Next Mitsubishi Evo will be a hybrid
* Diesel-electric powertrain likely
* New four-wheel-drive system, too
Mitsubishi will launch a new Evo performance saloon with a hybrid powertrain within three years.
Company insiders told What Car? that the decision to switch to a hybrid powertrain has been made to help the car meet future emissions regulations, and is part of a wider move by Mitsubishi towards electric and hybrid power.
A plug-in diesel-electric hybrid system is currently the favoured option for the Evo. However, the company says it could yet make a plug-in petrol-electric car, because of doubts that diesel will be accepted by enthusiasts in countries such as Japan and the US.
Like the current car, the next Evo will be a halo model for the brand and an engineering showcase.
In addition to the hybrid powertrain, it will feature a new version of Mitsubishis S-WAC four-wheel-drive system that more precisely controls each wheel.
