Mitsubishi executive expresses positive outlook on Lancer Evolution revival, potential WRC return

Mitsubishi's iconic Lancer Evolution may be making a comeback, with the company's new executive officer, president, and COO, Keisuke Koshiraka, signaling a positive outlook. Responding to questions at a recent shareholder meeting about the potential revival of the legendary performance car, Koshiraka stated his ambition to lead the team in rebuilding Mitsubishi Motors into a sound enterprise capable of developing and manufacturing such excellent performance vehicles.

While Koshiraka acknowledged that there are currently no concrete mass-production or commercialization plans for a new Lancer Evolution, he emphasized the company's awareness of the car's significance to enthusiasts. He expressed a personal desire, as a driving and car enthusiast himself, to see the brand return to the pinnacle of rally racing. However, he cautioned that any return to the World Rally Championship (WRC) also lacks specific plans due to stringent commercial considerations.

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The goal is to lead the team in rebuilding Mitsubishi Motors into a sound enterprise capable of developing and manufacturing such excellent performance vehicles.

The Lancer Evolution, a symbol of Mitsubishi's rally heritage, achieved significant success in WRC, securing four world championships. Its discontinuation in 2016, influenced by the rise of SUVs, left a void in the market. The possibility of its return, potentially with hybrid or electric powertrains as previously suggested by Mitsubishi engineers, now appears more tangible with the new leadership's forward-looking stance. The revival and WRC return are considered long-term challenges, to be pursued once the company's profitability stabilizes and its technological capabilities are fully restored.

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As a driving and car enthusiast myself, returning to the highest level of rally racing is also my dream.