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
click above for more high-res pics of the Mitsubishi Evolution X
Last month we were able to provide some speculative pricing 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.
All the details are available in the press release after the jump.
Best Motoring's Tsukuba shootouts regularly put all the others to shame. Sure, they might lack some of the high-dollar production quality of other motoring shows, but they make up for it with mesmerizing track sessions and entertaining commentary. Case in point, in the recent edition of the Japanese-language video series, they've pitted the new Subaru Impreza WRX STI against the Mitsubishi Evolution X with the five-speed gearbox. But to make it even more interesting, they included the SST-equipped version of the Evo X, an Evo IX MR GSR and the last generation WRX STI. The video shows where each vehicle excels and falters, with a few choice gems coming from the drivers like, "Ohhhh, undudasteero!" and "sido-by-sido."
It's been generally accepted that the sales success of the first generation Subaru Impreza WRX caused Mitsubishi to rethink its policy of keeping the Evo off U.S.-bound boats. The Evolution's introduction in the States was quickly followed by the STI's, and all was right in the AWD performance segment. Not quite. Mitsubishi needs a direct competitor to the base WRX and as we've seenalready, the Ralliart moniker is coming back, and it won't be limited to a couple of stickers and 15-inch O.Z. wheels.
Some European journalists were assembled by Mitsubishi this week (likely an Evo X ride and drive) and it was revealed that a five-door version of the Lancer would be made available abroad sporting a 260 hp engine and the Evolution IX's all-wheel-drive system. If this is the same setup as the Ralliart Lancer we'll be getting in the U.S., that pegs the 2008 Subaru WRX with a 36 hp deficiency, not to mention the wizardry of the last generation Evo AWD system.
Also noted in the article were three different versions of the Evolution X that our friends across the pond will get in the coming years, with models creating 295 hp, 330 hp and 360 hp. No surprise, since they've been blessed with a number of FQ-models over the course of the Evo's lifespan.
When the dust settles at the Los Angeles auto show next month, at least 14 world debuts will have taken place, along with 30 North America unveilings. Amidst the premiers, expect to see a concept version of Hyundai's new RWD sports car (also to be shown in London), along with Nissan's restyled Murano CUV.
Click the image above for more shots of Mitsubishi's Evolution X.
We're counting down the days before our departure to Japan for the Tokyo Motor Show, and as we mark each passing date with a red "X" it takes on a special meaning.
Car and Driver's initial review of the Mitsubishi Evolution X has already given us some of the specs, including the new blown two-liter's rating of 295 HP and 300 lb.-ft. of torque in GSR and MR guise. Now, Mitsubishi has released three images showing the JDM-spec Evo's exterior, and one pic that reveals what U.S. buyers can expect to enjoy while sitting in the new Evo MR's cockpit.
Our Nipponese friends from Nihon Car just attended the imaginatively named "Motor Sport Japan 2007" event and came across the new Mitsubishi Evolution X sporting some Ralliart duds. Although they weren't able to pry any details from the tight-lipped Mitsubishi PR flacks, they were able to run around the car with a video camera and compiled the snippets into a brief montage.
Aside from the Ralliart graphics, the silver Evo appears to have gotten a set of 18-inch black rollers, what may be a different rear aerofoil and black wing mirrors. How much of this is destined for the show stand in Tokyo next month is open for debate, but it looks damn close to production trim to us.