2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Official Details
October 12, 2007 by Alborz Fallah
While we were all standing patiently at the Mitsubishi stand getting ready for the unveiling of the all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X yesterday, it was a hard choice deciding which colour we should buy.
Mitsubishi’s world unveiling was really nothing more than a formality, photos and details of the car had been circulating online for over a year and the production version looked almost identical to the concepts, which is fantastic.
The Evo X is undeniably the best looking Rally-King yet, and with Subaru’s new STi being outcasted for its looks, the Evo should prove to be Mitsubishi’s most successful halo car yet.
Unlike Subaru which has disowned its current demographic with the newly released WRX, Mitsubishi has not deviated from the Evo’s race-like credentials.
“The 2008 Lancer Evolution remains true to the core values of previous Evolution models by providing the pinnacle of performance driving with incredible flexibility and grip and refined handling and dynamics,” Mitsubishi boss Robert McEniry said.
The car is offered in two variants, the standard Evo X and the Evo X MR which gets Mitsubishi’s highly-anticipated twin-clutch DSG style gearbox and suspension enhancements as standard.From the front, the untrained eye would be hard pressed picking a Lancer VRX from the Evo X (which should help Lancer sales considerably). To Mitsu’s credit, the entire Lancer range is blessed with agressive styling thanks to a shark-nosed front end.
However the new Evo takes everything to a new level. From every angle you look at it, the car demands attention. With enormous rally and street cred, the Evo encapsulates what every rally fan wants in a car.
While its arch nemesis – WRX STi – will be using a 2.5-litre turbo engine, the new Evo uses Mitsubishi’s 4B11 engine, which is an intercooled-turbocharged 2.0-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder and Mitsubishi is quick to point out, it’s vastly different from the legendary 4G63 it replaces.
The 4B11 is built with a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block versus the cast-iron block used in the 4G63, and aluminum is also used for the cylinder head and cover and the timing chain case. Unlike the 4G63, the 4B11 does not use a balancer shaft, made possible by the new engine’s inherently lower noise and vibration and use of hydraulic engine mounts.
Additionally, the use of a direct-acting valvetrain as oppose to the roller rocker arm configuration helps reduce weight. A timing chain replaces the belt, and MIVEC variable valve timing is used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (the most recent 4G63 had MIVEC on the intake only). There is currently no official kW rating but Mitsubishi says the engine will develop at least 422Nm of torque.
The rear-located (firewall side) stainless steel exhaust manifold helps improve weight distribution, and the freer-breathing exhaust system features a larger-volume main muffler with dual tailpipe outlets.
The base model GSR rides on 18 x 8.5-inch Enkei cast-alloy wheels while the MR gets and BBS® forged-alloys. Both the MR and GSR models employ the same size rotors, and the MR uses new two-piece rotor construction to reduce weight. Both models use four-piston calipers in front and two-piston calipers in the rear. The MR also receives additional interior features.
The engine aside, the reason you should buy the Mitsu over the Subaru (apart from the looks) is the six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), better known to VolksWagen drivers as DSG.
Optional on the entry model Evo X, and standard on the up-scale MR variant, the TC-SST is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power.
Like the DSG system found in the Volkswagen and Audi range, the TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.
For those of you thinking, there is nothing like a manual gearbox, think again because the TC-SST is essentially a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, waiting to be engaged by the second clutch. So no matter how good of a gear shifter you think you are, this is better.
What that means is instant gear changes occur – either manually or automatically depending on mode selected – when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are “swapped,” which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.
The twin-clutch gearbox offers three drive modes
- Normal – easy driving
- Sport – higher shift points (in Automatic) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required
- S-Sport – The S-Sport mode can be selected for performance driving situations, such as track events.
If that hasn’t convinced you the Evo X is another step in front of its traditional rival, we’ll keep trying.
Using Mitsubishi’s latest Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, like previous the Evos, the X will defy the laws of physics.
The S-AWC system works by controlling drive torque at each wheel by managing a network of dynamic handling technologies, including:
- Active Center Differential (ACD) four-wheel drive,
- Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential,
- Active Stability Control (ASC),
- Sports ABS brakes.
The biggest change over the Evo X is the integration of ASC which Mitsubishi says will provide a significant advance in both dynamic capability and safety.The ACD splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels using an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. With input from the S-AWC computer, ACD regulates the differential limiting action to optimize the front/rear wheel torque split.
Using input such as steering wheel angle, throttle opening, wheel speeds, and the vehicle’s longitudinal and lateral movements, the Japanese computers inside the Evo can determine the vehicle’s path of travel allowing for correction and stabilisation when needed.
