One last hurrah for the Evo

A new report indicates Mitsubishi is preparing one final special edition of the Lancer Evolution before the car's demise after the 2015 model year.

The beloved Lancer Evolution is set to go out with a bang if we were to believe a report issued by Automotive News according to which a "Special Action Model" is planned exclusively for the U.S. market. According to the same source, between 2,000 and 2,500 cars will be built during the model's last six months of production for the 2015 model year.

It will have more power compared to the regular 2015MY Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution so expect the output figure to go beyond the 291 bhp (217 kW) & 300 lb-ft (406 Nm) generated by the standard car's 4-cylinder 2.0-liter turbo engine. Besides packing an extra punch, the limited-run Evo will benefit from other "performance improvements" and will likely retain the Super All-Wheel Control system while the six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission will probably be offered as well.

Chances are the weirdly named "Special Action Model" will be more or less a US-spec variant of the FQ-440 MR which delivers an impressive 440 bhp (328 kW) and 412 lb-ft (558 Nm) sent to both axles through the aforementioned six-speed dual-clutch 'box. It also has Alcon brakes, a lowered suspension, Eibach coil springs, forged 18-inch BBS wheels and bi-xenon headlights. Inside it boasts Recaro leather-wrapped seats, a data recorder, Rockford Fosgate sound system, GPS navigation and a leather sports steering wheel.

Don't get your hopes up too high for a successor as Mitsubishi has already announced this will be the last Lancer Evo.

If you thought the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was your last chance to get a brand new Evo X in the United States, the Japanese automaker has some good news for you.

The 10th generation of the Lancer Evolution will be sent off in style with a final edition model that will feature performance upgrades. Don Swearingen, executive vice president at Mitsubishi Motors North America, confirmed the limited edition model during a Q&A session with Jalopnik.
There’s some bad news as well, as he says the Evo XI is off the table - at least for the time being.

“There are currently no plans for an Evo XI. We do plan on launching a special edition in June/July of next year as a going away edition. It’s a GSR 5-speed. More horsepower, some suspension tuning, and some bits pieces that are still being finalized. Around 2,000 units will be available,” the executive said.

If you planned on getting a 2015 Lancer Evolution, it would be wise to wait for the upgraded limited edition model.

The current 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (pictured) is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine producing 291 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 300 lb-ft (406 Nm) of torque from 4,000 rpm. The engine is mated to a standard 5-speed manual for the GSR trim level, while the premium MR model gets a 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST).

To be unveiled during the Tokyo Auto Salon

Mitsubishi has unveiled the Lancer Evolution X Final Concept ahead of its debut scheduled for the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2015.

Back in November a Mitsubishi representative confirmed the Japanese manufacturer is preparing the last hurrah for the Lancer Evolution and now we have the vehicle being introduced. It features a matte black paint, new chrome details and gloss finish on the roof and the rear spoiler.

The most significant improvement is under the hood where the 2.0-liter engine has been seriously upgraded. It has been fitted with a new turbocharger by HKS, new intake and exhaust systems and a new ECU. Thanks to this, the engine now produces 480 HP (353 kW), sent to all wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The model has also received a HKS height adjustable sports suspension and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels by RAYS.

The Lancer Evo X Final Concept will be fully revealed during the Tokyo Auto Salon, set to take place from 9 to 11 January 2015.

Mitsubishi is teasing a possible final edition of the legendary Lancer Evolution at the 2015 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Sporting an impressive 473 hp, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Concept Final features some of the finest tuning products available from Japan including an HKS upgraded turbo, intake, exhaust, fuel management system and ECU software. For those keeping track, that’s 182 HP more than the factory model but it isn’t unfamiliar territory for veteran Lancer Evolution tuners. HKS also outfitted the Evo X Concept Final with a set of its Hipermax Max4 SP adjustable coilovers while wheels come courtesy of Volk Racing with its G25 model sized at 19 inch and wrapped with Yokohama Advan rubber.

It’s unclear whether or not this will become a limited edition, final production model for the Evo X, but it might only be Mitsubishi’s way of paying respect to the model and how Japanese tuners have embraced the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine since its introduction. Then again, if you own an Evo it wouldn’t be out of the question to buy and install all of those parts.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X may be on its last legs before dying an odd death—to be reincarnated as some type of hybrid—but the gang at 311RS have breathed new life into the car once again.

You may remember their original creation from 2013, which saw the wick on the standard Evo X turned up to 353 horsepower and 359 pound-feet of torque—for a price of $49,000.

This time, the 311RS Spec Blew takes it up another notch: 500 hp at the wheels for a price tag of just $54,999.

If you’re an Evo X fan and want to own one of these beefed-up beasts, you’d better get in line fast: the order books are already open.

In addition to being more powerful—by nearly a factor of two—than a stock Evo X, the Spec Blew also includes JRZ suspension, RAYS wheels, and much more. It’s also lighter than stock thanks to lighter components including a dry carbon fiber hood. There’s even a touch of sport-crossed luxury in the Alcantara dash.

What if you already own one of 311RS’s previous specials? No worries—you can upgrade to most of the Spec Blew spec for a fee.

Look for more details and photos soon as the 311RS Spec Blew will be officially unveiled at the Minneapolis Cars & Coffee event on April 4.