Mitsubishi Evo X News Thread

[LinuxRacr]

Looks good, but kinda reminds me of a RX-8 meets Neon? (shrug)

[lasermp5]

are there any shots of the X without the wing? perhaps a photoshop even? I am considering getting one in the Spring but I don't think I want the wing.

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/1/9071001.004/9071001.004.Mini9L.jpg

Not a front on rear view, but something at least.

[mikeyb]

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728567i.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728567g.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728567f.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728567a.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728567d.jpg
http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728567b.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374v.jpg
http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374x.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374q.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374p.jpg

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http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374n.jpg
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http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374l.jpg
http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374k.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374j.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374i.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374e.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374h.jpg
http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374f.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374g.jpg

[mikeyb]

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374a.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374c.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374b.jpg

http://www.supercars.net/pitlane/pics/728374d.jpg

[CitizenPro]

Gawd.....the ass seems so big :( The car has yet to grow on me....

[Familia323]

Are they offering that white one in the US?? That thing is badass.

[jred321]

the white one looks like an RS with its unpainted mirrors and door handles and no spoiler. the small wheels are strange, the other RSs that we've gotten have had the same wheels.

i was at the mitsu dealer today and they had a few of the normal lancers with a spoiler that looked very similar. the back end really isn't bad like everyone says. a little bland but not bad. the flat boring sides are way worse

[TinmanMS6]

Mitsubishi has released a number of new pictures:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/03/pics-aplenty-2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-x-detail-shots/

[Phoenix5]

I'll take the GSR FTW!

[mikeyb]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/08lancerevo_15.jpghttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/08lancerevo_04.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/08lancerevo_11.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/08lancerevo_9163.jpg

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2007/10/08lancerevo_24.jpg



http://response.jp/issue/2007/1005/article100049_1.images/154914.jpg
http://response.jp/issue/2007/1005/article99937_1.images/154708.jpg
http://response.jp/issue/2007/1005/article99937_1.images/154709.jpg

[mountjonas]

looks much better in white with those bbs mesh wheels.

[J-protege]

I still love it in red. This may be my next car...

[Phoenix5]

I still love it in red. This may be my next car...


Yup,same here.It's a toss up between red or white for me.

[altspace]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Bows In Japan

We finally got our chance to get up close and personal with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, and we're impressed. The car has had a very busy month, having been rolled out in Japanese showrooms and getting its auto show debut in Australia.


Mitsubishi keeps showing off the Lancer Evolution X in red, but the car looks totally hot in black. Already available with a five-speed manual transmission, the 10th generation Evo will get mated to an optional Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmisson (SST) sometime in November. Stability of the new Evo was increased by trimming 20mm off the front overhang. The sports car made for a city was built with lightweight aluminum throughout the body, and a new, lighter-but-stronger engine, that is also a bit more friendly on Mother Earth.

This new engine gets 280 horsepower and 311 ft-lb of torque. More airbags, and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) was added to the Mitsubishi flagship for enhanced safety.

Pricing for the base level Evo SR will be around €18,375, with the GSR starting at €21,425. The Twin-Clutch SST will set you back an additional €1,475.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will also take the world stage at Rally Japan being held this weekend. Mitsubishi plans to use the Evo as a course car preceding the WRC race.

[mikeyb]

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini1L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini2L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini3L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini4L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini5L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini6L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini7L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini8L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini9L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini10L.jpg

http://images.worldcarfans.com/articles/2007/10/24/9071024.011/9071024.011.Mini11L.jpg

[evilmonkeyMSP]

I'm really starting to dig this car...

[TinmanMS6]

I'm really starting to dig this car...

LOL. You came over to this thread to make friends with it, didn't you?

[Pirana]

Stop it...I cant take it any more...decisions decisions...STi, Evo...arhhhh

[evilmonkeyMSP]

lol i've made friends w/ it already... I didnt car for the previous ones but this one looks like it could frighten children!
LOL. You came over to this thread to make friends with it, didn't you?

[evilmonkeyMSP]

my only complaint is that the wheels look to small compared to the body...

[TinmanMS6]

my only complaint is that the wheels look to small compared to the body...

On the gray one with the lighter wheels, yes, on the red one with the darker mesh wheels, not so much. Upon closer inspection, they look like the same size, but the colors give a different impression IMO.

[evilmonkeyMSP]

i noticed that too but still too small to say the least...
On the gray one with the lighter wheels, yes, on the red one with the darker mesh wheels, not so much. Upon closer inspection, they look like the same size, but the colors give a different impression IMO.

[haze20]

A drop and a nice set of Advans or Works would fix that problem.

[mikeyb]

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_457/car_photo_228699_5.jpg

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_457/car_photo_228726_5.jpg

he six-speed semi-automatic gearbox is one of the most capable on the market. But according to our sources, its complexity has meant mass-producing the unit is proving more difficult than expected.