Like the Evo IX, the new car also offers the ability to select road surface, choices include Tarmac, Gravel and Snow.
Technical gadgets aside, you can’t have an awesome car without an awesome chassis, and Mitsubishi have built yet another class-leading body. Before even considering the Evo X, its important to point out that the new base model Lancers (using the global C-platform) have a stiffer body than the Evo IX!
On top of the standard Lancer, the Evo gains optimised chassis systems, wider use of aluminum for the engine, body, and chassis components, as well as greater use of high-tensile steel.
The roof, bonnet, front bumpers and both the front and rear bumper beams are aluminum. For better weight distribution, the vehicle battery and the windshield washer fluid tank have been moved to the boot area.
The Evo X comes with its own unique suspension system, including inverted struts in front and a rear multi-link configuration. Race-proven forged aluminum components reduce unsprung weight.
Set for release later than originally anticipated, April 2008 should see the legend return and take its place in Mitsubishi’s local line-up. Pricing is still a mystery, however Mitsubishi insiders have told CarAdvice to expect a minor 2-3% price hike for the entry model, no pricing details are available for the MR variant yet.
Print it: 
Appreciate that the gear shifts are so much faster than with a manual, but you still really don’t know what gear you are in at any one time (am I in 5th – or am I in sixth? – how many down shifts to third do I need is it two? is it three?).
Having used these Semi Autos, I have found they are quite impractical and you do not remember which gear you are in – or you may not even remember you are in ‘Manual Mode’, until you put the accelerator pedal down at a crucial time and find it goes nowhere because you are stuck in ‘manual’ mode 6th gear
You have not convinced me the Semi Auto version will be that great except perhaps in a straight line drag…and it does not allow you to ease the clutch out at your own leisure to quote my brother :-)
This is nothing like a Semi Auto Flying high,
this is a dual clutch manual!
It will tell u what gear u are the same way a manual does, the sound, also it says it on the instrument cluster,
this is by far, the best choice for a race car compared to a manual
appreciate your comment MrSmith on the Dual Clutch – and it would certainly be faster than a tradition Semi Auto – but it is still an Automatic with Manual Override i.e. a Semi Auto. If you can chuck it into ‘Auto’ mode then there really is no argument.
And with respect to ’sound’ and ‘instrument cluster’ in all the manuals I have ever driven you know what gear your are in by and large by the location of the stick at any given point in time while ***looking out the front window***. And you certainly dont want to be looking at the instrument cluster to see what gear you are in. In that case it should have a Heads Up Display on the windscreen
Was that Evo X details or Evo X advertising? Usually ‘details’ are power and above all else, price!
^ What he said.
This is the official, worldwide launch of the vehicle, isn’t it? This would have to be first official launch I’m aware of which doesn’t add one iota to the body of knowledge that already exists on this car elsewhere on the net. No price, no specs, nothing.
I guess we’ll have to wait yet another 6 months until it’s finally released. Maybe they’ll reveal the specs then?
Right On Toyota Paul. Concur with your comment.
There’s a press release from Mitsi which outlines prices and details in the JDM, so you can infer that to get some idea of what it would cost here.
ie for the top spec JDM EVO X – the GSR (which I assume is the MR) – is 3,750,600 yen with 6speed Twin Clutch SST, which is about $36K, so expect a premium on that price as a base.
As for specs:
16-valve, 2.0L DOHC MIVEC intercooled turbocharged engine, Power: 295HP, Torque: 422 Nm @ 3500rpm (300 lb-ft).
I actually posted all the specs on my blog, though obviously won’t link here.
Toyota Paul,
Mitsu has not released the power or price rating,
its not an ad for mitsu, we just genuinely believe this is going to be the best performance car for less than 70k,
we’ll have the first steer after the launch
Also forgot to add, it hit dealers in Japan on Oct 1st
I am interested in what the ‘real’ power figure will be, given that it was widely accepted that for the previous Evo the 206kw/280hp figure was conservative…
I have been a massive fan of Subaru over the years, I have owned a couple, not the WRX though. I have driven several WRX’s and been very impressed overall, now as a potential buyer and having seen the new WRX and then the EVO it is going to take a lot of convincing here to get me back to a Subaru dealer.
I agree with AndrewC. As a subaru nut I’m so angry at the subaru design team and management who have single handedly ruined the current WRX and WRX STi. Underneith they are good cars but their design is atrocious. I understand they wanted to widen the appeal of the product but in reality they’ve done that by completely ditching their existing support base. I’m glad to see Mitsubishi haven’t.
Also concur with Toyota Paul. There is nothing in this release that tells us anything we didn’t already know about the evo X. more interior pictures i guess.
