Mitsubishi Evo could be a hybrid

The next Mitsubishi Evo could be a plug-in hybrid, Auto Express can reveal. Company President Osamu Masuko said Mitsubishi is considering a hybrid powertrain for the next-generation version of the iconic high-performance all-wheel-drive saloon, which is due in 2014.

He said: “We are currently performing studies to see if the car should be a plug-in hybrid or a traditional internal combustion engine.” However, Masuko hinted that he is in favour of the Evo XI using hybrid power. “If you consider the importance of the environment, then plug-in hybrid is the future, however we will have to see how the car develops”.

Masuko was the driving force behind the i-MiEV project and he has now pledged that by 2020 a fifth of all Mitsubishis will be either hybrid or fully electric. A move to hybrid power for the Evo XI would also be in keeping with Mitsubishi’s plans to participate in ‘green’ motorsport. 

The car would be based on the next Lancer due in 18 months' time, and use a similar powertrain to the new Outlander 4x4 plug-in hybrid announced at the Geneva Motor Show. The SUV can run on electric power alone for up to 30 miles, while the on-board 2.0-litre petrol generator recharges the batteries to extend the range to more than 500 miles. 

However, unlike with the Chevrolet Volt, the petrol engine can also provide drive to the front wheels when extra performance is required, something which will be key to ensuring the hybrid Evo delivers the kind of performance customers expect.

A switch to hybrid power will result in a massive reduction in the Evo’s notoriously high running costs. For instance, Mitsubishi claims the hybrid Outlander, due next year, will be capable of more than 150 mpg and less than 50g/km of CO2.