confirmed that the Evo will soldier on until 2015, but only for the American market.
“At least for here in the U.S., Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is committed to introducing the 2015 model year Lancer Evolution. Production of North American-specification Lancer Evolution models for the 2015 model year will commence in July 2014″ said Amanda Savercool.
So in the end, will the “Evolution” stop evolving? We think there’s hope Mitsubishi isn’t going to abandon that iconic “E” word that has been the subject of admiration for many a boy-racer growing up during the past two decades.
