Contradicting earlier reports that suggested 2014 would be the last model year before the nameplate is discontinued, a spokesperson now claims the performance sedan will be around a bit longer.

“At least for here in the U.S., Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is committed to introducing the 2015 model year Lancer Evolution,” Mitsubishi’s Amanda Savercool told AutoGuide.

Despite the guarantee of one more year, Mitsubishi is still expected to retire the ‘Evo’ in the near future. The rally-inspired performance car is no longer viewed as a necessary model as the company rebrands itself as an environmentally-conscious automaker focused on electric and hybrid vehicles.

Separate rumors have suggested the name could be revived for a new performance-oriented hybrid model, though it is unlikely to be based on the Renault Megane platform that will be utilized for the next-generation Lancer. A 2+2 coupe, serving as a spiritual successor to the 3000GT, is said to be preferred over another sedan.

It is unclear if Mitsubishi is planning any special features for the 2015 Lancer Evolution X, which is scheduled to begin production in July.

Documents previously revealed that DeGiorgio authorized a design revision that fixed the defect but left the part number unchanged, an apparent violation of protocol that hampered later inquiries.

The engineer also testified last year in a civil wrongful-death lawsuit that he did not recall authorizing any change to the ignition switch.

House legislators attempted to get to the bottom of the issue, questioning DeGiorgio to determine if he was part of an intentional cover-up or if the missteps were merely mistakes.

“He came across as if he was just overburdened and just missed it,” an unnamed staff aide told the New York Times.

The engineer, who reportedly appeared “genuinely upset” about the deaths caused by the defect, was recently suspended as GM continues its own internal investigation.

DeGiorgio reportedly declined to throw any of his superiors under the bus, however separate reports have suggested the problem is an unsurprising consequence of a culture of cost cutting that was allegedly enforced throughout the ranks.

GM has reorganized its engineering division to help prevent similar mistakes from occurring in the future, splitting off an “integrity” unit that works alongside the core development team under separate leadership.

Following months of rumors, it looks as though Lexus is pushing ahead with a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine for its IS sedan. New documents reveal the automaker filed for a trademark on the ‘IS 200t’ nameplate in Europe, Australia and North America earlier this month.

Set to replace the IS 250 in Lexus’ IS lineup, the IS 200t will use the automaker’s latest turbocharge 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Although down two-cylinders from the 2.5L V6 used in the current IS 250, the 2.0L is significantly more powerful – under the hood of the Lexus NX the four-pot makes 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, trumping the IS 250′s ratings of 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.

The IS 350, which uses a 3.5L V6 rated at 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, will remain the line’s top billing.

Timing for the launch of the IS 200t is still unclear, but we should see the turbocharged sedan in Lexus showrooms within the year.

The organization awarded ‘advanced’ or higher ratings to 21 of 24 models that were included in the latest round of evaluations, which focused on large cars alongside a few midsize cars and SUVs. The latest test follows earlier rounds that tested

“We are already seeing improvements from automakers since the initial launch of our ratings last September,” said IIHS research chief David Zuby. “BMW and Lexus, for example, have added more braking capability to their systems, which has paid off in higher ratings.”

Ratings are based on whether a model has autobrake capabilities and, if so, how effective the system is at reducing speed or completely stopping a vehicle as it approaches an obstacle at 12 mph and 25 mph. Models that both warn a driver and provide significant speed reduction earn the ‘superior’ rating, while warning-only systems without autobraking receive a ‘basic’ qualification.

Perfect scores were earned by BMW’s 2014 5-Series sedan and X5 SUV, Hyundai’s 2015 Genesis sedan and Mercedes-Benz’ 2014 E-Class sedan. All four either entirely braked to a stop or rolled into the obstacle at just a few mph when approaching from 25 mph.

Building on the Design Vision GTI concept that debuted at last year’s festival, the GTI Roadster takes an even more radical approach to what a future convertible version of the popular hot hatchback might look like. The front end styling of the concept is still recognizable as a GTI, but the rest of the car has been given an aero treatment that is more racecar than road-car. VW says the concept’s large rear wing helps to provide additional downforce at speed.

Inside the GTI Roadster is strictly a two-seater, with driver and passenger treated to racing seats, five-point seat belts, racing-style steering wheel and a black and red color scheme.

Of course no racing car would be complete without an exciting drivetrain, and the GTI Roadster doesn’t disappoint. VW shoehorned a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 beneath the concept’s hood, good for 503 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Sending that power to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, VW says the GTI Roadster can scoot from 0-60 in a supercar-like 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 192mph.

VW has no plans to put the GTI Roadster concept into regular production, but enthusiasts will be able to take the hopped-up drop-top for a virtual spin in Gran Turismo 6 starting next month.