Apparently a visit to Mitsubishi's European R&D studio will score you a view of this rally-prepped Concept-X model. Despite the "No Photos" signs lying next to the scaled-down concept (see pics after jump), someone felt the itch to shoot and did just that. It's widely known that the Concept-X previews the styling of the forthcoming Evo X, and this Rally Edition model previews what the Evo X may look like when it's rocking the WRC.
(More pics after the jump)
Thanks for Evo tip, Jim!
[Source: evolutionm.net]
Early Look: £1million Aston Martin One-77
Andrea Pininfarina killed in motorcycle accident
BMW owner tapes black car to white
Nissan confirms G37 Sedan, G37 Convertible and G37x Coupe
2009 Honda Ridgeline introduced early to internet
First Drive: HUMMER H3T
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy![In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2008/08/amg-s63-1280-11_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG [w/VIDEO]
Project Track Slut Update: Prepping for the big 
Second Drive: Porsche Boxster RS60 Spyder
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jeff Banks @ Aug 3rd 2006 12:29AM
PUT IT INTO PRODUCTION!
Just kidding, this thing looks awful. Reminds me of a some sort of fish with a big mouth.
AMcA @ Aug 3rd 2006 12:39AM
Wrong. It's infinitely cool.
Others will attempt to copy, and just wind up looking lame.
Noah @ Aug 3rd 2006 1:06AM
There is no way a production version would look that cool.
There are certain DOT requirements that that won't meet without changing details
The appeal is in the details
details are expensive
everything Mitsubishi makes ends up look about 60% as good as the concept did and losing 40% is a lot
Audi called and they want their front grille back
--Noah
retsel @ Aug 3rd 2006 1:18AM
mother of god...
i just left my girl friend...
Ted K @ Aug 3rd 2006 1:23AM
MY EYES
That's the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life. It even tops the 2nd gen Slowara.
rda52 @ Aug 3rd 2006 1:32AM
i like it but just after the spoiler and roof scoop are removed
Rémi @ Aug 3rd 2006 1:36AM
Subaru, it's almost the fifth time I tell you... Build the P2!
Mitsufan @ Aug 3rd 2006 1:47AM
ROCK!
Honestly, this is a little too hardcore for me. But the lines are great and it gives you a good idea what the stock Lancer is going to look like. Tone it down, darken the color scheme, and it will be sweet!
anthony Chan @ Aug 3rd 2006 2:04AM
They couldn't have made the front uglier if they wanted to.
joshj @ Aug 3rd 2006 2:16AM
looks like it will eat small children at stoplights!
AWESOME!
Chris @ Aug 3rd 2006 2:42AM
rda52, it's a WRC prototype kinda thing. All WRC cars have a big rear wing and at least one roof scoop, it's 100% functional not just aesthetics like the spoilers on American muscle cars. This isn't what you will be able to buy in a showroom, it's made just to tear up the snow of Sweden and deserts of Mexico.
Tired_Watcher @ Aug 3rd 2006 2:49AM
Hmm seems like the Peugeot and Evo can fight for the biggest mouth in rally.
Jay @ Aug 3rd 2006 2:53AM
My only gripe (and it is a very minor one) is that the front end and sides are very chiseled and muscular, and the rear end is very smooth with flush detailing. Doesn't really jive well together....the rear needs some work.
But still... m/ (-.-) m/
scott @ Aug 3rd 2006 3:07AM
Nice to see the first fruits of that Mitsubishi/Dust Devil merger being released for the public...
Cleans your carpets FAST!
south @ Aug 3rd 2006 3:43AM
no, no photos please... until we can make that front end look less like a steam train...
sanjay @ Aug 3rd 2006 4:04AM
Non of the previous Lancer EVO's have been intended to be beautiful, or have ever ben intended to appeal to a wide audience. They are designed to look like a WRC aesthetic which has a bias to a performance-led look, pretty styling just isn't relevant. Its not completely to my taste, its so overstyled it actually is starting to look kind of camp (like all pickups's look like they belong on the set for a Village People video), however it perfect for its target market.
Tri-Bob @ Aug 3rd 2006 8:32AM
Infiniti just called, they want the G35 rear end back, but you can keep the wing. It looks good, but I'd bet when it finally gets made, it will look nothing like this.
ZipperSeven @ Aug 3rd 2006 8:48AM
Jay (no. 11) -
It's possible that the effect you describe (chiseled up front, smooth in the back) is an aero effect done for rally performance and less for looks. It makes sense that the front is going to be very wide and guppy (and perforated with vents) to allow air into the hot engine and equipment compartments, which the rear is slick to channel air through the wing and the lower diffuser (to improve handling and stability.) I'm kinda leaning towards this explanation because the original Evo X concept didn't seem to have this concise a rear end.
DJA @ Aug 3rd 2006 8:59AM
Wow, they make really nice models...
Looks like Mitsu is going back to designing cars that look distinctive instead of copying from the other Japanese brands. I like it.
BREW730... @ Aug 3rd 2006 9:34AM
One thing I do know about Evo's is that all the vents and spoilers are not cosmetic. They are all functional and serve a purpose. Can you imagine looking in your rear view mirror and seeing that menacing grill? I dig it alot...