Autoblog

Mitsubishi EVO gains sportier sounding exhaust, new equipment for 2011

Zach Bowman — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR - Click above for high-res image gallery

Mitsubishi has modestly warmed over its already hot Lancer Evolution for 2011. For the new model year, buyers can look forward to a host of styling and tech treats. As in the past, the rally heathen will be available in both GSR and MR trims, but the Japanese automaker is throwing in the company's new FUSE system for handling calls via Bluetooth and integrating music players. Even better, those gadgets should be controllable by voice command. In addition, the Lancer Evolution will now ship with a real-time traffic system when equipped with navigation. But let's be honest, no one is buying the Evolution for the infotainment.

Fortunately, Mitsubishi has also thrown in a few other changes for 2011, including a re-tuned exhaust system. The company isn't saying whether or not the new pipes add any horsepower to the equation, but the press release does indicate that the car now has a more throaty bark. In addition, Mitsu has effected some subtle aero tweaks. In shoutier GSR trim, that continues to mean one very large, very high-profile wing (now with slightly tweaked uprights), while MR continues to make use of a more subtle lip spoiler. Hit the jump for the press release and check out the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Mitsubishi EVO gains sportier sounding exhaust, new equipment for 2011

Mitsubishi EVO gains sportier sounding exhaust, new equipment for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE melds the best bits of the GSR and MR

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:18:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mitsubishi

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you're hankering for a dual-clutch equipped Mitusbishi Lancer Evolution X, but can't manage to shell out the $40,000 or so for the top-of-the-line MR, Mitsubishi will begin offering the next best thing later this year.

The Evo X SE packs the same TC-SST transmission as its 335i-challenging sibling, complete with three driving modes - Normal, Sport and Super-Sport - channeling all 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque to its S-AWC all-wheel drive system.

On the outside, it's a predictable blend of GSR and MR kit, including a GSR front fascia and black vents, along with an MR rear diffuser and upgraded Bilstein shocks. Inside, cloth Recaros come standard - our preferred choice compared to the MR's leather-lined thrones.

Pricing won't be announced until next month, but expect the SE to carry a sticker of around $35,800 - undercutting the standard MR by around $3,000 and a little less than a $2,000 premium over a comparable GSR.

Gallery: 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SE melds the best bits of the GSR and MR originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 16:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X

Chris Paukert — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Mitsubishi, UK

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Yesterday, we showed you Fifth Gear's take on the new Audi R8 V10 - notable more for their footage of the gorgeous blue test car than for much in the way of actual performance driving and analysis. In an effort to correct that oversight, we've found you another clip of the UK television show that features not just one enthusiast car - but two cars, Ford's stonking new Focus RS and the Mitsubishi Evolution X. Better still, the fearsome twosome tangle on the track in a pair of tests with hot shoes Tiff Needell and BTCC champion Jason Plato at the wheel.

It's a scrap as the touring car scion takes on the rally-bred hero, so check out the front-drive versus all-wheel-drive pocket rocket madness after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Ford Focus RS (green)

[Source: Fifth Gear via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X

VIDEO: Fifth Gear pits Ford Focus RS vs. Mitsubishi Evo X originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi Evo X Group N rally car by MML Sports

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Mitsubishi

MML Sports Mitsubishi Evolution X Group N - Click above for an image gallery

Automakers are cutting motorsports spending to weather the economic downturn, leaving privateers and independent teams to take the reigns at the upper echelon of racing. UK-based MML Sports is one such shop that's ready to take on the Production class during the 2009 World Rally Championship (WRC) season.

Based on the Mitsubishi Evolution X RS, MML's Group N-spec Evo features a custom roll-cage and fuel tank, along with BOS dampers, upgraded springs and modified gearing. Per Group N rules, the suspension geometry and engine must remain stock, however a MOTEC ECU has been employed to eek out every last bit of performance from the turbocharged 4B11 four-cylinder, along with controlling the center differential.