Did you see the speedo shot? 300km/h. Get real! That really is taking the piss….
Can someone please explain to me how you can claim that a car puts out 206kW of power if it is actually more than that in actual fact? I’ve never understood this claim with Japanese cars.
It is akin to the 0-100 km/h claims which are only possible if you rev the christ out of the motor and then drop the clutch…there is very little governance of these claims…other than from car mags and web sites
i dont think that the new mits evo will be the best performance car for under 70k next year becuase the new f6 typhoon comes out with 300kw so i think who ever claimed that should be checkin out the states before they speak oh yea and the new xr6 turbo will be 260kw and will cost less than 50k so i think that would be the best performace car for under 70k
it was proven that the only way holden got its o-100 claims of the 5secs was that it kept the revs up above 5500rpm and dumped the cluch to make it get 0-100 in 5secs
Chucky it’s to do with the ‘Gentleman’s agreement’ (supposedly long since dead) in Japan which mandated that, since the speed limits in Japan are about 100kph, the manufacturers would not advertise more than 276HP to prevent some sort of power race.
About the only thing I could find via Google was http://www.caranddriver.com/ca.....-pact.html
HTH.
gigantore Says:
October 12th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
i dont think that the new mits evo will be the best performance car for under 70k next year becuase the new f6 typhoon comes out with 300kw so i think who ever claimed that should be checkin out the states before they speak oh yea and the new xr6 turbo will be 260kw and will cost less than 50k so i think that would be the best performace car for under 70k
Excuseme Gigantore? The typhoon is in s much different league. Honestly, it gets so much more tech (Mits RISE) and seven airbags ect… It has a far better design, is a lot more reliable, has a far better designed engine, is a lot lighter, and not only can outhandle the typhoon but can outhandle well, just about anything. Now, I know that both cars are yet to be tested in handling, but I know that the EVO X is on a heavily upgraded platform and has run lap times 2 seconds faster than the previous Evo IX and the ford typhoon will be on the same platform as the past falcon and can only get heavier so it doesn’t seem as if it will improve on its lap times. The Evo also gets an RF sound system which are on par with Bose and Bang and Olfusen IMO, as well as some much facier kit. What a lazy post by me, it’s all over the place LOL! I am still right though.
Yeah I wouldn’t even put the Typhoon in the same class in terms of best bang for your buck. If both are around 65k, the EVO wins hands down. I’m sorry, but the EVO is a world class performance vehicle, the Typhoon is an Aussie muscle car. If you’re looking for a driver’s car for the price range of 65k, and you your options are the EVO X or the Typhoon… sorry unless your a typical tribalist… EVO is the only way to go.
In the other hand if the Typhoon was about 10k or 15k less, then it’ll obviously be the better bang for your buck. But since it isnt… then EVO.
Also, Its funny that the article mentions Subaru deviating from their fans, then says something about EVO’s race inspired performance…. Umm… The STi has not been test driven yet, and last time I checked the specification sheet is better than past STis and very comparable to the EVO X…. or unless the article was merely talking about looks?
I still like the STI’s new look… the EVO X looks great too.. especially the blue one… but the STi is still a driver’s car by looking at its specifications.
I think that if you want a high performance thrash about car then you go the evo. But if you want a big 4 door sedan that you can stuff the wife and kids into but happens to go like a cut cat then the typhoon is the better car. Yes the evo has 4 doors and its bigger now than it used to be, but if its like previous iterations it still has suspension that is much too tuned towards performance rather than comfort, and will be tiresome for long journeys on the questionable tarmac that we call roads.
Having returned from my second trip to the motor show I can now confirm 0-100km/h is 4.8 seconds.
No one seemed to have an official figure on performance, however a conservative estimate on performance would be at least 230kW potentially reaching into the 260kW region.
Remember that this is a manual transmission – not an automatic. No torque converter. You can torque brake with this. You can shift entirely yourself,using either the floor shifter or the paddle shifters. Or, optionally, you can let it shift itself.
-Jeff
http://www.EvoXenthusiast.com
Realised I didn’t post the official Press Release from a while back outlining specs (not that anyone’s listening) but here you go
http://media.mitsubishi-motors.....l1682.html
tonnes of info
Hahahah someone mentioning Typhoon in the case sentence as an Evo hahahah
Will be an interesting racing series next year though,with the Typhoon meant to 6 sec faster around Winton than the previous.I would think the Performance car series will be heating up. NEW EVO,TYPHOON AND M3……in it!
Agree with Toms thoughts on the subject!
