2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution production starts this summer

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will be coming to the U.S. for another year. What can we expect to see for the future EVO XI?

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will be coming to the U.S. market and production will start in July 2014. That’s what we know for sure about the high-performance model from Mitsubishi. There has been much speculation about the new-generation Lancer EVO XI, but it looks like the EVO X model will continue here in the U.S. for one more year. Beyond that we aren't sure, but it looks like a new future performance model is in the works.

Mitsubishi will confirm that they are still committed to introducing the 2015 model year Lancer Evolution in the U.S.  Production of North American-specification Lancer Evolution models for the 2015 model year will commence in July 2014, with deliveries sometime later this year.

What can we expect in the future? Jim Hall, Trivalle Communications (MMNA's PR agency) says, “As for plans beyond the 2015 model year, MMNA cannot discuss anything regarding the Lancer Evolution model at this time. Our future product plans are of a highly confidential nature.”

Mitsubishi has been very secretive about future plans for the next-gen Lancer Evolution, but sources in Japan have told Motor Trend that Mitsubishi “is well into the development of a next-generation Evolution.” The XI high-performance Evolution will not be getting the same Renault platform that the Lancer will have, but will get its own special architecture. But its going to be different than anything we’ve seen before both in appearance and power and will likely get a new name.

Mitsubishi has made great progress in plug-in hybrid technology, and the new-generation Lancer Evolution will reflect that. But performance fans need not worry, because the power output will increase. The insider told Motor Trend that the performance demands on the new EVO are so great that the Renault platform won’t be able to handle it. It will come with its own specially developed platform to handle the new hybrid performance powertrain.

This technology has developed to the point where Mitsubishi is ready to put it into production with a new performance vehicle. The insider also told MT that it will feature "uncompromised handling with state-of-the-art plug-in hybrid EV technology." It will be highly efficient and will incorporate a smaller engine, smaller electric motors, and lighter, better-performing batteries for the new performance package.

Mitsubishi CEO Osamu Masuko recently said, "The new model will take a completely different direction. What you will see in the near future will be a totally new Evo that employs innovative technology and inspired handling."

We do know for sure that the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution performance car will be starting production in July and will be in the U.S. in its current form one more year. Stay tuned to Torque News for the latest future Lancer Evolution news.

MIRAGE Tops auto.com's List of "Top 10 New Cars for Penny Pinchers" & Product Reviews

The auto-shopping website cars.com publishes a large number of Top Ten lists, and one of their latest lists the top ten vehicles ranked by their cost to purchase and operate. 

 

Joe Wiesenfelder, Cars.com's Executive Editor, says the list is targeted at customers who will value it because "they want something new with a warranty, and of course because they are cost-conscious, they want something efficient.  Look who tops the list!

Ranking	Brand	Model	MPG combined	Starting price	Fuel cost*	Total cost
1	Mitsubishi	Mirage	37	$  13,790	$     10,703	$       24,493
2	Chevrolet	Spark	34	$  12,995	$     11,647	$       24,642
3	Nissan	Versa sedan	35	$  13,800	$     11,314	$       25,114
4	Smart	fortwo	36	$  14,020	$     12,167	$       26,187
5	Scion	iQ	37	$  16,420	$     10,703	$       27,123
6	Toyota	Yaris	33	$  16,050	$     12,000	$       28,050
7	Ford	Fiesta	31	$  14,925	$     12,774	$       27,699
8	Kia	Rio	31	$  14,700	$     12,774	$       27,474
9	Hyundai	Accent	31	$  15,455	$     12,774	$       28,229
10	Nissan	Sentra	34	$  17,600	$     11,647	$       29,247

 
*The "fuel cost" is auto.com's estimate for eight years of ownership.

2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Receives Impressive "5-Year Cost to Own Award" from Kelley Blue Book

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is honored to have its stylish and affordably-priced all-new 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander 7-passenger crossover named as the recipient of the prestigious 2014 Kelley Blue Book "5-Year Cost to Own Award: Mid-Size SUV/Crossover."

"We are very proud to see that our all-new 2014 Outlander model has won the distinguished '5-Year Cost to Own Award: Mid-Size SUV/Crossover' from Kelley Blue Book – a very welcome industry prize. And since our outgoing last-generation Outlander was also a recipient of the award, we are pleased with its continued success," said Don Swearingen, Executive Vice President of MMNA. "More importantly, this honor represents a win for our customers as well, who experience meaningful cost-savings to own and operate as well the high degree of safety it provides, thanks to its 'Top Safety Pick+' award by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)."

The Kelley Blue Book "5-Year Cost to Own Award" is presented to a select number of vehicles and brands (luxury and non-luxury) with the lowest projected cost of ownership based upon the automotive research firm's extensive data compiled for new cars over an initial five-year ownership period. Kelley Blue Book makes its award selection determination based on numerous important automotive ownership-related metrics including vehicle depreciation, repair and maintenance costs, anticipated fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, and state fees.
Critical accolades such as the Kelley Blue Book "5-Year Cost to Own Award" given to the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover vehicle help shoppers make more informed new-car buying decisions by breaking down typical ownership cost details and pinpointing vehicle models with the lowest projected cost of ownership.

For more information about the Kelley Blue Book "5-Year Cost to Own Award," please visit: http://www.kbb.com. 

To learn more about the 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover vehicle, please visit media.mitsubishicars.com.

 SEE OUR INVENTORY OF 2014 Mitsubishi Outlanders HERE