Mitsubishi’s Growing Ambitions Could Lead to the Return of Its Most Beloved Sports Sedan

Company insiders are supposedly really pushing for an Evo revival.

Front side view of a red Mitsubishi car showing the headlight, grille, and silver alloy wheel with Brembo brake caliper.

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Published 2 hours ago

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Updated 21 minutes ago

Mitsubishi is on track for a major renaissance here in America, and it could include reviving the Lancer Evolution. The automaker recently held a major investor conference on its home turf with some Japanese media in attendance.

In said conference, president and chief operating officer, Keisuke Kishiura, reportedly campaigned for the return of some of the brand’s most iconic models. While nothing is official as of yet, this is a major sign that the quirky Japanese automaker could be on the upswing it sorely needs.

Who would say no to a new Lancer Evo?

Black Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sedan parked on a flat, dry desert surface under a clear blue sky. — There’s a chance the Lancer Evolution could be making a comeback.

During the meeting, Kishiura reportedly shared his vision for the brand, all in a likely bid to get shareholders to back its future product strategy. One of the pitches that stuck out was the prospect of reviving the famed Lancer Evolution sports sedan.

Not only does Kishiura’s words confirms previous rumors from late 2025. It also reaffirms Mitsubishi’s ambitions to rejuvenate its image and presence globally and potentially in America.

Silver Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR sedan parked under a "Welcome to Firebird International Raceway" sign. — It’s been a decade since Mitsubishi last gave us a rally-bred hi-po Lancer Evo.

Last November, auto media in Australia caught up with Mitsubishi’s chief engineer, Kaoru Sawase. Regarded as the “godfather” of the brand’s innovative Super All-Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system, Sawase spoke about his dream of reviving “the Evo.”

Now, with Kishiura pitching the idea at the company’s shareholder conference, it seems those ambitions have a real chance of becoming a reality. Although nothing is official, the fact that executives are discussing these ideas is still major progress.

Mitsubishi is looking to go back to its former glory

Red Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with large rear spoiler parked on a flat, open surface under a clear blue sky. — With Mitsubishi even wanting to bet back into WRC, there’s even greater chance for a Lancer Evo revival.

Mitsubishi is already on the path to rejuvenating its presence in the States through the revival of the Pajero, which is set to come back to America as the revived Montero.

Additionally, it’s also working towards introducing a new midsize Toyota Tacoma pickup fighter for North America. It’s supposedly all a part of Mitsu’s new “Momentum 2030” product strategy.

Red Mitsubishi sedan with sunroof driving on a curved road at night with city skyline in the background. — Mitsubishi is in the process of pitching its new “Momentum 2030” product strategy, which could even include reviving the Galant.

Said strategy reportedly also includes reviving the storied rally-winning sports sedan and its iconic off-roader and other past favorites like the Galant and Diamante sedans.

“The Lancer Evolution, Diamante, and Galant are very important cars for Mitsubishi Motors, and we believe that they are treasures,” Japan’s Car Watch reports, quoting Kishiura.

White four-door sedan driving on a paved path with stone steps and columns in the background. — COO Keisuke Kishiura even pitched the idea of reviving the Diamante.

“At this time, there are no specific plans to introduce these, but in order to meet your expectations,” he continued. “We would like to make it a company that can produce such a wonderful car again in the future.”

Mitsubishi wants to get back into the motorsports league it once dominated

Red and blue Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution cars driving on a road with green trees in the background. — A new Lancer Evo is what fans really want, especially if rival Subaru is backing its revival of STI.

Kishiura reportedly expressed his desire to make Mitsubishi a known competitor in motorsports once again. The Japanese automaker used to dominate the headlines as one of the top-scoring manufacturers for title wins in leagues like the World Rally Championship.

Mitsubishi’s success in WRC is one of the main reasons why it has such a huge cult following among enthusiasts. The brand waged one of the greatest automotive rivalries in history against the Subaru WRX STI in rallying.

Black leather-wrapped Mitsubishi steering wheel with control buttons and dashboard featuring speedometer and infotainment screen. — Do you think the world could use another Lancer Evo?

Because WRC appears to be on an equal upswing, with the FIA governing body reintroducing the spectacle to Americans in the near future, Mitsubishi sees the chance to restore itself to its former glory.

If the company reenters WRC, there’s going to be even more reason to back the return of the Lancer Evolution.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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