Mitsubishi is rich - that's not PH speculating, that's what Mitsubishi Motors Corporation president, Masuko-san, told UK managing director Lance Bradley recently.
Most powerful Evo ever? Should be quick then!
Finally, after eight years of losses, MMC is turning a profit; the firm was the fastest growing brand in the UK last year, apparently. So, still why
no Evo
For a short period at least, that's about to change, as it's confirmed Mitsubishi will bring 40 examples of the most powerful Evo model ever to the UK. The special run-out vehicle - all painted white - will celebrate Mitsu's 40th anniversary in the UK, and although it'll be the last Evo X ever, it's going out with a bang.
Details are still scarce, but Bradley did confirm to PH at Geneva that "it'll be the most powerful Evo ever." That means we're looking at more than the 403hp and 387lb ft of torque from the last Evo X FQ-400.
According to Bradley, "The guys are developing it now", so 430hp could be on the cards. Maybe even 450hp. What's certain is it'll be blisteringly quick, looking set to outdo the FQ-400's 3.8-second 0-62mph sprint time.
Limited edition will be based on FQ-400
With a five-speed manual 'box it'll also probably fall short of the FQ-400's less than Greanpeace friendly estimated efficiency of 17mpg with 340g/km CO2. Because that matters in a 400hp-plus turbo rally nutter. Obviously.
So candid is Bradley about his love for the Evo that once he's on the subject, he really gets into his stride:
"There isn't a race track in the country we can even test the car on because it's so loud. I've always driven an Evo since I've been at Mitsubishi, I still go into underground car parks and as I drive through it sets off all the car alarms. I love that and I probably shouldn't." Nice to know there's a 'car guy' at the helm of the UK arm of a company that prides itself on engineering.
And to the future of the Evo? Masuko will soon be replaced as president by Aikawa-san - he's another petrolhead more passionate for cars over numbers who's determined to put the pride back into Mitsubishi products. Surely that has to mean more Evos?
Evo doing what it does best
With the firm's on-going exploits into plug-in hybrid electric vehicles - or PHEVs - it stands to reason this special 40th anniversary model will be the last Evo powered solely by an internal combustion engine.
"I think there is a future for Evo," says Bradley. "I do think it'll be a plug-in hybrid when the next one does come. Once we've grown our volume, then it's time to look at what should be a replacement for the Evo - everyone benefits from having a halo product.
"When you're kind of repositioning yourself as a niche player with strong environmental credentials [like Mitsubishi is], it's slightly odd to say this 400hp-plus car doesn't meet any of the emissions legislation."
Want one of the 40? Tell Mitsubishi now!
He's got a point, and an Evo PHEV would likely solve the current car's drinking problem, quitting its membership of Octane Anonymous, improving performance and dynamics through clever chassis and motor control as well.
For the moment, we're interested in the hottest Evo yet. But with only 40 examples on offer - all of which are "probably going to be sold before they arrive," according to Bradley - you'll have to get in there quick.
With a price tag likely to exceed the £50,000 FQ-400 it won't be cheap, but we're sure it will be fun.