Will Mitsubishi Ever Bring Back The Lancer And Lancer Evolution? Here's What We Know

Mar 13, 2024

Mitsubishi's Lancer has enjoyed huge success as both a road car and world rally legend; is it now due a revival?

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a dependable and affordable compact sedan that has gained recognition and respect from all corners of the globe. The first iteration of the Lancer was launched in the early 1970s, although it really found traction in the '90s, with the introduction of the Evolution models.

An iconic performance car that dominated the World Rally Championship, alongside other such legends, like the Subaru Impreza WRX. Since then, an epic battle has continued between the two manufacturers, until 2015 when the Final Edition Lancer Evolution was declared the last model before discontinuation. Two short years later, the standard Lancer was also discontinued.

Could Mitsubishi ever bring the Lancer and Lancer Evolution models back from the dead? What would it look like, if they did?

Information has been gathered from sources such as Mitsubishi and Edmunds to bring you everything we know on whether Mitsubishi will ever bring back the Lancer and Lancer Evolution.

To know what a new Lancer Evolution would look like, it's important to first look at the competition it would be facing; this is vital in helping us understand how Mitsubishi would develop a new model. If history has taught us anything, it's that Mitsubishi will try to walk all over the recently revealed 2024 Subaru Impreza WRX.

Specs

2024 Subaru Impreza WRX

2025 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (estimated)

0 – 60 mph

5.5 seconds

4.8 seconds

Top Speed

145 mph

160 mph

Curb Weight

3,297 lbs

3,500 lbs

Power

271 horsepower

310 horsepower

Torque

258 lb-ft

300 lb-ft

Layout

Front-engine, all-wheel-drive

Front-engine, all-wheel-drive

It's significant to note that Subaru has not outlined any plans yet for an STi model, which would be the most natural competition to a 2025 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. As such then, the 2024 WRX does come out considerably slower than the predictions above for a new Lancer Evo.

Acceleration has always been a strong point for the Mitsubishi, so it would not be surprising to see a new model cut under the 5-second barrier, while at the same time being capable of reaching a 160-mph top speed; certainly achievable with a 6-speed gearbox. This also shows progression from the Evo X, which had a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, and a 150 mph top speed.

The Lancer Evolution has often checked in a touch heavier than the WRX STi, most notably against the original GC8 Subaru model, so it wouldn't be unreasonable to expect the same again for a 2025 release.

Related: EXCLUSIVE: This Brand-New Mitsubishi EVO XI Render Gives New Life To The Japanese Compact Sports Car Scene

Gone are the days when manufacturers could stick a hot engine under the hood of an otherwise bland 4-door sedan and call it a day. Buyers of a new Lancer or Lancer Evolution will have higher standards, and features like the below will be expected.

Related: The Turbo Engine In This Mitsubishi Evo VI Runs More Boost Than The Space Shuttle

A 2025 Lancer or Lancer Evolution may take an entirely different direction, such as the Mustang Mach-E did in 2021. An SUV would make sense for modern consumers, as that is what sells best across the globe, plus it lends naturally to advanced 4x4 systems.

Related: This Is The Only Way Mitsubishi Can Make A Comeback And Be Relevant Again

It's even possible for a new Lancer to be launched as an EV, which would naturally provide awesome acceleration figures; could the 2017 Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept, which sources power from three separate electric motors, provide inspiration for such a model?

Dan Clougher is a UK based classic car dealer who joined the HotCars team in 2023; as a keen writer, he is excited to contribute and add his touch to the HotCars team. Whilst Dan has a genuine love for anything with four wheels, his true passion is for mid-century, european and modern classics. Having never left the showroom floor since finishing school, Dan always has a keen eye on the used car market, and is never too far from an auction floor.