Initially, it was thought that production of cars with the transmission – which is similar to VW’s twin-clutch DSG gearbox – would begin this month in Japan. However, insiders now believe that because of reliability glitches, the first SST models won’t roll out of the factory until early next year, delaying their arrival in the UK until summer. Officially, Mitsubishi claims that there are no problems. The company insists that the Evo X will be available with both the SST gearbox and a more conventional five-speed manual unit from its UK launch in March.

A first for the company, SST – which stands for Sport-Shift Transmission – offers the driver three increasingly responsive modes, ranging from Normal to Sport to Super-Sport, with the last of these holding the engine to the red line before changing up. The driver can take over at any time thanks to F1-style steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The gearbox will ensure the car steals a march on its arch-rival, Subaru’s Impreza STI, which is only available with a conventional manual transmission. Sales of the Evo X get underway in spring, with prices from £30,000.

[LinuxRacr]

:eek:$62,000 Usd?

[TinmanMS6]

You can't directly convert Euro pricing to the US. It's usually closer to just over half.

[jred321]

S2000s must also cost $57,870 since in england they cost £27,952. oh wait, nope, they don't

[LinuxRacr]

You can't directly convert Euro pricing to the US. It's usually closer to just over half.


I actually went to XE.com, and got the conversion figure, and then before I made the post, I closed the window. I didn't feel like going back ,so I put up the 62K figure, because it was close.

[SpeedBeaver]

Is there any info about it being legal for Canada this time?

[evilmonkeyMSP]

i believe Canadian dealers are receiving testers

[jred321]

i'm pretty sure it's going to be legal for canada

[slug420]

S2000s must also cost $57,870 since in england they cost £27,952. oh wait, nope, they don't


Same with european prices.

In germany a new c-class 230cdi is like 45k euro i think
Convert that to USD and you come out around 66k...but in the US, 66k gets you the C63AMG. Strange IMO since MB is FROM germany...

[TinmanMS6]

Just wait until they start pricing next year's models. Falling dollar is going to wreak havoc on foreign auto profits.

[mikeyb]

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224884_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224908_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224899_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224881_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_452/car_photo_226464_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_452/car_photo_226461_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_452/car_photo_226458_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224905_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224902_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224896_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224887_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224878_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224869_25.jpg

http://www.evo.co.uk/images/front_picture_library_UK/dir_449/car_photo_224866_25.jpg

[evilmonkeyMSP]

yeah, that cars just damn pretty

[jred321]

i like those wheels but they look small on that car. wonder how they'd look on my car...

[coolmazda5]

Same with european prices.

In germany a new c-class 230cdi is like 45k euro i think
Convert that to USD and you come out around 66k...but in the US, 66k gets you the C63AMG. Strange IMO since MB is FROM germany...

Another Germany car pricing difference example (from this past Summer). This is for a Mazda5 (~$18,500 vs. ~Euro27,600, "similar" model)

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3449558&postcount=145

It should not matter whether the cars are produced locally or not, it is more complex than that as I understand (Country taxation, global parts and where they come from, market differences from one country to another, etc.)

[TinmanMS6]

You can keep going all day if you want. All car prices are like this from Europe to the US.

[TinmanMS6]

Man. 291 horsepower. 300 ft-lb of torque. Super all-wheel this, mega computer controlled that. Hardcore, shark-faced and we've known all about it for a while now. But here's what made us sit up cocker spaniel straight: While the top o' the range EVO MR comes with the flappy paddle DSG (TC-SST in Mitsubishi speak), the "lesser" GSR version has a standard 5-speed. And even though the premier video explained that the TC-SST in full auto mode, "Shifts as if wired directly to the driver's brain," we'll maintain that our right arm shifts in much the same manner. Actually, our left foot works like that, too.

[evilmonkeyMSP]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/la-2007-us-spec-2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-lands/

Mitsubishi pulled the covers off the US-spec 2008 Lancer Evolution X, and the differences between your red, white, and blue steed and the one from its homeland are: the steering wheel is on the left, versions with the 6-speed SST auto 'box are called the MR (the 5-speed manual is the GSR), and the seat cushions are longer in order to fit longer American bodies.

The stripper RS model (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/01/officially-official-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-x/) is not on offer here -- that's the one without a radio and power options. The differences between our GSR and the MR aren't many, but depending on your preferences they might not be minor. The standard GSR has a radio and power accessories, but does not come with a wing -- that would get added in the Sight, Sound, and Spoiler package, which throws in HID headlamps and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system. The optional package for the MR is the Technology Package, which adds goodies to the stereo system (like a subwoofer and hard drive), Bluetooth, navigation, and the Fast Key entry system.

When it comes to inner workings, the GS rides on 18-inch Enkeis. The MR gets 18-inch BBS forged alloys, as well as Bilstein shock absorbers, Eibach springs, and 2-piece rotors. Voila. Lancer Evo X pricing according to one source (http://www.egmcartech.com/2007/11/15/la-auto-show-2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evo-unofficial-pricing-info/) will be around $30,000 for the GSR, and $36,000 for the MR. Follow the jump to read the full press release and options, and check out our live shots of the car's reveal in the gallery below. Video of the live introduction is also available after the jump.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/15/la-2007-us-spec-2008-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-lands/

[evilmonkeyMSP]

GSR + Sight and sound package = cheaper and sexier than the STi

[TinmanMS6]

That's pretty much what I was thinking. I'd take a GSR, even without the S&S package, and forget about an STi. These things are about the performance bargain, so I'm taking the best bargain I can get.

