All About Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Tenth Generation

Production	October 2007–2013
Platform	CZ4A
Transmission	6-speed twin-clutch transmission 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,650 mm (104 in)
Length	4,495 mm (177.0 in)
Width	1,810 mm (71 in)
Height	1,480 mm (58 in)
Curb weight	1,420–1,600 kg (3,131–3,527 lb)

 

In 2005, Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen Evolution at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Concept-X,^[16]designed by Omer Halilhodžić at the company's European design centre.^[17]

Mitsubishi unveiled a second concept car, the Prototype-X, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).^[18]

The Lancer Evolution X sedan features a newly designed 4B11T 2.0L (1998cc) turbocharged, all-aluminium inline-4 GEMA engine. Power and torque depend on the market but all versions will have at least 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). (JDM version), the American market version will have slightly more. The UK models will be reworked by Mitsubishi UK, in accordance with previous MR Evolutions bearing the FQ badge. Options for the UK Evolutions are expected to be between 300 hp (220 kW) and 360 hp (270 kW).

Two versions of the car will be offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which will have a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car also has a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations.^[19] The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amount of torque to any wheel at any given time.

It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. It has replaced the Tiptronic automatic transmission, hence the SST version replaced the GT-A version (which was used in Evolution VII and Evolution IX Wagon). A five speed manual gearbox will also be available. Mitsubishi claims that the five speedmanual transmission has always been preferred in rallying and should be very refined, resulting in a more satisfying drive.^[20] New Lancer Evolution will incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body.

The Evolution X went on sale October 1, 2007 in Japan,^[21] January 2008 in the USA,^[22] February in Canada (as the first version of Evolution in Canada)^[23] and in March 2008 in the UK.^[24] The Twin Clutch SST version was available in Japan from November 2007.^[25]Europe will follow with sales in May, GSR and MR version included premium Package.

The introduction of the 2010 MR-Touring moved the car even further upscale. Leather and a Moonroof became standard while revising the rear spoiler to just a lip spoiler.

[edit]Japanese models

The engine is the 4B11-type 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo engine. The Evolution X can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. Aluminum is used in the roof panel, front fenders and the rear spoiler frame structure.^[26] The launch model's engine was rated at 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) @ 6500 rpm and 422 N·m (311 lb·ft) @ 3500 rpm. Following the repeal of the 276 horsepower Gentleman's Agreement in Japan,^[27] engine power was raised to 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) @ 6500 rpm beginning in 2009 model year.

• RS – 5 speed manual transmission. 16-inch wheels.
• GSR – Standard rear spoiler. 5-speed manual or 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission (magnesium paddle shifters on SST model). 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN A13C tire on Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels or optional BBS lightweight alloy wheels. Brembo ventilated disc brakes. Standard S-AWC 4WD system. Driver and front passenger dual-stage airbag. Standard Engine immobilizer with security alarm. Optional Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7 in (180 mm) LCD screen. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. Optional keyless remote entry.

GSR can be fitted with following packages:

• High Performance Package – Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs, brembo 2-piece disc brakes, high performance tires with stiffer walls and better grip.
• Stylish Exterior Package – Chrome finish for the front grille lattice and beltline molding, body color-keyed fender vents, adds fog lamps.
• Leather Combination Interior – The seats match the color of the exterior.
• Premium Package – All 3 above packages plus 18 in (457 mm) BBS lightweight alloy wheels.
• GSR-Premium – Replacement of Premium Package beginning with 2009 model year, but added MMCS and Rockford Fosgate premium audio.
• GSR Tuned by RALLIART – The Ralliart version was launched again in 2007, this limited edition for Lancer Evolution X is exclusively tuned by Mitsubishi Ralliart Japan equipped with 5 speed manual transmission, Ralliart RA04 Wheels 18 inch forged 1-piece black aluminum sport wheels paired with Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 tires. Aerodynamic parts include a newly designed carbon fiber front underspoiler, hood air dam, and front bumper air intake duct, and the intake and exhaust system has been tuned to get the best out of the engine. The interior is fitted with a motor sport shell-type full bucket seat jointly developed with Recaro. Official Ralliart livery was included in the packege together with Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7 in (180 mm) LCD screen. Its highly tuned 4B11T engine has maximum power output of 224 KW (300 bhp/ 304 ps) or more.^[28]

[edit]North American models

Engine produces 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) @ 6500 rpm and 407 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 4400 rpm.

• GSR – Same as base Japanese GSR with small spoiler. (available only with manual 5 speed)
• MR – 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Color-keyed large rear spoiler. Leather and sueded seating. Electronic keyless entry and starting system. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface system with voice recognition.
• MR Premium – MR with a Rockford Fosgate Navigation/Stereo with 9 speakers.^[29]
• MR Touring – (2010) Major differences from the MR are the rear-lip spoiler, heated full-leather seats, upgraded interior trim, and a power-sunroof on a steel roof.
• SE – (late 2010–11) Is a combination of all three 2010 models; some key features are the GSR front grill and interior, MR rear diffusers, 6-speed TC-SST transmission, Eibach springs and Bilstein struts, MR touring rear-lip spoiler, and heated seats. Only 340 were produced in the United States. A special key fob with the series number and a letter of acknowledgement from Shin Kurihara were given to the purchaser of this trim.

Option packages:

• (GSR only) Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package – Xenon HID headlamps with manual leveling; large rear spoiler (starting in 2011, the large rear spoiler is standard in all models); FAST-Key electronic entry and starting system; 650-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate audio system; in-dash 6-disc CD changer; Sirius Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.
• (MR and MR Touring) Technology Package: Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, GPS navigation with Diamond Lane Guidance; 30GB hard disc drive with Digital Music Server, in-dash DVD/CD player, multifunction 7-inch (180 mm) color LCD touchscreen, 650(710 for 2010 model)-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate high-performance audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.

[edit]UK models

UK cars kept the Evolution X name.

• GS – Base Japanese GSR with Enkei wheels, 5-speed manual transmission\ radio and music server (MMCS), Rockford Fosgate premium audio, iPod/MP3 auxiliary input port.
• GSR SST (FQ-300, FQ-330) – GSR FQ-300 with 6-speed TC-SST transmission with SST mode selection (normal, sport, super sport). GSR SST FQ-330 was released in 2009.^[30]

Variants:

• FQ-300 – Engine rated 300 PS (220 kW; 300 hp) at 6500 rpm and 407 N·m (300 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
• FQ-330 – Engine rated 329 PS (242 kW; 324 hp) at 6500 rpm and 437 N·m (322 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
• FQ-360 – Engine rated 359 PS (264 kW; 354 hp) at 6500 rpm and 492 N·m (363 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm. Carbon fibre front lip spoiler, rear vortex generator, gear knob, hand brake. Front leather Recaro seats.
• FQ-400 – Engine rated 410 PS (300 kW; 400 hp) and 542 N·m (400 lb·ft) of torque. It also includes 5 speed manual transmission, six-piston brake calipers, upgraded brakes and 18-inch wheels fitted with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres, a new aero kit that includes additional cooling intakes, vents, a larger air intake in the hood and ducts. An estimated 100 vehicles would be made.^[31] It accelerates 0–62 mph in 3.8 seconds (est.) and has a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
  Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 Gig hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400’s ease of use. Available from June 2009, the FQ-400 is covered by a three year / 36,000 mile warranty. Cost £49,999 (list price).^[32]

[edit]European models

Acceleration: 0–100 km/h 5.4 sec. with 1560 kg, 5.6 sec. with 1600 kg. Engine rated 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) at 6500 rpm and 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.

• GSR – 5 speed manual (GSR 5 M/T) or 6-speed TC-SST transmission (GSR TC-SST).
• MR TC-SST – 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Mitsubishi Multi Communication System.

[edit]Australian / New Zealand models

Engine rated 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) at 6500 rpm and 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.

• GSR – 5 speed manual or 6-speed TC-SST transmission.
• MR – 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, 2 piece front brake, aluminium rear spoiler, auto leveling Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, leather combination seat trim, heated front seats.

• Bathurst Edition – A factory upgraded/tuned version Evolution X with a rated power output of 336 PS (247 kW) and 436 Nm of torque. The Team Mitsubishi Ralliart (TMR) Bathurst Edition is the most powerful road-legal Lancer Evolution X to be offered in Australia. The Bathurst edition is available with either the standard 5-speed manual or the quick-shifting TC-SST twin-clutch automatic with a limited run of only 100 units.

[edit]Southeast Asian models

[edit]Philippine models

The Philippines received its Evolution X in November 2008, and is a CBU from the US. The trims and specs are almost the same, excluding the MR Touring model from the USDM.

• GSR- 5-speed manual, and the same specs with the USDM GSR with large spoiler.
• MR- 6-speed TC-SST gearbox, and the same specs with the USDM MR, excluding the Technology Package.

[edit]Malaysian models

In Malaysia, the Lancer Evolution X is available with only a 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission. Front license plates are aligned towards the center of the fascia. In 2009, the Royal Malaysian Police acquired a fleet of Lancer Evolution Xs to be used for high-speed pursuits.

[edit]Future

Rumours of discontinuation of the Lancer Evolution program started when AutoCar UK's journalist Matt Prior wrote on his interview with Gayu Eusegi, Mitsubishi’s Global Product Director, and quoted him saying "The Lancer Evolution X, Eusegi told me, will be the last Evo. “There is still a demand [for the car],” he said, “but we must stop.” Eyebrow up."^[33] This created a lot of discussion on the Internet. Mitsubishi Motors Canada would later issue a statement on its official Facebook page, saying "Further to some comments published in the press recently, production of the current Lancer Evolution continues as planned. As for its successor, regulations and market feedback will dictate its engineering package & architecture. Stay tuned.." Industry analysts would read the statement as indirectly hinting that the Evolution nameplate will remain, but is likely to be a environmentally friendly powertrain (possibly electric or hybrid), inline with increasingly stringent emission and environmental regulations. AutoCar UK later updated its blog post, adding references to EV, further confirming what industry watchers originally speculated. Most recent news shows that Mitsubishi has been leaning towards the PX-MIEV hybrid drivetrain, explaining that the electric motors will act as a turbo for the Evolution. Mitsubishi claims that their more "green" version of the Evolution will be just as good or even better in the performance category.