Mitsubishi to Stop Lancer Evolution Production

Perhaps another setback for U.S. Mitsubishi dealers, the automaker announced that it will stop production on the Lancer Evolution performance sedan when the current generation comes to an end. This marks the death of the last sporty vehicle in the company's U.S. lineup, and as of yet, there are no plans to introduce a successor.

Spokeswoman Namie Koketsu told Automotive News that "Mitsubishi Motors does not have any plans to design a successor with the current concept, as a high-performance four-wheel drive gasoline-powered sedan. Mitsubishi Motors will explore the possibilities of high-performance models that incorporate electric vehicle technology." The automaker is shifting its focus from performance sedans to crossovers and SUVs along with electric vehicles.

There will definitely be a hole left in the Mitsubishi lineup when the Lancer Evo leaves, but the company believes it will be able to increase global sales 29 percent by March 31, 2017. Between now and then, the automaker plans to introduce many new or refreshed SUVs, vans, and crossovers globally, along with narrowing its nine-platform lineup down to two, and reducing its portfolio from 18 models to just 13. Looking to sedans, Mitsubishi will explore sourcing them through the Renault-Nissan Alliance, focusing the majority of its budget on utilities and electric drivetrains.

By 2020, Mitsubishi hopes to have 20 percent of its lineup all-electric or plug-in hybrids, keeping with the upcoming emission regulations. While a Renault-based midsized sedan is in the works for the U.S., we're curious to see how the automaker will do without a high performance vehicle in its lineup.

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