[jred321]

strange option packages. no spoiler without upgraded sound system and HIDs? how do those things go together. and all MRs have the SST thing with the option for luxury car stuff? what's next, cruise control? sucks that there's no RS here.

[TinmanMS6]

Well, I'm guessing that people tend to buy these as stripped out and cheap as possible, or load them up. Makes sense to me.

[jred321]

when i went to get mine at the end of the 05 model year the dealership i went to had 3 left. all 3 had the sun, sound and leather package. the GSR with the SSS package is ok but why include the sound system in there? stock sound systems always suck. the MR with the Tech package sounds the worst to me. the MR is supposed to be the best performing version out of the box. in the old ones you couldn't get the SSL package in the MR. so they took that and added more weight for extra crap that's not performance related and isn't even available in other normal models.

option packages should be:
RS
GSR (no spoiler)
GSR (spoiler)
GSR SSS
GSR Tech
MR

[TinmanMS6]

Some people don't see the point in paying for the most expensive model if they're not going to get some creature comforts for their money. Some people are posers and just want to drive the "fastest" one. Either way, I'm betting there's a big market for this. Just like the STi Limited.

I'll agree that the wing should be a separate option on the GSR.

[ZoomZoomH]

standard features and option package list pulled from Autoblog:

Major Standard Features

• 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with digital signal processing, MP3 playback capability and six speakers
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer and security alarm
• Automatic climate control system
• Center floor console box with armrest
• Color-keyed outer door handles and side view mirrors
• Cruise control
• Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, curtain side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and front seat mounted side-impact air bags
• Floor mats
• Fog lights
• Folding side view mirrors
• Front map lamps
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
• Power door locks
• Power windows with driver's one-touch up/down
• Rear seat heater floor ducts
• Rear spoiler
• Recaro bucket seats (front)
• Remote keyless entry system
• Side marker lamps
• Tilt-adjustable steering column

MR Adds:

• Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) with magnesium steering wheel shifter paddles
• BBS forged alloy wheels
• Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs
• Two-piece brake rotors
• Hands-free Bluetooth cellular phone interface system with voice recognition
• HID headlamps
• Large type rear wing
• Steering wheel audio controls

GSR Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package adds: HID headlamps, large rear spoiler and the Rockford-Fosgate® 650-watt (max.) Premium Sound System with 10-in. subwoofer, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and a six-month service subscription.

MR Technology Package adds: Rockford-Fosgate audio system with subwoofer and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six-month service subscription; 30-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system with 7.5-inch touch screen and music server function; Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System, and the FAST Key™ entry system.


the standard GSR comes with a smaller wing, which is exactly what most people (like me) would want in the first place.

seriously, the ONLY thing I'D WANT from the SSS package is the HID, and even that I can skip out on to save some money.

the standard-spec GSR is a great value IMO.

[evilmonkeyMSP]

The new generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution enjoyed its North America introduction at the LA Auto show

The Lancer Evolution was designed to be "intimidating and exciting," says Mitsubishi. And it is. With 291 HP and 300 ft-lb of torque, the 2008 Lancer Evolution came screaming onto the scene to make it's North American debut at the LA Auto Show. And the critics are raving. While extolling the virtues of the Evolution's enhanced performance, one automotive critic in attendance put it simply: "this baby is set to scoot." Get all the specs and information on the new Lancer Evolution here.

Download Lancer Evolution Specs PDF »
(http://www.mitsucars.com/media/evoinsider/2008_Lancer_Evolution_Technical_&_Mechanical%20Specs.pdf)Download Lancer Evolution Overview PDF »
(http://www.mitsucars.com/media/evoinsider/2008_Lancer_Evolution_Overview.pdf)Download Lancer Evolution At-a-Glance PDF »
(http://www.mitsucars.com/media/evoinsider/2008_Lancer_Evolution_At-A-Glance.pdf)

[jred321]

the rear facing exhaust manifold isn't going to help tuners out.

and i hate seeing a heading that is "Better Everyday Driver." might as well make it a wagon. and wtf is this crap


The MR model, in particular, features an additional 11 pounds of sound insulation in the toeboard and under the carpeting.


MR = most rotund?


i hate when enthusiast vehicles are toned down for normal consumers so they can sell more. hopefully the aftermarket lives up to the previous generations so it doesn't turn into a 3G eclipse

[evilmonkeyMSP]

lol i know all about the 3G hahahahaha

[evilmonkeyMSP]

http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/200/colorel2.jpg

[Donas64]

So many wonderful colors! I'm partial to the white and the silver!

[evilmonkeyMSP]

(werd) White...

