Top executive wants Mitsubishi to make a comeback and build great cars like the Lancer Evolution again

Last month, Mitsubishi stunned the automotive world with its plans to revive the iconic Pajero nameplate. The announcement was met with widespread approval from those eager to see the Mitsubishi brand rise again.

After the Pajero, could the Lancer Evolution be next?

During the company’s 57th Annual General Meeting held recently, shareholders also proposed that Mitsubishi bring back other legendary nameplates, including the Lancer Evolution, Diamante, and Galant. According to Keisuke Kishiura, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, these three models hold significant importance for the company.

“We consider the Lancer Evolution, Diamante, and Galant to be part of our heritage,” he said.

“At present, we do not have any concrete plans to reintroduce these models. However, our goal is to build a company that is capable of producing such exceptional cars again in the future.”

Could Mitsubishi Return to the WRC?

Another pressing question raised during the meeting concerned Mitsubishi’s potential return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) as a manufacturer team. Mitsubishi was once a dominant force in global rallying before officially withdrawing from the series in 2005.

Kishiura admitted that rejoining the WRC as a manufacturer remains one of his personal dreams. “As I have already stated, there are no firm plans at this moment,” he explained. “But I want to transform Mitsubishi Motors into a company that can compete on the world stage in major events like the WRC in the future.”

President’s First Car Was a Lancer Turbo

On a more personal note, Kishiura revealed that the first car he ever drove as a student was a Lancer Turbo.

“Personally, I just love driving,” he shared. “The first car I drove in my student days wasn’t actually a Lancer Evolution—it was a worn-out Lancer Turbo, a manual with heavy steering. It was rear-wheel drive, but I adored driving it up to ski resorts. Even now, I still simply love driving.”