Possible Hybrid Drivetrain for Next-Gen Lancer Evo

According to Motor Trend and Left Lane News, the next stage in the evolution of Mitsubishi’s Lancer will come in the form of a hybrid.  The brand’s green efforts are expected to make their way into the drivetrain of the Evo XI.

The next Evo will be a plug-in hybrid based on the PX-MiEV concept.  Power will come from the combination of a 2.0-L 4 cylinder engine and an electric motor.

Unlike traditional hybrids (have they been around long enough to be a tradition?), the Evo will use it’s electric motor to drive the front wheels most of the time, and the turbo 2.0-L to drive the rear wheels, when needed.

Not only will this combination improve fuel economy for the Evo, it will provide it with excellent acceleration.  The 4 cylinder engine apparently packs 320 hp on it’s own, which should already be enough to really get the car moving.  Add the torque of the electric motor and you’ve got yourself a 0-60 time of around 4.5 seconds.

Another nice benefit of the added electric motor is the absence of turbo lag.  Since electric motors have great torque at really low speed, it will fill in the gap in the low RPM range, where the turbo’s effects aren’t completely felt.