When Mitsubishi announced that the Lancer Evolution X ended production in 2016, many enthusiasts shed a tear, and the legendary nameplate remained dormant. That is, until the recent Japan Mobility Show 2025, where a Mitsubishi engineer hinted at the possibility of the Lancer Evolution making a comeback.
Speaking to Drive in an interview, Mitsubishi Engineering Fellow, Kaoru Sawase, stated, “We have a dream, of course, for the Lancer Evolution.” He added, “It’s my personal dream.”
Sawase-san is famously known as the godfather of Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This core Evo technology has been further developed, and its electrified version is currently deployed in models like the Outlander PHEV.
When probed on the Lancer Evo’s feasibility further, Sawase cryptically hinted: “We have a variety, a range of technologies on hand.”
The immediate good news is that Mitsubishi has clearly not forgotten its Lancer Evolution heritage, despite years of focusing primarily on its diverse lineup of crossovers and SUVs.
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Should the project proceed, the fact that it’s Sawase-san’s personal dream for an Evo comeback, coupled with his technical know-how, would likely mean that the new model will probably not be subjected to the crossover treatment like the Eclipse nameplate did.
The inevitable replacement for the Evolution X’s signature 2.0-litre turbocharged 4B11T engine will likely be an electrified powertrain. The current Outlander PHEV uses such a system, producing a combined output of 306 hp from its dual electric motors and 2.4-litre petrol engine. However, if the Evolution XI does adopt a PHEV setup, expect outputs to be significantly higher than those in the Outlander.
There is also a chance the Evolution XI could arrive as a fully-electric vehicle (BEV), using quad-electric motors to replicate the S-AWC system, but of course, everything is speculative for now.
The talk of a potential Lancer Evolution comeback has also spurred interest in Mitsubishi’s performance division, Ralliart, which currently only offers cosmetic enhancements instead of genuine performance models.
When pressed for details on Ralliart’s future plans, Sawase provided more context, “As for the different use of Ralliart brands, they have been considered in a broad range. But exactly what is going to happen, we aren’t ready to talk about it.”
The future remains uncertain for the iconic Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution nameplate, but a glimmer of hope suggests the car may soon be back on the road challenging its long-time rival, the Subaru WRX STI, which could also be seeing an epic comeback. Only time will tell.
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