Mitsubishi EVO X Group N rally car gets dirty for the first time

John Neff — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:57:00 EST

click above image for more high-res pics

It's fitting that on the day Subaru reveals its WRX STI Group N rally car we come across news of the Mitsubishi EVO X Group N rally car kicking up mud for the first time. You'll recall we told you that the EVO X had been chosen as the course car for the Japanese round of the FIA World Rally Championship, so while the car you see here was getting dirty, it was not in competition with any other vehicles. The job of the course car is to run the rally course before the race to check conditions. We're certain the drivers here were totally paying attention to track conditions the whole time. Rather, it looks like they were thoroughly enjoying the experience of lifting up the EVO X's skirt and getting it a little dirty. By the way, that light rig on the hood should be a factory option.

Thanks for the tip, maestro1!

[Source: Mitsubishi via Paxtech]

Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution WRX course car

Mitsubishi EVO X Group N rally car gets dirty for the first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X chosen as course car for Rally Japan

John Neff — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Japan, Mitsubishi

click above image to enlarge

Mitsubishi has announced that it's brand new Lancer Evolution X will be used as the course car for the upcoming Japanese round of the FIA World Rally Championship to be held later this month. A course car is the vehicle that runs the rally course before the race to check track conditions. While a standard EVO X could probably do it, Mitsubishi has outfitted this car to the WRC's Group N specifications. An integrated roll bar has been added, and Ralliart has added special components including a new constant-mesh close ration gear-box, better brakes, and hardier drivetrain and running gear pieces. No word was given on how the suspension was modified, but it certainly looks beefed up. The car is riding high on a set of knobbier tires with mud flaps to keep the debris from scratching the paint. We wish them luck with that. We can also see pins to secure the hood in place and an air scoop on the roof for funneling fresh air into the cabin. Wish as we might, Mitsubishi is not likely to offer a version of the production car that can do what the course car can, but its presence at the Japan Rally will be the first time the new EVO X hits the dirt in public, which should give many an indication of how well it will perform in competition.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X chosen as course car for Rally Japan

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X chosen as course car for Rally Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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