Mitsubishi Prototype X or in other words, the 2008 Lancer EVO X

Damn those blue collar Mitsu execs… Even Sharon Stone didn’t wait that long before she finally uncrossed her legs revealing her small tropical island. At least this concept of the one and only Lancer that we’re dying to drive is about 99% production ready. And you guest it, apart from the two sketches, we’ll have to wait till the curtains drop at the 2007 Detroit Show before we get any more official info. As for the final-final-final production version? We’ll have to keep “tiny” in our pants until the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show in October. Teasers… Via: Jalopnik

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Scooped : 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X & Subaru Impreza WRX STi

I got my hands on this week's Autocar magazine that features two wonderful photoshops of the upcoming Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X & its Subaru counterpart, the Impreza WRX STi. Here's a summary of what they wrote:

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X : According to Autocar, we're going to get a first view of the EVO X in the form of a production ready concept, at the Detroit Motor Show in January with the actual production version following in the Tokio Motor Show in October the same year. The most interesting fact though is that Autocar say's that the being a member of the Lancer family, the EVO X will be based on the Dodge Caliber platform !

Subaru Impreza WRX STi : As most of us know, the next generation Subaru Impreza will be offered for the first time with a 5door hatchback body. Autocar, tells -and shows us through it's nicely made photoshop, that the new Impreza's design will be "Europeanized". As for the mechanics, the top spec STi will be again fitted with Subarus 2.5 Litre boxer motor. via : Autocar

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Final Fantasy: Mitsubishi launches the last EVO IX editions, the Lancer EVO IX MR and Lancer EVO Wagon MR

Can this be the "Final Fantasy" of the renowned EVO line up that has taken our hearts since it first came to life in 1992? About a year before the big question mark named EVO X gets unleashed, Mitsubishi released the last versions of the almighty Lancer Evolution IX. Unfortunately, for know at least, the last EVO's will be available only in Japan.

So, what's different? Although maximum power and toque figures are unchanged, thanks to new improvements to the turbocharger and other areas that enhance response, Mitsubishi promises greater dynamic performance in terms of off-the-line acceleration.

The EVO IX MR Sedan also benefits from an upgraded suspension while ride height is lowered by approximately 10 mm (optional on RS). In conjunction with the suspension improvements, the Super AYC system that provides electronic control for the 4WD system has been tuned to a more sporty orientation. Finally both body versions get minor design changes that include a slightly extended front air dam which reduces the flow of air under the car, while reducing air resistance and further reducing front lift.

The EVO IX MR will also be the last model to use the famed 4G63 2L DOHC intercooled turbo engine as the EVO X will get an all new 2.0 Turbo

Versions: The Lancer Evolution IX MR will be available in two grades: the GSR, with a 6-speed manual gearbox and the RS, which has a 5-speed manual gearbox and is stripped down for motorsport competition. The Lancer Evolution Wagon MR also has two grades. The GT is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the GT-A has a 5-speed automatic gearbox with sports mode to provide flexibility in a wide range of scenarios from easy driving to sport driving.

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Mitsubishi Concept EVO X Rally Version

Now this looks nice. These photos, allegedly taken from a cell-phone at the European Mitsubishi Design Centre in Frankfurt, Germany, shows a scale model prototype of what may very well be the Rally version of Mitusbishi's long awaited EVO X -expected to be unveiled late 2007.

The photos (click to enlarge) where posted at a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO forum (EvolutionM.net). So much for the "No pictures allowed" sign at the bottom of car - LOL! Via Jalopnik

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Power to the People: New 366 Hp Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360

Mitsubishi UK is going to unveil a new, more powerful version of the Lancer Evolution IX at the British International Motor Show. A development of the FQ-340, the new FQ-360 features a 366 Hp version of Mitsubishi’s 2.0-litre turbo engine. According to Mitsubishi, the FQ-360 will sprint from 0-60 mph in an estimated 4.1 sec and top 160 mph. By comparison, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, takes 0.7sec longer to reach 60mph.

The FQ-360 has been developed by engineers from Mitsubishi UK’s motor sport and performance division, Ralliart, which was also responsible for the limited edition FQ-400. Orders can be placed at any Mitsubishi Ralliart dealer with first deliveries expected in September

Press release: Mitsubishi’s engineers sought to improve the performance of the 1997cc 4-cylinder 4G63 twin scroll turbo engine with the introduction of a high pressure fuel pump and a high-flow catalytic converter, both of which were employed in the FQ-400. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) has been fully reprogrammed to create a car that delivers 366bhp at 6887rpm and 363lb ft of torque at a lowly 3200rpm.

The torque output is the key to this car’s character. The peak output of 363lb ft is 8lb ft more than the FQ-400 produced and is delivered 2200rpm lower down the rev range. It’s also 18lb ft more than the FQ-340. The FQ-360 may have been tuned for driveability, but that doesn’t mean that its supercar-bashing performance has been compromised. This car will sprint from 0-60mph in an estimated 4.1sec and top 160mph.

Exterior Design: Subtle exterior enhancements differentiate the FQ-360 from the rest of the Lancer Evolution range and improve its aerodynamic efficiency at high speed. One of the most obvious changes is the introduction of a carbon fibre front lip spoiler, which is attached to the front apron and provides additional downforce. At the rear, a carbon fibre ‘sharks tooth’ rear vortex generator helps to reduce aerodynamic lift.

Keen ‘Evo spotters’ will also note the introduction of a bespoke set of alloy wheels. Developed by Speedline, they mimic the five-spoke design of Mitsubishi’s tarmac-spec rally car and are not available as an aftermarket option. The new alloys are shod with Yokohama ADVAN AO46 235/45ZR17 tyres, which are shared with the rest of the Lancer Evolution range.

Interior Design: The interior of the FQ-360 builds on that of the FQ-340 with one notable addition, the space below the stereo – which is used for oddments storage in the FQ-340 – is now occupied by a Ralliart Sports Meter Kit. Three dials display the battery voltage, oil temperature and boost pressure, providing extra, useful information to the enthusiastic driver.

Fears that the FQ-360 would be a stripped-out road racer can also be allayed. Its comprehensive specification includes climate control, all-round electric windows and electrically adjustable mirrors, a category 1 alarm and four airbags, proving that performance and comfort can go hand-in-hand.

Chassis: The FQ-360’s suspension steering is unchanged from the standard Evolution IX. The Evolution IX’s Brembo brakes are also more than capable of coping with the increase in performance. The 17in ventilated discs with four piston callipers at the front and 16in ventilated discs with two-piston callipers at the rear are supplemented by Sports ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). EBD automatically regulates the front and rear braking force to match the vehicle load and driving conditions.

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Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X

This near to production concept of the next generation Lancer EVO will be shown at the Tokio Auto Show (October). Under the hood there is a new 2.0 turbo engine, which will produce 300 hp at the basic EVO model. The 4x4 system is based on the EVO IX's