Mitsubishi chairman and CEO Osamu Masuko has confirmed that the brand won’t use the Evo moniker on future sedan models. However, the executive admitted that the Evo name is highly likely to appear again on a high-performance plug-in hybrid SUV.
“If we can use EV or PHEV technologies for high-performance cars, we could certainly continue,” Masuko was quoted as saying by Autocar. Don’t expect to see such a model too soon, though. Masuko says the company has no concrete development plans for such a model yet.
That’s because Mitsubishi is busy developing its new mainstream hybrid SUV lineup. The intention remains though, with the executive saying that Mitsubishi “would like to utilise PHEV technology for high performance”.
The automaker hinted at one direction a performance plug-in hybrid SUV could take with the XR-PHEV II Concept (pictured), unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show. Previous reports say that the Evo badge may return first on a high-performance version of the Mitsubishi ASX SUV, which could arrive as early as next year. The ASX Evo would benefit from technologies seen both on the XR-PHEV II study and the MiEV Evolution Pikes Peak racer.
Mitsubishi has been offering Lancer Evo performance sedans since 1993, but decided to discontinue them because of small sales and environmental concerns.
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