Check out MML's site for all the details and get an eye-full of the build-up and completed car in the gallery below.

Gallery: MML Sports Group N Mitsubishi Evolution X Rally Car

Mitsubishi Evo X Group N rally car by MML Sports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

UPDATE: Production of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X skipped for 2009 in U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:25:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Plants/Manufacturing, Mitsubishi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Evolution X

Mitsubishi has put production of the Lancer Evolution X on hold, saying there's enough inventory to make it through the end of the year when the 2010 model is released. Mitsubishi spokesperson Christine Jew told KickingTires that no changes were planned for the 2009 model, but the 2010 variant would benefit from a few minor revisions. Inventory tracking through Cars.com confirms that there are plenty of Evos available (887 2008 models, to be specific), but that doesn't mean the new Evo X is a flop; sales of Mitsu's rally rocket were up over 50% in 2008.

UPDATE: We spoke with Christine from Mitsubishi about Evo production, and it's hardly a "halt." The 2009 Evo will continue to be produced for Canada and Puerto Rico, so Mitsubishi is only skipping the U.S. market for the 2009 model year. As some of you pointed out, this is primarily due to the late launch the Evo received last year. The 2010 model will go on sale this summer and will feature some "minor," undisclosed tweaks.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

[Source: KickingTires]

UPDATE: Production of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X skipped for 2009 in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

South Yorkshire police enlist Mitsubishi Evo X in the force

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:59:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Mitsubishi, Police/Emergency, UK

Click above for high-res image gallery of the Police Evo X

The South Yorkshire police just added a ten to their squad. No, that's not a sexist statement about some new hire, it's a reference to the new Mitsubishi Evolution X they just added to the fleet. Joining an already-intimidating Evo VIII and IX in the motorpool is a specially equipped X that should help keep the Road Crime Unit (RCU) ahead of the baddies. The Evo X should be more than adequate for tracking down drug dealers and car thieves by itself, but deployed as a pack, the trio of Evos will probably scare scofflaws into simply giving up the chase.

The new Evolution X squad car will also be fitted with an onboard Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system, which allows officers to "check who the vehicle is registered to and if there is anything remotely suspicious about the vehicle." So it even does a bit of detective work, too. This sounds like just about the perfect pursuit and apprehend vehicle. While it's no Lamborghini LP560-4, it's no i MIEV either. Looks a bit like that Carbon Motors E7, but it's a proven platform with SUPER ARREST POTENTIAL! There's a full press release after the jump and a small gallery of high-res pics available below.

Gallery: South Yorkshire Police Evolution X

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading South Yorkshire police enlist Mitsubishi Evo X in the force

South Yorkshire police enlist Mitsubishi Evo X in the force originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Ready-to-race Mitsubishi Evolution X, one-make series planned

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Mitsubishi, UK

Click above for a high-res image

This weekend, Mitsubishi will return to the circuit with a race-prepped Evolution X competing in the 24-hour Britcar Championship and piloted by former BTCC ace James Kaye, along with two other unnamed drivers. The Evo has been given its competition work-over with the help of ADR Motorsport, the same firm that currently campaigns two works Mitsubishis in the British Rally Championship. A number of undisclosed tweaks have pumped up the 4B11T/C, delivering around 400 hp to the Evo's all-wheel-drive system.

If the ADR Evo meets expectations, Mitsubishi would consider making a dedicated Evo X series. According to Paul Brigden, General Manager for Ralliart, "Mitsubishi UK has not been involved with circuit racing for many years, so this new initiative is a great opportunity for us."

Racing will get underway on Saturday, and Kaye plans to compete in the full 2009 Britcar Championship, along with a handful of other endurance races throughout the year. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X MR

Continue reading Ready-to-race Mitsubishi Evolution X, one-make series planned

Ready-to-race Mitsubishi Evolution X, one-make series planned originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi Evo X

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Mitsubishi

Click for a hi-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Evo X

Some cars look bad-ass, while others have a bad-ass image. The latest Mitsubishi Evo ticks both boxes, and ticks them off with a big X. Despite being based on the run-of-the-mill, work-a-day Lancer sedan, the Evo X has all the attitude you could ask from a performance icon, with the actual performance to back it up.