[jred321]

can't see the pic you posted but do they have cool color names still? weightless white, blue by you, rally red, etc...?

[evilmonkeyMSP]

doesnt give the color names...I havent seen them yet.

[TinmanMS6]

White is my new favorite color on cars. I still love blue, but blues you have to see in person to really make a call on.

[evilmonkeyMSP]

lol white has been doing the same for me lately
White is my new favorite color on cars. I still love blue, but blues you have to see in person to really make a call on.

[TinmanMS6]

lol white has been doing the same for me lately

Funny, for a long time I refused to buy a white car because I thought of it as a "chick color".

[evilmonkeyMSP]

lol

[jred321]

2003 colors
<TABLE class=factbox cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Weightless White
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '000000'desc= 'Tarmac Black Pearl'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Tarmac Black Pearl
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '990015'desc= 'Rally Red'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Rally Red
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= 'a57b25'desc= 'Lightning Yellow'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Lightning Yellow
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '425059'desc= 'Blue By You'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Blue By You
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '929399'desc= 'Apex Silver Metallic'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Apex Silver Metallic
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

2004 colors
<TABLE class=factbox cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Weightless White
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '363636'desc= 'Tarmac Black Pearl'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Tarmac Black Pearl
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '990015'desc= 'Rally Red'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Rally Red
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= 'f3cb0f'desc= 'Lightning Yellow'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Lightning Yellow
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '1e5b94'desc= 'Blue By You'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Blue By You
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= 'b8bcc0'desc= 'Apex Silver Metallic'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Apex Silver Metallic
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

2005 colors
<TABLE class=factbox cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Wicked White
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '363636'desc= 'Tarmac Black Pearl'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Tarmac Black Pearl
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '990015'desc= 'Rally Red'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Rally Red
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= 'f3cb0f'desc= 'Lightning Yellow'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Lightning Yellow
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '514e4f'desc= 'Graphite Gray Pearl'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Graphite Gray Pearl
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '1e5786'desc= 'Electric Blue Metallic'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Electric Blue Metallic
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '929399'desc= 'Apex Silver Metallic'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Apex Silver Metallic
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

2006 colors
<TABLE class=factbox cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Wicked White
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '363636'desc= 'Tarmac Black Pearl'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Tarmac Black Pearl
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '990015'desc= 'Rally Red'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Rally Red
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '514e4f'desc= 'Graphite Gray Pearl'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Graphite Gray Pearl
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '1e5786'desc= 'Electric Blue Pearl'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Electric Blue Pearl
</TD></TR><!-- end: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- begin: _vehicleColorRow.jsp --><!-- paramscolorsType= 'Body'rgb= '929399'desc= 'Apex Silver Metallic'--><TR><TD align=middle width=52 height=24>http://www.cars.com/go/crp/images/swatchBody.gif </TD><TD align=left width=298>Apex Silver Metallic
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


you can see they get more lame as the years go on (i think cars.com is wrong, i think yellow was only offered in 2003, but that's beside the point). weightless white->wicked white, blue by you->electric blue, graphite gray pearl (couldn't come up with something creative?). they'll probably be even more lame and boring with the new model

as far as the blue goes i think the ones i've seen have been electric blue, same color as mine. i like it :)

[Donas64]

That why a bought a white P5. Because white is so fresh and so clean!

[redrims]

That why a bought a white P5. Because white is so fresh and so clean!

Thats because ain't nobody dope as you. You just so fresh so clean.... so fresh and so clean clean.

[Donas64]

Thats because ain't nobody dope as you. You just so fresh so clean.... so fresh and so clean clean.

right back at ya my brotha! :)

[evilmonkeyMSP]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/01/evo_450-op_21.jpg

Last month we were able to provide some speculative pricing (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/13/mitsubishi-prices-lancer-evo-x-gsr-from-34-000/) on Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution X GSR and MR, but those figures were still unconfirmed. Now it's official. You can get behind the wheel of the new Evo in GSR trim (meaning, equipped with the five-speed manual) for $32,990.

Start ticking off the option boxes and the price will head north pretty quick. The "Sight, Sound and Spoiler" package that includes HID headlamps, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate ICE, Sirius, the Evo's trademark wing and the "FAST" keyless entry system costs $2,000. Add the 30 gig hard-drive navigation system and you're out another $1,999. The optional aero kit is another $2,000 and includes front, side and rear air dams, along with a rear spoiler extension. An aluminum shift knob and emergency brake handle are even being offered for the bargain price of $399.

Mitsubishi didn't announce pricing for the range topping, dual-clutch equipped MR, but if the GSR's pricing is any indication, early reports about it cresting the $40k mark are likely on target.

