According to our British sources, the 2014 Mitsubishi Evo XI diesel hybrid has been confirmed for development. Back in March this year, Mitsubishi officials confirmed that the next generation of the Lancer Evolution will not continue the tradition of the model. The next-gen Evo will lose the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, in favor of a more environment friendly powertrain. At that time, the candidates were a petrol-hybrid, a diesel hybrid and an electric motor.
Osamu Masuko, Mitsubishi's president, announced today that Mitsubishi will start the development of the Evo XI in 2012. He also mentioned that the 2014 Mitsubishi Evo XI will be a sporty hybrid and that it will go on sale within three years.
Even though Mr. Masuko did not disclose any details regarding the new engine of the Evo, he did suggest that it will be a diesel-hybrid. Making the Evo XI a hybrid will help Mitsubishi in the battle against the current, and future, CO2 emissions standards.
Powered by the new diesel hybrid engine, the Mitsubishi Evo XI will be able to offer a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of less than 5 seconds. At the same time, its emissions are expected to fall under the 200 g/km mark. The current generation Evolution X is rated at 243 g/km of CO2. Mitsubishi is expected to keep the S-AWC all-wheel-drive for the Evo XI, however, the future Evolution will receive an updated version of the system.
We'll have more details on the diesel hybrid 2014 Evo XI as soon as they're available.
[Source: Autocar]
