This is a Malaysian ad that shows off the Prototype X, which is almost identical in appearance to the Evo X
Wheel controls allow drivers to change the settings of the AWD system on the fly
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.
