NEWS: Mitsubishi adds a next-gen Evo concept to Tokyo Motor Show lineup

Mitsubishi has released a teaser image of what it calls an “all-new flagship concept car” to be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show next month. The company promises 4WD and a “low-slung aerodynamic” shape, but also an all-electric powertrain and (sigh) an “SUV coupe” body. But, this doesn’t mean Mitsubishi’s once again crapping on a legendary name (necessarily).

We are just going to assume that they meant for it to be a successor not to the Lancer Evolution but the Pajero Evolution. The two-door SUV based on its Dakar racers was certainly a flagship of sorts so this could make sense, unlike the Eclipse Cross.

The words surrounding this car in the official press statement are pretty ambitious.

The 45th Tokyo Motor Show* will be like no other before for Mitsubishi Motors – a true milestone event where the corporation will wave the flag under new
circumstances to usher a new era of long term growth and sustainable development, returning to where it belongs to better embrace the future. A beacon for this renewed ambition will be the world premiere of an all-new flagship concept car, the MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT.

One thing’s for sure, though. With the expected reveals of the next Toyota Supra, Nissan Z, Honda S2000, whatever Mazda is cooking up to follow the RX-Vision and now this Mitsubishi Evolution, it’s going to be an exciting show.

permalink.
This post is filed under: News, Tokyo Motor Show and
tagged: , , .

23 Responses to NEWS: Mitsubishi adds a next-gen Evo concept to Tokyo Motor Show lineup

  1. Nigel says:

    No comment on the Mitsubishi…

  2. melvin says:

    Looking forward.

  3. Adam says:

    All electric powertrain- pass . Also the original pajero evolution was not turbo but mivec v6

  4. Randy says:

    Lookin’ at the pic, I’m seeing 2 doors on that side, so it’s a “coupe,” like that Mercedes whatsit… They just mean a lower roofline.

    “[A]ll-electric powertrain.” Yay. Excitement – emphasis on the “Ex.” Perfect for sitting in traffic, but zero character. Okay, I’ll give you the higher ground clearance could be beneficial, for going out to your campsite, just don’t forget to plug it in to the – oh, wait – nevermind…

    Now, if they did something in concept like the Volkswagen “T-Roc” concept with a liquid fuel drivetrain, I’d have some interest. Otherwise, to me, it’s just a styling exercise, and I’m about as excited about their recent front end treatments as I am Lexus’.

    I’d be happier if they just brought the Pajero back here to compete against the Jeep Wrangler and Unlimited, and be ready for the return of the Bronco.

  5. BlitzPig says:

    Is Mitsubishi even relevant in our market anymore?

    All I see from them is one boring machine after another, all from the lowest quality Japanese manufacturer that imports to the US.

    All I can do is muster a yawn.

    • Nathan says:

      Agreed. Mitsubishi’s offerings in the US are fairly low quality and dull at the moment. The only new Triple Diamond I see around where I live is that ghastly cheap piece of junk that so many automotive critics have trashed, the Mirage. If Mitsubishi thinks cornering the market the Chevy Sonic is in is a good strategy for forming a reliable customer base and a reputation that will m9ve other offerings, they are beyond foolish. If you’re interior is cheap junk, at least make the rest of the car decent. Mission failed.

      • Nathan says:

        I meant “your interior”.

      • Nathan says:

        On second thought, the Chevy Spark might be a more direct – and even worse – comparison for the current Mirage. Those Chevrolets are so cheap that I’ve known owners who report that badges are falling off after a few months, which should be a red flag about what else will fail in short order. A decent used economy car is better than these things, which are arguably the epitome of suckering poorly informed shoppers into making bad decisions involving the “But look! It’s new!” factor.

        • Randy says:

          “[G]hastly cheap piece of junk?” They don’t seem bad… Not exciting, but they do their job… According to the people I’ve asked, they all seem to love them. $13K, 40-ish mpg (U.S.) seem pretty considerable value points.

          I’ve found the critics would only like something with 300+hp, that gets 50+mpg, carries 7 and pulls 1+g, or better…

          My ears are open, however, if it has other issues…

      • melvin says:

        Overhere you can still have the Pajero. You only have to bring 117.000 euro with you to dealer, as that is where the price list starts.

  6. Khoua says:

    The Outlander and Outlander Sports have been selling pretty well.

    Other than the name, I can see why Mitsubishi is pulling more CUV’s out because they have been selling like crazy. I just hope it’s after the Pajero and not the actual Lancer Evolution.

  7. melvin says:

    The ASX and Outlander sell like hot cakes in Europe.

  8. Dimitry says:

    I’m seeing quite a bit of Outlanders here in Toronto. Otherwise, the death of once prominent automotive giant is…very sad.
    I mean, I get the hype behind electrics, that’s where the future is, but…damn. Can’t you be like Ford or Toyota and make a range of good cars?

  9. Greyfox says:

    This is probably going to be a re-working of their GT Vision concept for Gran Turismo 6, the XR-PHEV EVOLUTION. The GT Vision concept was inspired by the earlier MITSUBISHI Concept XR-PHEV shown at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show. The teaser image, ‘SUV Coupe’ body etc. strongly suggest its going to be a re-working of these concepts…

  10. Socarboy says:

    IMHO with Mitsubishi under Nissan’s control, it’s only a matter of time Nissan will let it wither away on the vine after it gets Mitsu’s small car experience.The brand will be history by 2022.

  11. melvin says:

    Mitsubishi sells over a million vehicles each year and has strong positions in several markets. It is here to stay.

  12. ahja says:

    Is Mitsubishi even capable of building a non-Crossover or non-econo-derpmobile anymore? They are following the Daihatsu and Isuzu car companies straight to oblivion. They can’t even realign as a leading purveyor of kei cars or 3rd world cars like Suzuki did, because the small Mitsubishis are apparently class-failing. Nissan isn’t looking so hot either. Their Z34 is expiring. It and the GTR seem to think the American car industry development timeline of the 70s-90s is something to be admired. Where models were in production with only minor changes for over a decade. Every concept they tease about reviving some beloved sporting Nissan or Datsun from the past are purely cynical. They never had the slightest intention of making any of them. That company has fallen hard.

    • BlitzPig says:

      Well put, I agree 100%

      When I am out car shopping, as infrequent as that is, I never even consider Nissan or Mitsubishi. They have nothing on the table that suits my needs/requirements/wants, in a car.

      Honestly, other than the over priced GTR rolling Playstation, what does Nissan sell in North America that is in any way like the Civic SI or Toyota GT86?

      I’ll tell you what, NOTHING.

Leave a Reply to BlitzPig Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *