First Look: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The next big global auto show will take place in Japan, and one of the biggest introductions there will be the next Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, known as the Evo. The last-generation Evo was made famous in video games and movies like “The Fast and the Furious,” but for those who drove it, the race-ready speed and handling — and a roughly $30,000 price tag, like that of the Subaru WRX STi — was hard to put down. Now Mitsubishi is showing off the next generation: the Lancer Evolution X based on the all-new Lancer platform that debuted last year.

Mitsubishi has released images of the Japanese market’s GSR and one shot of the interior of the U.S.-bound Lancer MR. Unfortunately, Mitsubishi hasn’t released any information officially. Luckily, Car and Driver’s November issue has hit some newsstands with a complete test drive, which of course has been scanned and distributed all over the internet.

The article states that both the Japanese base-level GSR and upper-level MR are rated at 295 hp with 300 pounds-feet of torque. More interesting to us is an all-new dual-clutch sequential gearbox for the MR. That’ll cost a bit more than the five-speed manual in the GSR, which should have a starting price around $30,000. There will be a new all-wheel-drive system with a perfect power split of 50/50 to the front and rear wheels, but up to 80% can be sent to either the front or rear wheels, which is impressive. The new Evolution was a tick slower to 60 mph — it makes it in 5.0 seconds — than the last generation, but the new car should have better grip and handling. We’ll keep an eye out for more information on the U.S.-bound model as we approach the auto show season. For now, check out the few more images we have below.

Related
First Look: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (KickingTires)
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Expert Review (Cars.com)

Comments

The last generations styling was more aggressive, this one looks to much like a BMW or some kind of Lexus. That dosent mean i wouldnt own one if i was given the chance, but id rather have an Evo 9.

[Dave T.]

I think this is one you need to see in person. I think it looks aggressive in the GTS trim level.

[Jay]

If they could only engineer the Galant the same way...

[J]

Okay, The Subie looks plain, but the Evo looks ugly...No choice at all.

[Allen]

Great! Another car that will put GM farther down the path to doom.

[rangerxlt]

Allen,

This vehicle poses no threat at all to GM.

[J]

rangerxlt,

"This vehicle poses no threat at all to GM."

That's right! Because GM doesn't not have anything in that WRC lovers' market.

[Spanky]

Since there's really only 2 cars in this segment (High performance 300hp 4 banger w/awd) your mind is made up with regards to taste. If you like hatches...the STI is the car...if you want a 4dr sedan....it's the EVO. Come on...this isn't an ugly car (compare to Pontiac Aztec).

[Ben Levy]

I'm a little disappointed by the standard still being a 5-speed. I hope this car covers the quality concerns I heard about with the old ones. I'm still expecting a surprise with the power of the US-spec car.

[a-man]

better a 5-speed than an auto, or one of those DSG automated manual crap. if you want a manual, it needs 3 on the floor and a stick in your hand. otherwise, it's an automatic or PlayStation manual, and a lot of them end up shifting early anyways.

there are no mitsubishi lancer evolution 9

[john]

..... it's a Mazda Protege with an Integra wing and NFSU 2 front bumper....

i want one!!

i mean i really really want one and i think im going to get one tomorrow...