X-Rated: Prospects are promising for the next evolution of the rally-bred Lancer

DINO DALLE CARBONARE
Published Date: 10/24/05

Forget the concept tag on Mitsubishi’s Concept-X for the Tokyo show. This is how the new Lancer Evolution X (as in 10) will look. The next incarnation of the rally-bred performer will be with us in early 2007 as an ’07 model, packing a new four-cylinder turbo with explosive punch routed into Mitsubishi’s next-generation all-wheel-drive technology.

The muscular lines of the aluminum bodywork hint at the efforts Mitsubishi is making to bring the Lancer Evolution into the 21st century. During the last few years the various versions of the production cars have failed to move things forward for Mitsubishi, in part because the design is dated and in part because the hardware hasn’t been delivering top-rung finishes on the rally circuit.

Engine and drivetrain as well as body design all but remain unvaried, with only a few minor changes to keep the car competitive. The most significant improvement is Mitsubishi’s Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control, which boosts low-end torque and makes power delivery more linear. Expect the next-generation MIVEC to feature in the turbocharged alloy 2.0-liter four-cylinder that Mitsubishi says will produce in the region of 300 hp and offer instant response at all engine speeds thanks to a flat torque curve.

This powerplant will mate to a clutchless six-speed auto/manual transmission, reportedly able to swap cogs at the blink of an eye, slicker and more efficient than any manual. The driver will be able to select gears via the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The Evolution X will boast Super All Wheel Control, the next step forward in Mitsubishi’s all-wheel-drive layout. S-AWC integrates with the existing 4wd three-differential and Super Active Yaw Control layout found on the Evo IX, adding active brake control, active steering control and roll-control suspension into the equation. The comprehensive dynamic-control system processes thousands of inputs to offer the best possible characteristics in the pursuit of high performance. The Evolution X will stick with the Brembo braking system, but expect new multi-piston calipers all around and larger diameter rotors.

A major emphasis for engineers developing the 2007 production car is strategic weight reduction. The hood, fenders, rear decklid and doors will be aluminum along with the roof, helping to lower the center of gravity. Chassis strengthening contributes to obtaining the most rigid structure possible.

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Similarly, Mitsubishi grew tired of hearing criticism of the Lancer’s lackluster and cheap-looking interior, and intends to impress in this department. The idea is to keep the cabin design clean and uncluttered in order to make it easier to concentrate on driving. An advanced multimedia system, centered on a dash-mounted pop-out high-resolution LCD screen, will offer real-time readings from various engine sensors and up-to-date operating status of the S-AWC. Both navigation and DVD audio controls will be accessible through the screen.

The show car’s rear-seat passengers get their own LCD screen, but whether this will make it to the production car is questionable. Seating limited to four, with each occupant getting a hip-hugging bucket seat, and a fire extinguisher mounted on the high center transmission tunnel are other elements that may be modified for production (the concept’s extinguisher is made of billet).

Styling gets a lot of attention. While much more modern-looking than the Evo IX now on sale in the United States, this aggressive design statement still shouts “Lancer Evolution.” Just look at the heavily browed LED front lights and hood scoop, or the finned rear diffuser fashioned of carbon fiber. Some might see Chrysler (or Dodge) influence from the front, but the three-quarter rear view looks decisively European. The C-pillar, high hip line and rear lights are akin to those on the Alfa Romeo 159.

Excerpt from AutoWeek.com

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Yeah, doesn't look too bad.. but you know me, I'm gonna have to dis it just based on principle.

Man i love these cars, Maybe ill try to pay off my mazda by 2007 and finance one of these.

I think it looks much more aggressive than anything Mitsu has introdiced to the streets thus far. Really backs up the Lancer reputation with a little bark and bite.

It does give the lancer a sportier apearance. That is one thing I was never crazy about both the evo and STI. They both looked like 4 door sedans that some one said hey lets give them all wheel drive and a 300 hp engine..

Jeremy