The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X is one of the most anticipated cars of the year. Those who were able to get their hands on tickets to the Johannesburg Motor Show will be able to see this car in the metal. For the rest of us, the first fleet arrives in the second quarter if 2009.
By Kelly Lodewyks
Power is provided by a turbocharged 2,0-litre engine that features an aluminium cylinder block, as opposed to the cast-iron block of the 4GS3 units used in the nine previous Evo models, and MIVEC variable valve timing. This unit generates in the region of 209 kW at 6 000 r/min and has a torque output of 422 N.m at 3 500 r/min. The zero to 100 km/h sprint can be completed in a claimed time of 4,9 seconds.
Gearshifts will be taken care of via an SST double-clutch 6-speed gearbox with magnesium paddle shifters.
The SST system offers three gearshift settings: normal (for pottering around town with the missus and kids in tow), sport (gearshift characteristics become more progressive) and super-sport (intended for track day use when wife and kids are firmly out of earshot, this setting holds onto the revs until the redline in each ratio).
The all-wheel drive system, dubbed S-AWC or Super All-Wheel Control, is split into two parts, the first adds upgraded steering and suspension components, as well as utilising aluminium components to bring the kerb weight down.
The second part features a second-generation version of the company’s Active Centre Differential system to split torque between the front and rear wheels, and Active Yaw Control to apportion torque between the rear wheels to sharpen the car’s cornering dynamics. An all-wheel drive controller, Anti-Skid Control and an army of sensors that monitor brake pressure, wheel speed, yaw rate and throttle position to control all of the aforementioned technologies – resulting in, what the company claims is the best handling Evo to date.
The exterior of the Evo X features regular fog lights, as opposed to the LEDs that sat on the concept form, as well as amber indicator lenses front and rear. This model rolls on a set of 18-inch BBS alloy wheels, behind which a set of Brembo brakes can be spotted.
Mitsubishi Motors will bring in 30 to 50 Evo X units per year, so anyone hoping to get a chance to tame this beast better dig deep into their pockets – expect the pricing to be premium!
Click here to view a video of the Lancer Evo X.
For wallpapers of the Evo X, visit the wallpaper gallery.
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