PRESS RELEASE

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Pricing

CYPRESS, CA. 01/11/2008 --


Description
(Eng/Tran)
Suggested
Retail Price***
Comments


Lancer Evolution GSR - DOHC I4 MIVEC Turbo
(2.0L/5MT)
$32,990.00
5-Speed Manual

Options
Suggested
Retail Price***

Sight, Sound, and Spoiler Package
HID Headlights with Manual Leveling, 650-Watt (MAX) Rockford-Fosgate
Punch
Premium Sound System w/ 9-Speakers including 10" Subwoofer, Sirius Satellite
Radio w/ 6 Months Service Provided by Sirius from Date of Sale, 6CD/MP3
In-Dash Head Unit, Large Rear Spoiler, FAST Key Entry System
$2,000.00
OPT

Premium Paint Charge (Phantom Black)
$250.00
OPT

Accessories


Option Availability

Accessory Navigation Package
30GB HDD Navigation w/ Digital Music Server & CD/DVD Capability
* Replaces In-Dash Audio Head Unit
$1,999.00
ACY


Accessory 6-CD Audio Head Unit
In-Dash 6CD/MP3 Audio Head Unit
* Replaces In-Dash Audio Head Unit
$399.00
ACY


Accessory Aero Kit - Base GSR
Front Airdam, Side Air Dam, Rear Airdam, Brake Air Guides, Rear Lip
Spoiler
$1,999.00
ACY


Accessory Aero Kit
Front Airdam, Side Air Dam, Rear Airdam, Brake Air Guides, Rear Spoiler Extension
$1,999.00
ACY


Accessory Side Wind Deflectors
$85.00
ACY


Accessory Cargo Organizer
$40.00
ACY


Accessory Wheel Locks
$56.00
ACY


Accessory Interior Sport Package - GSR
Aluminum Shift Knob, Aluminum/Leather Emergency Brake Grip
$399.00
ACY


NOTE:
* Please refer to Dealer Coding Guide.
** Includes Dealer Holdback Allowance & Flooring Assistance.
*** Suggested Retail. Dealer is free to establish his/her own mark-ups or margins.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
Prices are established at the time of vehicle shipment
Destination/Handling, Taxes, Advertising, Promotional Fees, if any, are additional.
Features, options and other equipment are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.

[VermZ06]

You have to pay extra for the spoiler? That's lame...the Evo Spoilers are what made the old Evo so awesome looking and it came standard on all but the budget minded RS which was only around 28K. So you're basically getting an RS that's not as fast as the previous generation with a crappy sound system and power windows...sorry but for 33K I'd take a GTO with a nice Six Speed Manual, decent sound system and awesome interior...i think Mitsu really missed the mark with this one by pricing it too high with not enough to it. Talk about screwing over customers with the ridiculous option list. They want you to pay an extra $6,400 for options that should already come with the car...exept maybe the 30Gig Radio...I used to love this car...but I really think they went in the wrong direction with it...

[jred321]

for comparison the base 9 GSR came in at $31,399, or a difference of $1,600.

what sucks is not that the spoiler is an option but that it's lumped in with a $2,000 package. the sun, sound and leather package on the 8/9 added HIDs, leather seats, sunroof and upgraded sound system. all luxury type items so they go together. the spoiler just doesn't fit with those items. iirc on the original 8s in this country the spoiler was like a $400 option, then it became standard because no dealers ordered the other normal spoiler. for me i'd rather not have a spoiler at all and am hopefully getting mine removed in the spring cause it's pretty ugly

i still think they've softened it too much in order to appeal to a wider audience, which is sort of contradictory to them releasing the ralliart. i'm much more interested in the ralliart than the new evo.

[clicknext]

A $2000 nav system? I'm not familiar with regular prices for those, but it sounds kinda steep...

[jred321]

that's normal for a factory installed nav system

[Rogue]

<TABLE cellSpacing=10><TBODY><TR><TD>Road Test: Full Test
</TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top align=left>Full Test: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR
It Isn't the Fastest Evo Ever, but It Is the Best

<!-- Article Author and Date -->By <!--EdmundsBegin-->Scott Oldham, Inside Line Editor in Chief <!--EdmundsEnd--> (http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=124209/pageNumber=1#)
Date posted: 01-08-2008


<!-- End Article Author and Date --><!-- Article Video --><!-- End Article Video --><!-- Article body -->We're not sure how to say "oops" in Japanese.

Doesn't matter; we don't need to know. We just test the cars. We don't make them 250 pounds heavier. That's what Mitsubishi's engineers are for. In their efforts to make the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X stronger, more powerful and more luxurious, they made it heavier. A lot heavier. And heavier in this case means slower.

That's right, kids, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is slower than the Evo IX (http://www.edmunds.com/mitsubishi/lancerevolution/2006/index.html) it's replacing. A lot slower.

Hey, don't shoot the messenger. Channel your anger toward Hiroshi Fujii, the platform manager for the Evo in Mitsubishi's research and development department, and the man they call Dr. Evo. It was Fujii and his team that created the Evo X, the largest, most refined and most technically advanced Evo ever.

Fujii's team has packed this all-wheel-drive, turbocharged sport sedan with active differentials, a dual-clutch semiautomatic gearbox and an all-new all-aluminum engine. They've strengthened its structure, fortified its five-speed manual transmission and added active stability control. Heck, it's the first Evo with a navigation system, HID headlamps and Bluetooth. It would seem that the doctor and his nurses spent years adding everything to the car except speed.

