An updated Mitsubishi Lancer EVO (aka, Lancer Evolution) may be coming to dealerships soon. Conflicting reports from the Japanese auto maker say they either will or won't bring a hybrid version of the enhanced Lancer into production. Now it seems like they indeed will.

"I don't think it's a good idea to introduce the next generation of Lancer Evolution that is similar to what we have today," Mitsubishi Motors President Osamu Masuko said recently. "But if we think of hybrids with in-wheel electric motors, then there could be the possibility of a Lancer Evolution with an in-wheel motor," he added. "That's the image that I personally have."¹

Mitsubishi developed this prototype Lancer Evolution EV, which includes in-wheel motors, way back in 2005. The car was limited by its battery charging time, as well as drive range. A new model is "not too long" in the future, Masuko said. "I don't know if it's going to be a plug-in or a hybrid, but it's not too far in the future."²

Keep an eye out for a hybrid Evo Lancer one day at Anaheim Mitsubishi in Anaheim, California!

Source: ^1,2http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7-57319804-48/mitsubishi-weighs-evo-hybrid/