Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X launched in Japan

The highly anticipated Lancer EVO x (10) is now for sale in Japan. Its bigger and a little softer, but should still be a whole lot of fun. I am really psyched about driving this. I am eager to pair it up against the new STI.

“The development goal for the new Lancer Evolution X was to make the car as fast as possible, while also making it as safe to drive as possible. To that end Lancer Evolution X is loaded with the very latest in automotive engineering technology, including the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system and the newly developed, power-efficient Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission).”

The new EVO will have a 2.0L turbo-charged engine with 311 ft-lbs of torque at 3500 rpm. Mitsubishi claims that the new EVO X has “more power over the full rev range,” and that it “has better response than its 4G63 predecessor.”

We’ll see, but it should be a fun ride.

Lancer EVO IX. A bit smaller and a bit boxier. I really like the look of the new one.

Allen:

Why am I posting down here?  Well, I’m a little fonder of the EVO IX in appearance (unlike Austin).  My opinion might change once given the opportunity to compare the two side by side.  Don’t get me wrong, there are better things about the EVO X that I do like.  For instance, a better engine and turbo combination, safety and handling but the looks are not one of them.

I like some of the styling in the EVO X (pretty much the grill) but it is soft like Austin said.   It is bigger, rounder and, well, less mean looking.  I know Mitsubishi has put time, money, and engineering into the EVO X but I feel that they stepped away from very core of the past generations of the EVO.  It is an enthusiast car.  It should have big hood scoops, a huge spoiler and be mean looking.  I understand that you broaden the market if you make the car less aggressive in appearance but shouldn’t that be for a mid-range model like the rumored Lancer Ralliart?  Until I get in the driver seat of the EVO X my vote stay with its awesome predecessor.

(images ©Mitsubishi Motor Company)