The Mitsubishi E-Evolution is an Evo Fan's Worst Nightmare
Mitsubishi broke the hearts of enthusiasts the world-over when it killed off the Lancer Evolution – and now it’s poured some salt on the wound with the debut of the e-Evolution Concept.
The e-Evolution takes every trope of the modern-day automotive industry and balls it up into one crossover-shaped package. It’s fully electric, receiving power from a trio of electric motors – one of which is mounted on the front axle and two that are mounted out back. The 4WD concept also features a torque vectoring system called Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), which is joined by a braking system with electric calipers that can squeeze the brakes as needed for further handling performance and traction. The drive battery is located under the floor in the middle of the vehicle.
Mitsubishi is also touting the e-Evolution’s AI system. Using an array of sensors, the AI system can read changes in road and traffic conditions and also build a profile of the driver based on their skill level. It will then construct a “training program” for the driver that can enhance their driving expertise, giving them suggestions through voice prompts and the large dashboard display. Mitsubishi says this enhances the driving experience by allowing drivers of all abilities to “quickly experience a vehicle that behaves the way they want it.”
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The styling is the e-Evolution is angular and modern. The automaker says the “high ground clearance, short overhangs, strong shoulders and narrow hips project nimbleness and agility,” while the tires protrude from the body to communicate its 4WD capability. Out front, Mitsubishi’s ‘dynamic shield’ grille is present, though the grille is housed behind a glass cover to protect the e-Evolution’s various sensors and cameras. Just beneath the headlamps are large ducts to help cool those aforementioned electric brake calipers.
The Mitsubishi e-Evolution will be on display at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show until November 5th. Could we be looking at an early draft for the next production Evo model?
Discuss this story on our Mitsubishi forum.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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I don't acknowledge that Mitsubishi exists as a car manufacturer, so this story and anything they produce currently isn't even close to being on my radar. If and when friends ask about recommendations on a new or nearly new car, Mitsu doesn't even come close to being in the conversion. In fact, I have so little faith in anything they can do/make, I could care less about anything they have coming out of their design studios or the next big auto show. Heck, I won't even buy their televisions. Maybe, just maybe if/when they start winning at rallying again or are a top 3 competitor in major racing series I'll care about them, but right now I don't.