Mitsubishi Evolution X: Technology Upgrades

Motoring Channel Staff - 11/July/2007

Tokyo, Japan — The hype surrounding the upcoming Mitsubishi Evo X is steadily building, despite the impending launches of other Japanese super cars such as the Nissan GT-R and the new V8-powered Lexus IS-F.

Slated for a launch in the third quarter of 2007, or "this [Northern] Autumn" according to Mitsubishi, the Evo X will be a global export vehicle built for both left- and right-hand drive countries.

Mitsubishi hasn't released official power figures for the new 4-cylinder turbo intercooled engine yet (rumoured to be around the 220kW (300hp) mark), and is keeping the automotive media on its collective toes by claiming it will be the "most powerful LancerEvolution" ever built. 

But it has just released a dossier that highlights two new elements of the Lancer Evolution X:

S-AWC: Super All Wheel Control
Twin Clutch SST: Sport Shift Transmission

This pair of chassis/powertrain inclusions build on the programmes of previous models (road tested here), and the addition of the twin clutch SST will give the Evolution Lancer X a technological edge over its traditional rival, the Subaru WRX STI.

Twin Clutch SST

Following the Volkswagen Group, Mitsubishi will be the second mainstream mass producer of passenger cars to offer a twin-clutch gearbox, which should ensure the vehicle is even quicker than its manual siblings - which have traditionally been the performance title holders.

Mitsubishi's SST that will be made available on the Evolution X will have three operating modes: 

• Normal - Useful while commuting: uses low-speed shift points to deliver comfortable shifts and better fuel efficiency.

• Sport - Useful to exploit performance: initiates higher shift points and quicker shifting speeds and more engine braking, but uses more fuel.

• S-Sport - Useful when racing: allows "lightning-fast" shifts, and is best used when pushing the car to its performance limit, such as on an enclosed track or circuit.

Like the Volkswagen group's DSG (direct shift gearbox), Mitsubishi's SST also uses two input 'gear' shafts that house 1st, 3rd, 5th on one shaft, and 2nd, 4th, 6th gears on another - each of which are connected to an electronically controlled clutch. This allows consecutive gears to be 'preloaded' in advance and is one of the reasons why these types of transmissions offer the quickest shift times.

When the car is driving in 2nd gear, 1st and 3rd gears are ready to go as they take advantage of the second unused clutch and gear input shaft.

These 'twin clutch' systems also improve fuel economy because they remove the need for a torque converter that most automatics use (as they have no clutch) which can sometimes sap up to 20% of engine power, which is essentially wasted fuel.

Super All Wheel Control

The latest generation Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is based around the cars 4WD layout and is designed to ensure maximum grip and propulsion in all conditions and especially under high forces of gravity, such as a fast corners. 

S-AWC is made up of a number of different systems that work in unison to provide it with ultra-high levels of grip. They are:

• ACD: Active Centre Differential (optimises front/rear wheel torque split via electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch)
  

  • New for Evolution X: S-AWC also employs yaw rate feedback for the first time via yaw rate sensor.

• AYC: Active Yaw Control (torque transfer mechanism in the rear differential controls rear wheel torque differential for changing driving conditions)
  

  • New for Evolution X: yaw rate feedback control using a yaw rate sensor, plus braking force control.

• ASC: Active Stability Control (reduces engine power, and changes braking force at each wheel to ensure stability. Similar in effect to electronic stability control, ESC.
  

  • New for Evolution X: Taking a step beyond the previous generation Lancer Evolution, the fitting of a brake pressure sensor at each wheel allows more precise and positive control of braking force.

• Sport ABS: Sport Anti-lock Braking System (ABS allows the driver to maintain steering control and keeps the vehicle stable by preventing the wheels from locking under heavy braking or when braking on slippery surfaces)
  

  • New for Evolution X: The addition of yaw rate sensors and brake pressure sensors to the Sport ABS system has improved braking performance through corners compared to the Lancer Evolution IX.

Like previous Lancer Evolution models, the Evo X will feature an easy to use push-button system that allows drivers to switch between three different S-AWC modes, which change the front/rear torque split and other aspects of the system:

TARMAC for dry, paved surfaces.
GRAVEL for wet or gravel surfaces.
SNOW for snow covered surfaces.

In addition to the upgraded S-AWC system, it is possible (but not confirmed) that there may also be a Roll Control Suspension technology that was previewed in the Concept-X prototype at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the original blueprint for the new Lancer Evolution X. Such a potential system would most likely use a system similar to what HSV, Ferrari, and Audi use to counter the effects of vehicle body roll through corners via adjustable damping rates.

Related Articles:
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (2009)
- Mitsubishi Outlander (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008)
- Mitsubishi Prototype X Concept (2008)
- Mitsubishi Lancer (2008)
- Suzuki Swift Sport vs. Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi's Customised Cars: SEMA (2006)
- Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi NS Pajero (2006)