Oops, indeed.

How Much Slower?
But the good doctor shouldn't fall on his sword just yet. Sure he has added complexity, size and weight to one of the finest performance cars ever conceived. But remember, folks, it was Fujii who engineered our beloved Evo IX. And it was Fujii's hands that crafted the Evo VIII, Evo VII and Evo VI. The man is no fool. And his new car, while not as swift as its predecessor, is no dud.

In fact, the Evo X is so good it's sure to be a sales smash. According to our Inside Line crystal ball, when the Evo X (http://www.edmunds.com/il/mitsubishi/evox/index.html) goes on sale this February, it'll quickly become the car for performance enthusiasts who can't afford a Nissan GT-R (http://www.edmunds.com/nissan/gtr/2009/review.html) and wouldn't be caught dead in the new poster child for pushrods, the Dodge Challenger (http://www.edmunds.com/dodge/challenger/2008/index.html). Regardless of what the stopwatch says, the Evo X will easily outsell the great Evo IX, which, truth be told, trickled out of Mitsubishi dealers as if it were coated in feces.

And now we're ahead of ourselves. Let's get back to the test track, where the Evo X GSR did everything right except outrun its older brother.

Here are its numbers:
0-30 mph: 1.7 seconds
0-45 mph: 3.1 seconds
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
0-75 mph: 7.2 seconds
Quarter-mile: 13.6 seconds at 101.3 mph

30-0 mph: 28 feet
60-0 mph: 112 feet

600-foot slalom: 70.7 mph
200-foot skid pad: 0.99g

Back to the Evo IX
If you're disappointed in those numbers, consider yourself hard to please. Either that or you're an Evo IX owner.

The last Evo IX we tested (http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=109126/pageNumber=1) was way back in 2006. And it was a five-speed base model just like this Evo X. It even cost the same, about $35,000.

Here are its numbers:
0-30 mph: 1.8 seconds
0-45 mph: 3.3 seconds
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
0-75 mph: 7.4 seconds
Quarter-mile: 13.3 seconds at 103 mph

30-0 mph: 28.6 feet
60-0 mph: 115.8 feet

600-foot slalom: 70.7 mph
200-foot skid pad: 0.93g

The keen will notice that the new car actually has the old one covered at the drag strip up to 75 mph. We're guessing this is due to the new car's wider, taller 18-inch tires and more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Above 75 mph, however, the excess weight of the X (our test car weighed 3,545 pounds) drags things down, and the car crosses the quarter-mile mark 0.3 second slower than the lighter 2006 model.

In the Evo tradition, launching the Evo X is tricky. Maintaining 5,200 rpm while feeding clutch and throttle worked the best, but after a couple of runs the clutch smelled like rotten eggs. Getting it wrong doesn't take much, and bogging the car off the line is always the result.

Under the Hood
The Evo X's all-new aluminum-block 1,998cc 4B11 engine weighs 28 pounds less than the beloved iron-block 4G63 and makes more peak power: 291 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 300 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. But it doesn't have the same high-rpm kick as the 4G63, and honestly we miss it.

Instead, the intercooled and turbocharged 4B11 builds boost cleanly and in a linear manner even from low engine speeds, where it has the 4G covered. It's also a much smoother engine, happy to live up around its 7,600-rpm fuel cutoff.

Although the engine's basic architecture is shared with the normally aspirated engine found in the 2008 Lancer (http://www.edmunds.com/mitsubishi/lancer/2008/index.html), the 4B11 inline-4 has been bolstered with a semi-closed deck block and a forged crank for boosted use in the Evo. The compression ratio rises slightly to 9.0:1 and MIVEC variable valve timing has been fitted to both cams, which are now chain-driven.

Mitsubishi has also strengthened the Evo's slick-shifting five-speed manual and ditched the six-speed manual used in the Evo IX MR. And the drivetrain lash we couldn't stand in the Evo IX during rapid on-off throttle transitions is not a problem in the new car. Although the Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) in the Evo X MR is a technological wonder, guys who really want to go fast will buy the GSR model with the five-speed manual.

As one Mitsubishi engineer told us: "Guys who really want to go fast will buy the GSR model with the five-speed manual; it's stronger for guys who want to modify the car and it can be launched harder so it's quicker in the quarter-mile." We're told as much as 0.3 second quicker.

AYC: Good and Bad
Those new, larger Yokohama Advan tires (the same brand worn by the Evo IX) also give the new car a slight braking advantage. And as you can see in the test numbers, they work with the Evo X's 1.2-inch-wider track, Super All-Wheel Control with Active Center Differential (ACD) all-wheel drive and its Active Yaw Control (AYC) to give the car more grip on the skid pad.

For that test, the new car's AYC is a magic bullet. On our 200-foot circle it allows the Evo X's rear end to step out slightly and stay there all the way around the pad. There's no need for steering input at all. Meanwhile, the car's front tires are pulling the sedan around at an amazing clip. The resulting 0.99g performance is nearly as good as production cars get.

