Mitsubishi Evo X: Global Debut In Australia

Motoring Channel Staff - 2/October/2007

Sydney, Australia — The year 2007 has been, and will be, a huge year for car enthusiasts. As well as the launch of the Nissan GT-R at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and the Ferrari F430 Scuderia in Frankfurt, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X made it's first public debut in Australia.

The 2007 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) was the first motor show appearance for the all-new model, and it will be on sale in Australia from April 2008; the car is already on sale in Japan.

The Mitsubishi Evolution X, or Evo X as it's often called, has two major areas of fascination. The AWD system, and hugely powerful 4-cylinder turbo engine. Both combine to deliver one of the most amazing driving experiences on the planet.

The model on display in Sydney is a Japanese specification model, and while details of the Australian line-up are still being finalised, Mitsubishi's President and CEO, Robert McEniry, revealed the new vehicle will be available in two specification levels when it is released in April 2008.

"The all-new Lancer Evolution is the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary Evo bloodline. As a benchmark vehicle for our brand, it will break with tradition and be available in both a standard vehicle modelled on the Japanese GSR variant, and a highly specified MR variant that offers enhanced performance features," Mr McEniry said.

Australian versions of the 2008 Lancer Evolution will offer a choice of manual or optional TC-SST on the entry level model, and a standard TC-SST dual clutch transmission on the range topping MR.

Standard appointments on the entry level Lancer Evolution include the new 2.0-litre engine, 5-speed manual transmission, S-AWC, Brembo brakes, Recaro driver and passenger seats, 18-inch wheels and a range of safety features including seven airbags. The TC-SST transmission is an optional extra.

The MR model adds standard TC-SST transmission, Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors for better heat dissipation, BBS forged-alloy wheels and additional interior features. 

According to Robert McEniry, the 2008 Lancer Evolution X not only lives up to the scorching reputation of previous Evo models, but adds a new dimension to the driving experience: "The 2008 Lancer Evolution remains true to the core values of previous Evolution models by providing the pinnacle of performance driving with incredible flexibility and grip and refined handling and dynamics," Mr McEniry said.

"But it takes the experience one step further by offering an enhanced ride, sophisticated user technology and an exceptionally stylish exterior."

The AWD system is referred to as Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) and is a much more involved AWD system than most cars, as it adds active yaw control and an active centre differential that improve grip and ensure driver involvement is second to none. 

For the first time an automated manual Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), which can be compared to the DSG system used by Volkswagen, will also be offered.

The new engine meanwhile is a far more powerful version of the 2.0-litre motor it replaces. There have been conflicting reports about how much power and torque the new engine develops, partly because there are various different Evo models available in different countries. 

The official Japanese documentation reveals that the Evo X GSR model develops 206kW @ 6500rpm, which is 280 metric horsepower; about the same as it's predecessor. The interesting thing about the 4B11 engine is peak torque, which has risen to 422Nm @ 3500rpm, which is simply phenomenal.

Even with the Evolution X's increased weight, the new engine will ensure it's quick. The last Evolution model tested by the Motoring Channel was the Evo IX back in mid 2006, and the Australian model output 355Nm, which is why the 422Nm number is so astonishing.

It's expected that Australian models will output something closer to 400Nm, but the 206kW power rating is likely to remain.

Mr McEniry, President of Mitsubishi Motors Australia, said: "Mitsubishi’s Australian range is constantly improving, but the 2008 Lancer Evolution is certainly the pinnacle of our line-up. The important thing to remember about the 2008 Lancer Evolution is that it is a complete performance package. Not only does the vehicle have a powerful new engine, but the user technology inherent in the vehicle ensures incredible flexibility and grip and enhanced handling and dynamics.

"And the icing on the cake? It looks absolutely fantastic," Mr McEniry added.

Mitsubishi indicated that pricing and specifications for the 2008 Lancer Evolution range have not yet been finalised.

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- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (2009)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008)
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- Mitsubishi Prototype X Concept (2008)
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