Evo X makes an appearance

Just one week after its world debut in Frankfurt, the highly anticipated Evolution X made its appearance as the star of the Mitsubishi stand at the Australian international Motor Show.

Capping off the new Lancer sedan range, the Evo X is the most technologically advanced, fastest model crammed with evolved and new technology, including a twin-clutch SST gearbox.

Lancer is Mitsubishi’s volume seller and earlier this month the 2.0-litre Lancer ES, VR and VR-X models should offered a big boost in Mitsubishi’s bottom line. Well equipped with a host of safety and convenience equipment, running a 2.0-litre four-cylinder across the range and priced competitively, the styling of the new Lancer also lessens the gap to the fire-breathing rally-bred Evo model.

Stuffed full of electronic trickery, a 2.0-litre turbo four with MIVEC produces the same 206kW as the previous Evolution IX, but weight increases around 100kg.

This may dull straight line performance but chassis refinements and computer chips help bring it back. Try AYC (active yaw control), S-ACW (Super All-Wheel Control), ACD (active diff control) and ASC (Active Skid Control).

But significantly it’s also the introduction of Mitsubishi’s SST gearbox, an automated paddle-shifted sequential six-speed manual that promises to be both smoother and faster than the conventional six-speed.

With 18-inch wheels and a relocation of the turbocharger to the rear of the engine to help weight distribution, the Evolution X carries over its Brembo brakes but features more aluminium including bonnet, boot, guards and doors. The cabin is driver focussed with deeply contoured buckets featuring high-grip suede to prevent sliding, along with a lap-timer for track days.

Mitsubishi CEO Rob McEniry also announced the Evo X will be available in three specifications. The two road registrable versions include the regular version with leather interior, chrome trim on the grille and spot lights, as featured on the red Evo X at the Sydney Motor Show. A similar blue Evo X is the more sporting, slightly lighter MR version, sans spotlight but sporting firmer Bilstein suspension and BBS alloy wheels.

For motorsport competitors; of which many choose the Evolution; McEniry also announced the lightweight competition spec model would be made available for those interested in tarmac rallies. Like previous Evolutions, this would continue to be sold through the Ralliart motorsport division.

The Mitsubishi stand also features a range of Panther concept vehicles. Built at Sydney Motor Show concepts, the quartet of matching Panther prototypes based on the Colt, Grandis, Triton and Pajero three-door feature black paintwork, lowered suspension, chrome alloys and silver ‘cat scratch’ stripes. The likelihood of them going on sale is slim, but we can look forward to the Evolution X arriving in February 2008.

Check out the Evo X on video at the Australian International Motor Show