Incredibly, AYC holds the car back in the slalom. It seems the system assumes the driver is initiating a corner and supplies oversteer, but it never realizes the driver wants to steer back the other way. This makes the Evo X quite a handful when it's threaded through the cones.

We would have thought the yaw control system along with the new Evo's larger tires and wider track would have given it an advantage in the slalom. But the Evo X's additional 1.2 inches of height, increased heft and the inability of the AYC system to react to quick secondary changes in direction evened things out. In the end, the Evo X only matches the speed of the Evo IX through the cones.

Although its slalom speed is a bit disappointing, real enthusiasts should be jumping for joy. We'll just tell you that the Evo X is tossable. That it wants to drift. That it likes to be driven tail-out. This all-wheel-drive car drives like a rear-wheel-drive car. Is there a bigger compliment than that?

More Good News
And that's the deal with the Evo X; it's better than its track test numbers tell the world. It still feels like an Evo, but it's a more livable Evo that can be driven and enjoyed by those of us over 30. And it's still affordable. Base price is $32,990 and our test car cost $35,615 with the Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package and destination.

No, it's not the quickest of its kind, but the aftermarket will fix that quarter-mile thing with the determination of a gunshot. Just give the guys at HKS or Vishnu Performance a few months. They'll have the new 4B11 2.0-liter cranked up like your favorite tweaker on a Saturday night. Then there will be no reason to look down upon Fujii's latest creation.

It's the right car at the right time to continue the model's tradition of affordable turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance. Evo-heads the world over better start saving up.

Sorry, Dr. Evo, no oops necessary.

The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/vdpcontainers/do/vdp/articleId=124209/pageNumber=1
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[jred321]

my grandfather will be shopping for a new car soon, i'll be sure to recommend one to him

[Rogue]

thanx for the merge. i looked for the Evo thread...guess I missed it.

[mikeyb]

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.act.f34.3.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.act.prf.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.act.r34.1.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.act.r34.2.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.f34.1.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.dsh.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.eng.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.caliper.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.tlight.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.front.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.act.f34.2.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.act.f34.1.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.act.r34.4.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.f34.2.500.jpg

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com//media/roadtests/firstdrive/2008/mitsubishi.evo.x.gsr.fq360/08.mitsubishi.evox.fq360.bdg.500.jpg

Speed Read


Vehicle Tested:
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
Price It!! (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2008/mitsubishi/lancerevolution/100978945/prices.html?tid=edmunds.il.drivesfirstarticle.spee dread..2.*)
First Impressions:
The FQ-360 hits harder than an Evo X, but this is still a different animal from the Evo IX.

<!-- (JSP_END) /InsideLine/InsideLineWeb/WebRoot/components/drives/speedread.jsp --><!-- end Speed Read --><!-- Featured Specs --><!-- (JSP_START) /InsideLine/InsideLineWeb/WebRoot/components/drives/featuredspecs.jsp -->Featured Specs


356-hp turbo inline-4
Five-speed manual transmission
Carbon-fiber aero trim
$76,000
Let the Tuning of the Evo X Begin!

The British have always had a funny attitude about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. For us, the standard car just off the boat from Japan has never quite been sufficient. Why stick with 280 horsepower when a bit of a tweak and a fettle can give you 300 hp, or even 330, 360 or 400 hp?

That's what the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-360 by HKS is about. What began as Mitsubishi's official response to the army of aftermarket tuners in Britain has developed into something approaching a corporate obsession.

Even Mitsubishi can't resist turning the Evolution X into something more outrageous, and the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-360 is the result.

Subtle It Is and It Ain't
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-360 is a special model developed by Mitsubishi's distributor in the United Kingdom. Three versions are to be offered. The FQ-300 has the standard 291-hp version of Mitsubishi's new all-aluminum, turbocharged, DOHC 2.0-liter inline-4, and there's both the standard five-speed manual gearbox and the option of the Evo X's new dual-clutch transmission. Then there's the FQ-330 with an HKS-modified engine that makes 325 hp. Finally there's the highly tuned FQ-360 with an HKS-prepared 356-hp engine.

The FQ-360 is the flagship of Mitsubishi UK's Evo X lineup, and it comes in both GS and GSR trims with a full-up price of $76,000. We're among the very first to drive one here at the Prodrive test facility in central England. And, yes, FQ stands for F****** Quick — it's an internal code that stuck.

Mitsubishi UK has dabbled with the exterior of the Evo X, but only slightly. There's a new carbon-fiber chin spoiler and a vortex generator mounted between the roof and the rear windscreen. The latter is clearly inspired by a similar rally-inspired device from the Evo IX that manages the flow of air over the rear spoiler and generates additional downforce, but you never escape the impression that its inclusion here has as much to do with the need to differentiate the FQ from its lesser brethren as it does with the minutiae of aerodynamic efficiency.

