In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Will we ever see a Mitsubishi EVO replacement?
- Ciao Fiat?
- The tea leaves look foreboding
The first question comes from an old coworker (not in the automotive universe) who wants to know if there will be some sort of Mitsubishi EVO replacement.
Q: (RE: A Mitsubishi EVO replacement or next model?)
I know how hard it is to predict where companies are going. But do you think that Nissan will allow a Mitsubishi EVO replacement or a next model like an EVO XII or something like that?
- Ryan with Rayanne
A: This is what we know… not much.
The music in the distance likes to whisper the possibility of an actual EVO replacement of some kind, but there’s nothing concrete. The vehicle you see in this post is the Mitsubishi e-Evolution concept, and it’s as close as we can come to overcoming speculation. Even though the concept dates back to 2017, it still has a lot of appeal in the JDM, and worldwide fandom universe. Not to say that everyone is pumped about a possible tall wagon/crossover using the EVO’s identity – but something may be better than nothing.
We did write up a post mentioning the e-Evolution about seven years ago.
This concept is (surprise-surprise) all electric. It has two electric motors aft, and one up front. There are no concrete details on battery size, or motor power. Still, Mitsubishi was very serious about the all-wheel drive (AWD) system.
“For exceptional driving performance, the triple motor 4WD system employs a single motor to drive the front wheels, complemented by a new Dual Motor Active Yaw Control (AYC) system that couples two rear motors through an electronically controlled torque-vectoring AYC unit. All of this is integrated into MMC’s unique Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamic control system. Cornering performance and traction performance are improved. The brakes of the MITSUBISHI e-EVOLUTION CONCEPT responsively and precisely control the driving forces with the help of electric calipers that supersede the conventional hydraulic caliper. The effects of the system can be felt and appreciated immediately, even at low speeds when G-forces are low. Whether driving around town, on expressways, or winding roads, the fully electric vehicle always provides crisp and nimble handling that faithfully mirrors driver intent.” – – Mitsubishi
In addition, they mention an AI system that augments the driver’s capabilities. Something that’s already marching into our vehicle’s control systems as we speak. Despite the interest, and the potential of this idea, it remains a concept. As far as I know, there are no plans to bring back anything that resembles the capability, or spirit, of the EVO.
I wish I had better news.
– N
The next question comes from an unnamed individual who I encountered at the JCCS (Japanese Classic Car Show), which is an outstanding event – regarding the end of Fiat.
Q: (Via: Audience member I overheard at the 2024 JCCS – paraphrased)
How long before Fiat dies?
– Participant at the JCCS
A: (To put this into context: I overheard this discussion as I filmed a ’91 CRX. He was talking about his Fiat 500 – I think)
Things are looking bad for Fiat in the United States, as with nearly all the brands sold under the Stellantis banner. Recently, Stellantis’ delivery figures dropped around 20-percent for this year. That’s massive. Yes, their overall market share had a bump, but they trail most of their competitors by a worrying margin.
Recently, CEO Carlos Tavares publicly stated that they will scrutinize the performance of brands soon. This is in line with what Stellantis stated back in 2021, when they injected each brand with a financial boost. Then they said they would cut those brands that were underperforming within five years.
Tick tock.
Recently Fiat, always a slow seller on our shores, paused sales of their new 500e. That’s half of the vehicles Fiat sells in the United States. We all know that Fiat sells a lot of interesting vehicles overseas, and some could be competitive here, but that doesn’t look likely.
The bottom line is: it’s hard to see how the Italian automaker is going to survive without a miracle.
— N
The last question/statement seems to echo the previous one with a bleak outlook for the future.
Q: (Via: Twitter/X@NathanAdlen) If you follow the auto worlds misfortunes and apply them to ours, things look bad.
Find that harbinger like housing or cars and you’ll find the path laid out for the world. Everything is falling apart and no matter who’s running the show…we’re in trouble.
- DrCreeperSayUK
A: I get that often – from every direction.
My friends, I am no guru, sage or psychic. I won’t spin the narrative many of you feel is coming down. My personal take is: find the door, and prepare to open it… the universe provides many doors.
True, automobile sales can be sign of things to come, but nothing is written in stone. In my estimation, you can either yell at the sky, worry about things that are not within your power to change – or do something else.
Making little changes in your own universe can lead to bigger changes. In terms of the automotive universe, change can come from consumers rejecting things they dislike. Eventually, when enough people do – change happens. Sure, there is always an after effect – but you can control your own path (and buying decisions) and make your own stand.
Remember: like the rest of the universe, when enough small things combine – it can change bigger things. The question is, are you going to be one of the small changes – or simply talk about those changes? I vote for opening the door.
Food for thought, coming to you from someone who doesn’t know much.
- N
p.s. Don’t be afraid to smile and laugh at the absurdity of the universe.