With the Evolution X now upon us, Mitsubishi has released no fewer than 35 new jumbo images of the beast, which we've added to our ever-growing high-resolution gallery for a total of 89 images to thrash your desktop into submission. Check out what happens when the Evo comes to town by clicking the thumbnails below.

Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi Evo X originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Tokyo Auto Salon: Mitsubishi Evolution X gets tuner love in Japan

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Mitsubishi, Tokyo Auto Salon

Click the image above for more shots of Tokyo Auto Salon's assortment of Evos.

There were three main show pieces gracing the halls of the Makuhari Messe over the last few days: the GT-R, the new Subaru Impreza STI and Mitsubishi's Evolution X. Autoblog Chinese snapped off a random assortment of pictures showing several different interpretations of the Evo X from a variety of tuners.

From what we can see, some of the aftermarket firms weren't able to get parts fabbed up before the show, but several of the companies featured revised suspensions, strut tower braces, new intake and exhaust components and a few other choice bits. We're sure next year's Tokyo Auto Salon will be far more important to the aftermarket and its customers.

In the meantime, we were able to find out that ARC brought a modified Evo X to the show fitted with a new intercooler, a complete coilover suspension and upgrade brakes. The team of HKS and Camp featured an Evo with an exposed carbon fiber splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser, but, more impressively, Camp integrated its new Computerized Automobile Multi Player, which acts similar to the GT-R's dash-mounted screen that displays a variety of engine parameters in lieu of a row of analog gauges.

Finally, Team Orange's D1 Evo X was on the show floor and at a Mitsubishi Ralliart shindig. The team's all-wheel-drive drifter came sporting a full carbon fiber body kit and wing, a new set of Enkeis and Lord knows what else.

Check the gallery below for more live shots from the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Evolution X at the Tokyo Auto Salon

Tokyo Auto Salon: Mitsubishi Evolution X gets tuner love in Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

John Neff — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:35:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Japan, Mitsubishi

click either image to view complete high-res gallery

Though print mags bearing the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X as their cover car have already hit newsstands, the car isn't really official until Mitsubishi says it's official. As of early in the AM on Monday, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is official, complete with a dandy new press release and pics of the JDM version. There's tons more info about the new Evo X in the press release after the jump that the print mags didn't have space to cover, so make sure to read through it.

The trims Mitsubishi specifically announced were the GSR, which is the standard Evo X now, and the RS model. The stripper RS model has always been a favorite of ours, especially with the giant rear wing deleted and all those foo-foo features like a radio and power whatever tossed to save weight.

While the old car's 4G63 engine was legendary, the new car's 4B11 mill is lighter thanks to an aluminum block and more powerful at 295 HP and 300 ft-lbs. of torque. We're also especially excited about the new Twin-Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual (think DSG from Audi), though those that prefer a proper snick can still order a 5-speed manual, which is the only option on the RS.

Pricing has been set at ¥3,495,450 ($30,473 USD) for the GSR 5MT, ¥3,750,600 ($32,697 USD) for the GSR with the Twin-Clutch SST 6-speed and ¥2,997,750 ($26,134 USD) for the RS. Enough talking, read on and view the new pics below.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Officially Official: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Officially Official: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 01:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi EVO X official brochure supposedly leaked

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi

Click either image for a full gallery of the brochure.

A member of the Lancer Register forum apparently scanned a 14-page brochure revealing a host of details about the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The only rub: it's in Japanese.

Although our Kanji decoder ring is in our other pair of pants, the pictures that accompany the text show a revised exterior that tones down the styling concepts that we've seen in the past. Gone are the LED headlights and integrated fog lamps, while new side vents and mirrors will be fitted to the production GSR model that makes its debut in Japan this October.