Inside the FQ-360's cabin, you'll find some posher leather on the seats, but that's about it. In truth, only the dedicated Evo-spotter will notice the difference between the FQ-360 and the Evo X. Everyone else will still see a car that's less extroverted than its predecessor, yet projects the requisite dose of aggression that will appease the Evo fanatic.

Letting Loose the Wizards at HKS
Ralliart is Mitsubishi's well-known, internal high-performance tuning company, and it has subcontracted responsibility for upgrading the FQ's 4B11 engine to HKS, equally well-known for its turbocharging expertise. "HKS is to Mitsubishi what Brabus is to Mercedes or Alpina is to BMW," says Paul Brigden, the general manager of Ralliart UK. "HKS had access to the new Evo long before anybody else from outside the company. This gave us a significant head start."

Creating the FQ-360 has been a two-stage project. The first step has been to improve the engine breathing. A racing-specification intake duct delivers more air to the revised intercooler, improving charge density, while a low-restriction catalyst and exhaust system improves things at the other end. These modifications are sufficient to add 30 hp to the stock 295-hp turbo engine (10 percent is what you generally expect with improved engine breathing), creating the FQ-330 engine.

Liberating an extra 30 horses means going to work on the fuel mixture. "We lean the mixture ahead of the spark," explains Brigden. "The turbo boost pressure has actually been reduced from 11.8 psi in the standard car to 10.3 psi in the 360." This has a negative impact on fuel consumption and exhaust emissions, but a positive effect on the power output. In combination with a software reflash, these changes create the FQ-360 engine.

The official output for the FQ-360 engine is 354 hp at 6,500 rpm, and the torque production is an even more impressive 363 pound-feet at 3,500 rpm. "An output of 360 hp is about the most that's feasible from this engine," says Brigden. "If you start targeting 380-390 hp, you need to introduce new con rods and pistons, which adds dramatically to the cost."

No Magic for the Transmission
Mitsubishi is still a bit hesitant about the ultimate capability of the Evo X's Getrag-built dual-clutch transmission, known as the SST (Sport Shift Transmission). In theory, this automated manual transmission will handle more torque than the 300 lb-ft of twist produced by the Evo X's standard engine, yet Mitsubishi is still reluctant to test its ultimate capacity before reliability and durability have been tested by the standard Evo X.

As a result, the FQ-360 comes equipped with a sturdy five-speed manual transmission. "We'd like to do an FQ-360 with an SST gearbox," Brigden says, "but we'd need to do a lot of durability testing to prove its capability." In other words, it's not happening yet, but don't rule it out.

The FQ Effect
Mitsubishi claims acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds for the FQ-360, 4.4 seconds for the FQ-330 and 4.7 seconds for the FQ-300. But this tells only half the story.

The key benefit to the HKS-modified engine for the FQ-360 is the torque increase of 63 lb-ft. Put simply, this Evo X's engine hits harder and more consistently than the stock item. When the new 4B11 spools up, you can feel that same kick in the kidneys that made the old 4G63 engine so exciting. There's also enough torque to pull the wide-ratio spread of gears in the robust five-speed gearbox. And if you enjoy the art of the heel-and-toe downshift, the sturdy shift linkage offers an added delight.

Mitsubishi has done nothing to the Evo's suspension with its inverted Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs to cope with the additional thrust. "We had to do braking and stability testing for our product liability insurance, and the extra power made no difference," reports Brigden.

Track Testing at Prodrive
We're at Prodrive's test track to drive Mitsubishi's Evo hot rod, even though this is actually the place better known for the development of Subaru's entries in the World Rally Championship.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-360 feels a lot different from the former Evo IX-based FQ-360 (or the Evo VIII-based FQ-400). Those former Evos would have been a real handful around here, as the transition from understeer to oversteer could be brutally abrupt on the limit. In contrast, the long-wheelbase Evo X must be deliberately and aggressively provoked to get out of shape. Plant the throttle through a tight corner — even with the stability control turned off — and the magic differentials go to work, so there's just balanced, steady-state cornering.

This is all hugely impressive, yet it's still easy to miss the Evo IX's animalistic charm, which called for some real driving skill.

The BMW Question
Mitsubishi Cars UK is in a nice position. Since it's officially just a distributor, the company has greater freedom to tinker with the product that goes on the showroom floors. As a result, the U.K. is the only country in Europe that presently includes the impressive Mitsubishi i city car in its model mix. And this also is the reason why the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-360 is possible.

You might argue that the FQ-360's $16,000 premium over the FQ-300 is a huge sum to pay for 60 ponies more and some carbon-fiber bits. But Britain's Evo enthusiasts have never been price sensitive, which is why Mitsubishi continues to go to such lengths to satiate their thirst for power. For these buyers, the new FQ-360 will be a welcome addition to the new range of Evo Xs.

Yet in reaching out for a broader spectrum of buyers, Mitsubishi must be careful not to lose touch with its core of enthusiasts. If you want something fast and sensible in the U.K., then the BMW 335i does the job with greater aplomb for less money. Maybe what the FQ-360 really needs is some of the brutal magic of the old Evo IX.

- Insideline