Featuring all wheel drive on top of that diesel-electric hybrid system, and for now only going on sale in Europe, Mitsubishi president Osamu Masuko confirmed the next Mitsubishi Evo due in 3 years.

“We will start work on the project next year, and it will be ready within three,” Masuko added. “I have set the goal of developing a sporting car featuring electric power.”

This next generation Mitsubishi Evo may be going hybrid, but the car will still (reportedly) hit the 62 MPH mark in about 5 seconds, maybe less. Mitsu drivers demand performance above all else, and it looks like they’ll get it while still being green.

Source: WorldCarFans

Over 6,000 units of the Evolution series have been sold since 2000. The Lancer Evolution X range begins with the FQ-300 SST engine, which produces 300 bhp. Prices start at $47,700.

The press release is meant to promote the Lancer Evolution X model, but at the same time doesn’t make a promise as to its future, except that it will still be around in some form. A few of Evo’s high-octane variants are likely to remain, perhaps as hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants.

Source: WCF

According to World Car Fans: This design study uses the main stylistic cues of Mitsubishi’s new ‘jet-fighter’ design language, as the former EA model helped inspire that current paradigm, and which Farkas also employed on his Mitsubishi Concept CS recently.

Farkas also gives us a full on interior rendering too with premium materials and four individual seats used to deck out the cabin. The dashboard styling looks realistic enough as well, as if it were a properly finished concept vehicle.

Source: WCF

The Mitsubishi i hits dealerships this November, in Hawaii, California and other Western states, and will offer a 70 mile range for under $30,000 before tax incentives. Mitsu’s i (known as the i-MiEV overseas) is the first of those six plug-in / hybrid cars.

Mitsubishi is also letting some models go, as part of this new plan: three low sellers will be disposed of by 2013: Galant midsize sedan, Eclipse coupe and Endeavor SUV. Mitsubishi will bring in replacements for all, but expect those to be smaller and have hybrid drive trains.

“Combining small-footprint cars with electrification is a natural strategy,” Moe Durand, a Mitsubishi spokesperson, said. He added, “clean-diesel technology — especially expensive exhaust-treatment systems — was too expensive to install profitably on smaller, more affordable cars. It seems the only way to meet regulatory targets in several markets is to aggressively leverage battery technology.”

One vehicle that is not as green as the rest of Mitsubishi’s future will stick around – the “Evo Lancer” also known as the Evolution, an enhanced version of Lancer, will remain in the company’s line up. The car has a huge cult following.

So, is Mitsubishi putting all their eggs in a very fragile “eco car” basket? Or will they be ahead of the curve when EV’s go mainstream?

Source: NY Times

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces all-new Compact Crossover – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announces today the forthcoming introduction of its all-new on-road Compact Crossover, to be retailed first in Japan from February 2010 onwards.

Derived from the much-acclaimed 2007 Concept-cX show car, it is the latest development of MMC’s mid-size global platform (“Project Global”).

This most important product will further support Mitsubishi Motors’ strategic shift from being an SUV-focused nameplate to a manufacturer of environment-friendly passenger cars & crossovers*, with a presence in the “authentic off-roader” segment** – itself preempting structural changes in market demand.

As such – and after i-MiEV – this on-road Compact Crossover will be the Corporation’s next game changer towards lower impact vehicles, in their format and/or in the innovative MMC proprietary technologies they will feature. The European premiere is scheduled for the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

via WCF

First off, we have to say it’s great that Mitsubishi stuck with the i-MiEV’s concept design (for the most part) – it takes the futuristic style of Mitsu and other Japanese brands and mixes in the compact/fun nature of a European car. In fact, it almost looks like Fiat and Mitsu had a baby, then decided to make it electric!

We also dig recharge time: I-MiEV is powered by a a lithium-ion battery, which is mounted in the center of the car, under the floor. Range is somewhere around 100 miles per charge (MPC?) when driven under normal conditions. The battery can be recharged to 80% capacity using standard outlets in 30 minutes.The i-MiEV goes from empty to fully-charged in 7 to 14 hours. The regenerative braks also help.

It would be nice to have more solid numbers to back up this car. Mitsubishi claims the car gives “maximum fun” “maximum economy” and “maximum regenerative” yet doesn’t share any hard digits when it comes to top speed, 0-60 time, etc. Although the electric motor is rated at 47kW, with 180 Nm of torque.

Currently the tiny car has a price $47,544 USD. It is certainly not the most inexpensive automobile on the highway. But with gas already heading back up to $3 a gallon in the States (in only the first week of June) it may only be a matter of time until people start weighing tag cost over long term price of fuel. One thing is certain, if Mitsubishi wants to market the i-MiEV to North America, they’re going to need a reduction in cost.

Mitsubishi Press Release:

MITSUBISHI MOTORS TO WITHDRAW FROM DAKAR RALLY AND ALL CROSS-COUNTRY RACES

* 26 entries, 12 victories, including 7 consecutive wins
* Deterioration in global economy forces decision
* Includes the Dakar Rally, Dakar Series and all cross-country races

TOKYO, February 4, 2009 – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced today their decision to withdraw from the Dakar Rally, the Dakar Series and all cross-country rallies.

In its twenty-six entries in the event, Mitsubishi Motors won the rally a total of twelve times, including seven consecutive victories. In addition to this unparalleled record the company also gained 4WD technology that informs its production vehicles, most visible in their durability and off road performance.

The sudden deterioration of the global economy made it necessary for the company to focus its resources more tightly, and for this reason the decision was taken to withdraw its Mitsubishi Motorsports (MMSP) works team from all cross-country competitions.

Mitsu’s Evolution X police cruiser features an all new Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which can easily track down road warriors and fleeing criminals. According to Mitsubishi – The Hunted Will Give Up. The new member of the team will be used on the same missions and at the same time as its previous-generation siblings, creating such a strong visual impact that the vehicle being pursued will often simply give up the chase and pull over, knowing they won’t be able to out-run the RCU. What is more, the Police Evolutions ‘hunt’ in packs of three, which, Inspector Slack explained is often enough of a deterrent that high-speed chases are avoided.

This mini four-door vehicle would be ready to charge at one of many roadside power stations. If you have time for a pit stop the iMiEV can charge almost 100% in 30 minutes – compared to a 14 hour charge when plugged in at home. You’ll only need a 10 minute charge to get your around town most of the time, still, the age of electric vehicle may be the new age of American patience. iMiEV has a range of 155 miles on a charge and top speed of 112 mph.

Mitsubishi hopes to have their iMiEV available for a production run in under two years.

General Manager for Ralliart Paul Brigden says, “Mitsubishi UK has not been involved with circuit racing for many years, so this new initiative is a great opportunity for us. Subject to the level of interest from competitors, we are also hoping to announce a one-make race-series for the Evolution X soon.”