On the inside, we see a much more production-ready interior, complete with paddle shifters that control the dual-clutch gearbox, along with a revised instrument cluster with an integrated LCD displaying all manner of pertinent information.

Far easier to decipher are the power figures, which reveal that the new 4B11T engine produces 206 kw (or 276HP) at 6,500 RPM and 311 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,500 RPM. The dyno chart on the right shows the torque curve getting upwardly mobile around 2,000 RPM and then plateauing until 4,100 RPM before the power band smoothly drops off.

We expect the official horsepower figures to crest the 300 mark when the Evo makes it Stateside next year, but we'll wait for official confirmation when we're on hand in Tokyo less than two months from now.

[Source: Lancer Register via Motor Authority]

Gallery: Leaked Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X brochure

Mitsubishi EVO X official brochure supposedly leaked originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mitsubishi unveils "design study" shots of the production Evo X

Alex Nunez — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:22:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Japan, Mitsubishi

Click image for high-res gallery of the new Lancer Evolution X design study

The press release Mitsubishi released today is ostensibly about the new naming scheme for the JDM Lancer, details of which can be found in paragraph 2 below. Of far greater importance, however, is the fact that the photos included with the release reveal the closest look yet at a production Evo X. They're officially described as a "design study," but we probably expect this to be a near-100% representation of the production car's appearance. There are differences between it and the Prototype X that was shown in Detroit earlier this year. These include a new grille, foglights, different mirrors, more detailed taillamps, slightly different headlamps (note the amber indicators), and new wheels. The hood from the Prototype X is carried over, as is the vent aft of the front wheel well. Like the show car, the production design study sports Brembos with red-painted calipers. Keep in mind that nothing is officially official until Mitsubishi pulls the wraps off the final production car. This is as close as we'll get until that happens, and we think it looks excellent. You can compare the Prototype X to the Lancer Evolution X via the galleries below. Now, on to the naming scheme.

In Japan, the redesigned Mitsubishi Lancer has been renamed Galant Fortis. We're sure Mitsubishi has a reason for this other than the fact that Fortis in Latin means "strong, steadfast and courageous," but they don't spell one out in their press release. The release also contains news that the highly-anticipated Lancer Evolution X will indeed be called -- wait for it -- the Lancer Evolution X when it arrives in Japan. (In Europe and the US, it'll be called the Lancer Evolution.) There's also word that in Europe, a 5-door Lancer will bow in September.

So, to summarize: In Japan, it looks like the Lancer nameplate has been reserved solely for the go-fast rally-style road carver. Fine by us (like it matters) -- and just for clarification, in the US, the Lancer is still called the Lancer. The Galant name is reserved for that big sedan with the funny-looking steering wheel.

PR after the jump.

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X - Design Study

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype X

Gallery: Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (JDM)

Continue reading Mitsubishi unveils "design study" shots of the production Evo X

Mitsubishi unveils "design study" shots of the production Evo X originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

EVO X to get double-clutch gearbox

John Neff — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mitsubishi

Soon Volkswagen won't be the only automaker with a dual-clutch transmission on the market. Word from British auto mag CAR is that Mitsubishi will fit its upcoming EVO X super sedan with a similar six-speed transmission that employs two clutches. The transmission simultaneously allows one clutch to engage and another to disengage making for faster and smoother shifts than normal sequential gear boxes. VW's Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) has been on the market since 2002 and some believed the automaker would hold a monopoly on this type of transmission for some time since it developed the technology completely in-house. Any rival gearbox will probably run the risk of stepping on a few of VW patents, but CAR reports that Mitsubishi likely tapped an outside supplier to develop its version. Mitsubishi's six-speed dual-clutch transmission will also need to be one beefy piece of hardware in order to handle the supposed 300+ horsepower the EVO X is expected to generate. A traditional six-speed transmission will also be offered with the car for traditionalists.

[Source: CAR]

EVO X to get double-clutch gearbox originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Aug 2006 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments