A NEW MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION? YES PLEASE!

Mitsubishi is looking to restore its position within the performance car ranks and hints to a potent, all-new Lancer Evolution.

Details are slim but, according to Autocar, there have been rumours of Mitsubishi resurrecting the Lancer Evolution, developed within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.

The vehicle will likely share core components with the Renault Mégane RS, including the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant and dual-clutch gearbox, but it could possibly also receive a 48V mild-hybrid system that would see outputs increase from the 296bhp and 295lb ft in the Mégane RS to a substantial 341bhp and 319lb ft of torque.

Power will be delivered to an advanced Mitsubishi-developed S-AWC four-wheel drive system, and it will all sit within the Alliance's CMF-C/D F4 platform. This should place it directly in line with the Subaru Impreza WRX STi S209 and that, hopefully, should result in a healthy rivalry reminiscent of the one they had back on the 90s.

This will also allow for supercar-beating performance from either the four-door sedan or five-door hatchback that is apparently planned, which should put a smile on the dials of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution fans everywhere.

Since the production of the Evo X (seen in the image above) halted in 2016, the revival of the Evo, its 11th iteration, is chiefly thanks to Osamu Masuko, Mitsubishi's chairman. Although the 70-year-old is set to retire as CEO, he will remain chairman and is determined to strengthen the automaker's image within the performance car ranks.