Iconic Mitsubishi EVO to be pushed aside in 2013

04.03.2011 / Cairo - Dubai - Tokyo

When Mitsubishi Motors decided to introduce the Evolution high performance sedan back in 1992, nobody would have expected back then that this car will have an iconic status.

The launch of this vehicle caused the eruption of a breed of cars, that made the hearts of both car enthusiasts and fanatics beat faster. Other car companies soon followed the same path and introduced competing models like the Subaru Impreza STI/ WRC and Ford Escort Cosworth.

In the field of motorsport, the Mitsubishi Evolution witnessed its most successful era with Tommi M?¤kinen behind its wheel.

He scored the World Rally Champion driver crown for four-times, a series he first won, and then successfully defended, continuously throughout 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, on all occasions driving the Ralliart Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. He also aided Mitsubishi to the 1998 world constructors' title.
In addition to this, this car provided a solid base for a lot of tuning companies, which exploited the tuning potential of it to the fullest.

This very same car also made it to the silver screen by starring in movies like "2 Fast 2 Furious" and "Tokyo Drift"

Therefore, it was a very sad surprise, to be informed, that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will be axed in 2013, as it will not continue into its eleventh model, as Gayu Eusegi, Global Product Director at Mitsubishi Motors, stated.

“There is still a demand,� says Eusegi, “but we must stop.� Why? Because, he says, Mitsubishi will concentrate on smaller and more environmentally-friendly cars such as the Global Small Concept, the supermini that will compete against the Toyota Aygo. In addition, Mitsubishi is going all out on EV technology by introducing eight full electric or hybrid cars by 2015.

Apparently, the car's impending death is tied to the company's new eco-friendly strategy which includes launching eight new electric / plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2015.
By cutting out their motorsport heritage, Eusegi said that customers would find it “easier to understand� what Mitsubishi was about.

It should be mentioned here, that the company pulled out of the World Rally Championship back in 2005, but continued to produce this iconic high performance sedan till present.
AE