Browse over 9,000 car reviews

15 January 2019

This die-hard is designing the next Mitsubishi Evo

By James LisleJames Lisle
Think the next Lancer Evolution is long overdue? Join the club. (image credit: Adán López)

Hold up – it’s not a production-spec car. But credit where credit’s due, this rendering is impressively faithful to the Evolution ethos and more than Mitsubishi has bothered to do.

Some say the internet is entirely supported by forum opinions regarding Mitsubishi “losing its way”. How, since the loss of the Lancer Evolution X back in 2015, Mitsubishi isn’t really the same manufacturer anymore. I don't blame them, particularly after it soiled the much-loved ‘Evolution’ name by dressing it over the back of an electrified SUV concept.

Officially, Mitsubishi is standing firm on its anti-Lancer Evo stance and is continuing to invest in SUVs. But thanks to Adán López, an automotive enthusiast in Mexico, we now at least have some idea of what the eleventh-gen car would look like. It's lower, sleeker, angrier, and (you'd hope) much more potent than before - keeping the same turbocharged, 2.0-litre, all-wheel drive set-up and four-door philosophy.

Simple and driver-focused. What more do you want? (image credit: Adán López) Simple and driver-focused. What more do you want? (image credit: Adán López)

Guiding us through the car's 'development', Adán explains how his Evo would feature a rotary control on the steering wheel to manage drivetrain settings; dash-mounted water temperature, oil and boost pressure gauges; and even door straps in lieu of proper door handles, a la Porsche 911 GT3 RS, to help save weight.

And, yes, while it’s not the official car, it does show the Japanese giant that there are fans out there who desperately want to see the Evo return.

Be sure to watch Adán’s video (or visit his website) to hear all the tech specs in full detail.

What do you think of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution rendering? Do you think the cult classic should be resurrected?