Mitsubishi Outlander Evolution rendered

The new-generation 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander brandishes a striking new look, and the daring design could become even more radical as the Evolution and Ralliart names are revived.

These latest renders from artist Nikita Chuicko posted to website Kolesa.ru venture how the top-spec Outlander Evo could look – and if this is any guide it’ll be an athletic family hauler with plenty of attitude.

Mitsubishi has revived its Ralliart performance sub-brand, and the Outlander Evolution is tipped to break cover by mid-2022 as the first vehicle from the reborn hot shop.

As shown here, the Outlander Evo should boast road-hugging visuals, with lowered suspension, a reshaped front apron with larger air intakes and, of course, a bonnet scoop.

Another feature inspired by the iconic Mitsubishi Lancer Evo are the forged OZ alloy wheels, shod with high-performance tyres.

If the Mitsubishi Outlander Evolution does become a reality, it will almost certainly get an upgraded version of the brand’s electronically controlled S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) system with Brake AYC (Active Yaw Control) to improve its dynamic performance.

Another area that’ll require tuning will be the powertrain, and this is where things could get really interesting.

Potentially based on the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV coming to Australia early next year, it’s thought a power boost could come from a bigger brace of electric motors.

The Evo shown here is a road-going beast, but there’s also the potential for Mitsubishi to take a harder-core off-road path via jacked-up suspension, all-terrain tyres, bash plates and underbody armour, and more.

The Mitsubishi Triton Ralliart based on the upcoming new-generation ute is another performance vehicle in the wings as the Japanese brand continues to replace its ageing portfolio with all-new models.

We’ve got no problem with Triton, but is the new Outlander really the best model to revive the Ralliart sub-brand and the hallowed Evolution nameplate?