Next Mitsubishi Evolution to go diesel-hybrid

Taking a radical diversion from previous plans, Mitsubishi is said to be working on a diesel-hybrid powertrain for its next-generation Lance Evolution. Mitsubishi is reportedly moving forward with a diesel-hybrid powertrain to comply with upcoming emission regulations.

Mitsubishi was previously working on a gas-hybrid system for the next Evo, but put the brakes on that project as Mitsubishi execs questioned the future of the Evolution model altogether. The next-gen Evolution eventually made it off the cutting room floor, but the car�s proposed gas-electric drivetrain wasn�t so lucky.

In its place, Mitsubishi engineers are now working on a diesel-electric hybrid system. Mitsubishi settled on diesel technology as it provides plenty of low-end grunt while still delivering excellent fuel economy. The diesel hybrid Evolution is being designed to accelerate from 0-60 in under 5 seconds while emitting well under 200 g/km CO2.

Like the current car, the next Evo will grip the road via Mitsubishi�s S-AWC all-wheel drive system, but it remains to be seen if the diesel-powered Evolution will be able to gain traction in its two largest markets � the United States and Japan. The U.S. and Japan are largely diesel opposed, and it�s unlikely that mentality will shift in just few short years.