After more than two decades, production of Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution will cease at the end if 2014 because of the current low demand for the company’s halo model.
According to Leftlanenews, Japanese newspaper Nikkan Jidosha Shumbun reported that the decision to terminate the Lancer Evolution was due to the steady decrease in demand, with a further reason being that Mitsubishi might not continue the Evolution lineage as it’s currently putting most of its resources into developing electric and hybrid powertrains.
The Evolution, in existence since 1992, was first built to bolster Mitsubishi’s rally programme. Using the engine and all-wheel-drive system from the much larger Galant, the smaller Lancer in this state of tune (dubbed Evolution, or Evo for short) soon become a hit in its local market and on the rally scene. Between 1996 and 1999, the Evolution won four consecutive WRC drivers’ championships in the hands of Finnish ace Tommi Mäkinen.
While originally intended for use only in Japan, the Evolution built a huge following in foreign grey markets (particularly the UK and Australia), while South Africans got their first official taste of the Evolution in 2005 with the eighth-generation model. Mitsubishi managed 92 000 domestic sales, while 154 000 Evos were sold internationally.
Currently in its tenth generation, the Evolution boasts a 217 kW and 366 N.m turbopetrol four-cylinder motor that sends those figures to all four corners via a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
A local spokesperson couldn’t confirm or deny the reports.
Source: Leftlanenews