Will the Mitsubishi EVO be limited to being just a high-performance plug-in hybrid?

A huge stir has been caused by certain statements made off the cuff at Geneva by an executive of Mitsubishi, when asked about the EVO: this model will be the last EVO. Mitsubishi has moved to clarify the matter, as there will be more EVOs, even once the commercial life of the current model comes to an end in about four more years, but on the back of new technologies that the brand is already developing.

Bearing in mind that Mitsubishi is already leaning towards hybrid technology for other future models, and that the EVO was already rumoured to be moving towards a hybrid platform, and although the news may come as a bit of a surprise, it is now almost official that the days of the EVO as we know it are numbered.

The closest indication of what the EVO should become in the future can be found in another concept from the brand, dating back to 2009: the PX-MiEV Concept. Defined at the time as a hybrid SUV, it would not be at all surprising, and it is quite likely, that a evolution of the powertrain from that earlier concept would be used to equip the EVO due to be presented in 2013.

The brand has invested too many resources in developing the PX-MiEV to think of anything else, besides which it suits the times we live in, according to its latest clarifying press release. Luckily, we still have almost 3 more years ahead of us for the current EVO.