Entry level for the Evo X is estimated at $60.000 . Bitsaremissing are expected to ship around 80 per month when they arrive next year. At the moment around 45 of the 1X are shipped to Australia .
I went to the Motor Show today and I can tell you that the Mitsubishi guys are as cocky as all get up over their Evo and Subabru’s relatively lack luster stand. And the lack of the STi. Actually the best Subaru could do was put on a cardboard cut out of the WRX Rally car which was very lame.
That said, I have sat inside the VRX which is hardly different from the Evo – front seating aside. The inside feels like a cheap heap of sub 20K s*it and since that is where you will spend 90% of the time with the car, there is pretty much no chance that a lot of ppl would spend 75K (quoted price on road from the Lancer guys) on that car, no matter how good the performance.
Mitsu reckon they are going to cream the STi in the performance stakes – but to be honest I cant see that happening. Outside is excellent no doubt, inside … zzzzzz
this EVO X Looks good, looks a little better than the WRX I find
I am talking about the **inside** of the Evo. If the Lancer VRX on which it is based is anything to go by it will be mediocre – in my opinion, the look has already dated and the car has not even been released!
Yeah flying high thats the inmpression I got form images released, that interior looks ordinary, if they are asking $70k its stretching it on its performance credentials alone… the STi will be close enough in terms of performance but its interior is awesome… and afterall you spend most time cruising in any car on the road, at least do it in comfort! I will have to check the Evo out when I go to the motorshow in a coupla days.
I understand that its a totally new car and revised tech however the Aussie dollar has increase some 20 odd percent against the yen in the last 12 months and the pricing schedule in Japan is starting around the 3.7m Yen mark. At current conversion rates (aussie v Yen [105]), how does this equal $60k, sure shipping costs but that is minimal. Please lets see some revised costing rather than a price scalping at old aussie dollar values.
for people buying sports cars…..only thing they need to consider is how the car makes them feel.
tradiotionally evos arent suppose to have a luxury quality in the cabin. so no need to complain about this point. any meagre increase in luxury is a bonus but not essential for the car.
performance wise i beleive will be equal among sti and evo. but sales wise i beleive the evo will cream the sti.
Sexythang if you were right, then why is an RS4 decked out to the hilt? or an M3? or any number of sport mercs? You are wrong I am afraid. The interior does make a difference and the inside of the Evo looks (at this time) ot be very ordinary. If you wanted spartan interiors for this sort of cash you would go for a Lotus which really is a road registered go kart…
I have been driving a WRX STI and was waiting for the release of the EVO X. Got bored waiting especially after seeing the price climb above $70K (It is only a Lancer)
Purchased SS V8 and I am stroked great package and the 20′ Rims set it off nicely. Got leather seats two all for under $50K. VERY HAPPY
this lancer is the ugliest heap of cereal box junk ever. wtf! what were they thinking?
FlyingHigh: You really need to compare apples with apples and oranges with oranges when talking about these cars. You can’t compare the interior of a $160k BMW with that of a $65k Mitsubishi and draw a conclusion. The EVO X ‘will be’ a brilliant car, but EVO’s have always been plastic fantastic and that is what you will get for $65k. Mitubishi have decided to spend there $65k budget on making this car a drivers car, that means insane engineering and nuts technology. If you had $65k to spend and you wanted one of the best handling cars in that price bracket then the EVO would be the obvious choice. IF you decide that you would prefer the luxury interior then you would probably opt for a new BMW 320i or similar.
Similarly the bloke who argues the Typhoon is a better car….yes it’s in the same price bracket, but what exactly are you basing your conclusion on? If you want a car in the $65k price bracket that pulls like a freight train from 100kph and upwards in a straight line then sure, go the Typhoon. But if you are arguing that the T will out handle the EVO then…no, I would suggest not.
The thing to remember is that as your budget increases, the more of the cake you can have – hence the Audi and BMW Super Tourers have the engineering and technology of a space station AND the interior of a Paris based fashion house.
I don’t think in all honesty you could accuse Mitsubishi of not giving you enough car for your money.
My budget is around $65k, and I for one will be hovering at the Mitsi Dealer, cheque book in hand, when this EVO hits our shores.
Looks terrific…i’ll have it in blue thanks and i need the keys!
It says 2 gears are preselected making shifting gear faster.
Is that for both upshift and downshift or just upshift ?
Would that make downshift slower ?
E.g. say you’re at gear 5 on the MR, would the engine assume you’re going to upshift so it preselects gear 6. What if you intended to shift to gear 4 ?
In that case, the prselected gear would need to be disengaged and changed to gear 4, causing downshift to be even slower than a normal manual ?
Just a thought someone I chat to mentioned.