Mitsubishi boss keeps the Evo flame flickering

Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Shunichi Kihara has refused to slam the door on the brand’s rally-bred performance past, telling media the Lancer Evolution’s legacy will live on “in some shape or form” – even as the three-diamond brand doubles down on SUVs and utes.

Speaking at the Australian unveiling of the all-electric ASX VR-e, Kihara was asked the question every Mitsubishi tragic has been asking since the Lancer Evolution X bowed out a decade ago: where to from here?

His answer was refreshingly candid.

“Clearly, our brand heritage is around Evo … Many people still talk about those products, so we understand that’s our strength,” Kihara said.

“But the company has gradually shifted to more SUV and ute segments, and as we shift our brand focus to more adventure-oriented, capable vehicles … that doesn’t mean we don’t do any kind of Evo type of vehicle, and that’s why we bring this [ASX VR-e GSR] with this strong performance.”

Translation: don’t hold your breath for a turbocharged all-paw sedan with a wing the size of a dining table, but don’t write it off either.

Kihara said the brand would keep its heritage alive “in some shape or form going forward”, adding that Mitsubishi staff in Japan had seen the flood of online comments from fans begging for a performance revival.

“We all are aware of that desire in the market,” he said.

“But like I mentioned, our focus is more [on the] SUV segment right now.” 

However, he refused to pour cold water on the idolised nameplate, adding “…let’s see what’s happening in the future.”

Kihara also confirmed Mitsubishi will lean on its back catalogue of famous badges, as rivals do the same. Honda has already revived the Prelude and Toyota has now confirmed its resurrecting the Celica.

“We will put our emphasis on our heritage. Therefore, we will keep our strong name from the past. So that’s one important strategy,” he said – which explains why the new Pajero and the VR-badged ASX have arrived in quick succession.

Mitsubishi’s local team also pointed to the Ralliart program – co-developed with Australian input – as proof that the brand’s sporting streak isn’t just about engine outputs, but ride and handling on high-speed gravel.

A halo car certainly wouldn’t hurt.

For now, the closest thing to an Evo in showrooms is the twin-motor ASX VR-e GSR, which Mitsubishi says hits 100km/h in 3.9 seconds – the quickest-accelerating Mitsubishi sold in Australia.

Pricing is due in the coming weeks, but for context, the top-spec dual-motor Kia EV3 GT-Line AWD lists at $66,490 before on-road costs.

The ASX VR-e GSR goes on sale by the end of 2026, with full pricing to be announced within weeks.

As for a proper Evo? Mitsubishi’s not saying no, it’s saying ‘not yet’ – which, in car-maker speak, is about as close to a wink as you’ll get.

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