You know those times where you begin to realize something bad is going to happen but you try to convince yourself it’s not? Well, I guess you can say that’s what’s been happening with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. It’s been nearly seven years since the Evo X debuted, and given the lack of any news about a new model, many of us began to quietly consider the fact that the rally-bred icon might be dead. Sure, there was always that little hope that Mitsubishi might surprise us with a cool new Evo concept at an auto show sometime, but alas nothing ever showed up.
According to a report from The Automotive News, Mitsubishi will soon be officially ending Evo production to focus its efforts on SUVs and electric cars. Although we can’t say this news is surprising, it’s always sad to see models like this disappearing from show rooms.
Before that happens though, British Lancer Evolution fans have at least one reason to still smile – the new limited-edition Evo X FQ-440 MR. Built to celebrate the automaker’s 40th anniversary in the UK, the FQ-440 comes out swinging with 440hp and 412lb/ft; all thanks to an HKS turbo upgrade, high-flow injectors, ECU re-map, and a tubular exhaust manifold, exhaust system, intake and intercooler piping from Janspeed. The special model also receives Alcon brakes (6-pot mono-block callipers at the front) and Eibach lowered suspension.
Goodbye Evo, here’s to a couple great decades of AWD, turbocharged thrills.
Mike Garrett
Instagram: speedhunters_mike
mike@speedhunters.com