Mitsubishi Ends Lancer Evolution X Production with No Replacement Planned
Mitsubishi confirms the Lancer Evolution X will end production by late 2014, drawing a close to the brand’s iconic AWD turbocharged saloon with no direct successor in the pipeline.
Mitsubishi has confirmed it will end production of the Lancer Evolution X by the end of 2014, with no new generation planned. The decision brings an end to the Lancer Evolution line after more than two decades, as the company pivots towards eco-friendly vehicles.
The Lancer Evolution, launched in 1992, established itself as a cult favourite among rally fans and performance saloon buyers, consistently rivaling the Subaru WRX STI. Its tenth and final generation, the Evolution X, debuted in 2007 and continued the tradition of all-wheel drive, turbocharged performance. Mitsubishi’s decision to discontinue the line reflects a broader strategic move away from high-performance petrol models.
No successor as Mitsubishi shifts strategy
Mitsubishi’s focus is now on electrification and lower emissions, with resources redirected towards plug-in hybrids and pure electric models. The company has stated that the Evolution X does not fit with its current priorities. This leaves the Subaru WRX STI as the last of the mainstream turbocharged AWD saloons still in production. The move also closes the door on any immediate return to high-performance rally-inspired saloons from Mitsubishi, despite the model’s strong motorsport heritage.
The last hurrah for British buyers is the FQ-440 MR, a 440 hp special edition built exclusively for the UK. Only 40 examples have been produced, each priced at £50,000. This model stands as the most powerful road-going Evolution ever offered by Mitsubishi in the UK, featuring a supercharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 558 Nm of torque. The FQ-440 MR is a final send-off for a model that has built a loyal following among enthusiasts and tuners alike.
What it means for buyers and the market
With the end of the Lancer Evolution X, buyers looking for a new turbocharged AWD saloon will have little choice outside the Subaru WRX STI. Mitsubishi’s decision signals a clear shift in its brand identity, with future performance models likely to take the form of electrified SUVs or crossovers rather than traditional saloons. For the UK market, the FQ-440 MR will remain a rare collector’s item, marking the close of an era for Mitsubishi performance cars.
- Lancer Evolution X production to end in late 2014
- No plans for an Evolution XI or direct replacement
- Mitsubishi to focus on plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles
- Final UK special edition: FQ-440 MR, 440 hp, 40 units only
For more on the fastest Evolution X models released in the UK, seeMitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ-400: The Fastest Evo X Hits UK Roads.
