Mitsubishi is preparing to roll out the new 2015 model Lancer amid rumors and projections that the Mitsubishi Evolution is no more. According to the Automotive News, the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will indeed offer the US market a final, more powerful version of the Mitsubishi Evolution Lancer, the last of it’s kind.
Because 2015 is the last model year for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, MMC is commemorating it as a “Special Action Model” that raises the bar in turbocharged four cylinder awd performance. This new Evolution limited production model will be restricted from between 2,000 and 2,500 models, and will be built during the last six months of the production run that year.
Many pundits are expecting the Special Action Model to bear some semblence to the Evolution X FQ440 MR Special Edition that launched in the UK this year. The FQ440 MR was an Evolution that underwent a facelift to improve performance right out of the gate.
Leading the way for the FQ440 MR is the Bespoke ECU that was custom tailored to produce 440 bhp @ 6,800 rpm and 412 ft lbs of torque @ 3100 rpm. That’s a substantial increase, even for a stout powerplant as the 4B11T that’s found in the Evolution X.
A host of other upgrades helped kick the FQ up a notch from the competition. Namely the upgraded HKS turbo, Janspeed exhaust system with a high-flow sports catalytic convertor, 6 Speed Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission (SST), Janspeed intake & intercooler piping kit, Janspeed tubular manifold, and Motorsport specification high-flow fuel injectors.
The exterior of the car gets a slight overhaul with larger rims with a terrific set of Forged 18” BBS alloy wheels, that snug the brakes under them very nicely. The Evo X has a new set of Bi-Xenon headlights with an active adaptive front lighting system ( AFS ) meant to bring light to any situation.
With the flagship sports sedan out of the picture in the US market, what will Mitsubishi bring to the table in 2015? It’s a markedly different approach to selling cars, with a primary focus on smaller coupes and sedans.
The Mitsubishi Mirage returns in 2016 with a new look and redesigned fascia, grille and a-pillars. There’s also a sedan version of the Mirage due to land stateside late in 2015 or in the early parts of 2016. There are some rumors and grumblings of a 1.2 liter turbocharged three cylinder motor under higher trims of the Mirage, but we’re not holding our breath.
The Lancer figures to receive quite a bit of attention, with it’s older brother being put out to pasture. And like the Mirage, the Lancer gets a major design update for the 2016 model year. Automotive News reports that the latest Lancer may in fact become the last version before MMC replaces it with a rebadged Renault.
Anyway you look at it, it’s a sad year for enthusiasts of anything import, turbocharged or AWD, as we say goodbye to an old friend.
Looking for more Mitsubishi Evolution content and articles?
- How To Install a Boost Gauge Evolution
- How To Install a Intercooler Kit on a Evolution
- Mitsubishi Evolution X ECU Pinout
- How To Install Lowering Springs on a Evolution X
- How To Install a turbo timer on a Evolution
- How To Install Lowering Springs on a Evolution 8 / 9
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