TiNiO Toy Cars: WDIOT? Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Monday, September 6, 2010

WDIOT? Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - Part 2

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, colloquially known as the Lancer Evo or Evo,^[1] is a high-performance sedan manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. There have been ten official versions to date, and the designation of each model is most commonly a roman numeral. All use two litre, turbocharged engines and four-wheel drive systems.^[2]

The Evolution was originally intended only for Japanese markets, but demand on the "grey import" market led the Evolution series to be offered through Ralliart dealer networks in the United Kingdom and in various European markets from around 1998. Mitsubishi decided to export the eighth generation Evolution to the United States in 2003 after witnessing the success Subaru had in that market with their Impreza WRX, a direct competitor in other global regions.^[3]

Japanese-spec cars were limited by a gentlemen's agreement to advertise no more than 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp), a mark already reached by Evolution IV. Therefore, each subsequent version has unofficially evolved above the advertised power figures, with the Japanese-spec Evolution IX reaching an alleged output of around 321 PS (236 kW; 317 hp). Various versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 411 PS (302 kW; 405 hp).

The tenth generation of the Lancer Evolution was launched in Japan 2007, and overseas markets in 2008.

In 2005, Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen Evolution at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Concept-X,^[15] designed by Omer Halilhodžić at the company's European design centre.^[16]

Mitsubishi unveiled a second concept car, the Prototype-X, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).^[17]

The Lancer Evolution X sedan features a newly designed 4B11T 2.0l (1997cc) turbocharged, all-aluminum inline-4 engine. Power and torque depend on the market but all versions will have at least 280 PS (205.9 kW; 276.2 hp) (JDM version), the American market version will have slightly more. The UK models will be reworked by Mitsubishi UK, in accordance with previous MR Evolutions bearing the FQ badge. Options for the UK Evolutions are expected to be between 300 hp (220 kW) and 360 hp (270 kW).

Two versions of the car will be offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which will have a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car has also a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations.^[18] The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amount of torque to any wheel at any given time.

It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. It has replaced the Tiptronic automatic transmission, hence the SST version replaced the GT-A version (which was used in Evolution VII and Evolution IX Wagon). A five speed manual gearbox will also be available. Mitsubishi claims that the five speed manual transmission has always been preferred in rallying and should be very refined, resulting in a more satisfying drive.^[19] New Lancer Evolution will incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body.

The Evolution X went on sale October 1, 2007 in Japan,^[20] January 2008 in the USA,^[21] February in Canada (as the first version of Evolution in Canada)^[22] and in March 2008 in the UK.^[23] The Twin Clutch SST version was available in Japan from November 2007.^[24] Europe will follow with sales in May, GSR and MR version included premium Package.

The introduction of the 2010 MR-Touring moved the car even further upscale. Leather and a Moonroof became standard while revising the rear spoiler to just a lip spoiler.