Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is one of our favorite high-performance cars here at egmCarTech. It’s always mind-boggling to wonder how Mitsubishi engineers managed to squeeze out almost 300-hp from a small 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. Well, if AutoCar is to be believed, the Mitsubishi engineers will be taking the Lacer Evo a step further.

Sources have told the publication that the next-generation Lacer Evo will get a plug-in hybrid system that will be shown in the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show later this month.

The Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV”s front and rear wheels are powered by two electric motors (making 81-hp) and a 1.6L DOHC MIVEC gasoline engine which works as a generator and can power the front wheels. The system is configured around the Lacer Evo-style S-AWC handling control system and automatically switches between different drive modes depending on driving style and remaining battery power in the lithium ion battery pack.

We’re not sure how this will improve the fuel-efficiency of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, but don’t expect to see anything official from Japan until 2013.