Mitsubishi has released 7 press "preview" images of the Mitsibishi Evolution X. This is not yet the production car - there are details that are wrong (such as the Alcantera interior, lack of a rear-view mirror, blocked exhaust). More on that later in this post. Note that many other sites are calling this the production car when clearly it's not.
My site, http://www.EvoXenthusiast.com has all the images in their original high-resolution form and size. The images are ideal for analysis of features, or you can make screen savers or desktop backgrounds out of them.
The images were released along with a Mitsubishi financial statement - and things are looking better there.
Looking over the images, you can't help but wonder if they were released in response to the release by Subaru of images of the upcoming production WRX. The Evo X is handsome and very well proportioned. To say that the strangely-styled WRX is a disappointment would be an understatement - it's clear that Mitsubishi has hit a home run with their all-new car.
There are many interesting details in the pictures. For example the car is wearing different tires right and left. One side appears to be normal tires with wet-capable tread, the other side appears to be dry-only tires. Does this suggest that it will be offered with 2 tire options? And the racing-harness passthru on the Recaro seats is now black, instead of aluminum (and good!).
Mitsubishi Press Release follows:
Mitsubishi Motors Releases Exterior Image of Lancer Evolution
April 26, 2007 -- Cypress, California --
Mitsubishi Motors in Japan revealed an exterior image of the production version of the Lancer Evolution high performance sedan. The image, released in conjunction with a financial results announcement, reveals the subtle exterior details of the forthcoming production model, whose styling direction was first suggested with Concept X (2005 Tokyo Motor Show) and later reinforced with Prototype X (2007 NAIAS). The soon-to-market Lancer Evolution represents the zenith of the Lancer badge's performance development; a rally racing story that began over 30 years ago in the deserts of the Safari Rally, later saw dominance on the WRC stage in the 1990's, and now combines the lessons from competition with high technology to bring an enthusiasts' hero to the streets.
The development concept for the all-new Lancer Evolution¹ specifies a "next-generation high-performance 4WD global sedan that allows all levels of driver to enjoy the car's speed and handling with ease and in safety". The new model features Mitsubishi's S-AWC² traction and handling system. This advanced all-wheel-drive system integrates a superior level of drive torque distribution and braking management, making this the best handling Lancer Evolution vehicle of the series. This technology when mated to the new, more rigid Lancer platform results in a Lancer Evolution that is highly responsive, offering intuitive handling and a greater degree of control in addition to outstanding vehicle attitude stability. Other examples of Mitsubishi Motors' latest automotive technology to be featured in the new model include a new lightweight, high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged MIVEC3 engine with aluminum cylinder block and a 6-speed automated manual transmission that contributes to vehicle's exceptional performance while offering improved fuel economy.
Expect the all-new Lancer Evolution sedan will go on sale in North America in the first quarter of 2008.
1. Vehicle to still be referred to as Lancer Evolution X in Japanese domestic market
2. Super All Wheel Control
3. Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control System: Mitsubishi Motors variable valve system
Interesting Details
The preview car has many interesting details... proving it's not a production car.
Tires
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| Note the 245/40-18 tires. Note also that the car is wearing a different type of tires on the right and left sides. One side appears to be wet-capable tires, the other is wearing dry-only Yoko Advans. Does this mean there will be two options? |
Exhaust
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| The exhaust system is either blocked out with a piece of black cardboard, or is fake. And look at how poorly the chrome tips are rolled - this is definitely a prototype peice. |
Intercooler
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| The pipe leading down to the intercooler shows in the grill. I predict one of the mods for this car will be replacement piping... we'll see anodized red pipeing (and other colors). |
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Gas Filler Flap
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| The conventional Lancer has a round gas-filler flap, the Evo has a square flap. Go back to the string of spy photos whihc came out over th epast year and you'll see that some cars they were identifying as an Evo were not. |
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Interior - Alcantera
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| The interior still has the Alcantera covering on the dash and side panels. Mitsubishi has already said this won't be offered on the production car, and also that the production car will have a different steering wheel from what was shown on the Concept X. |
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Interior - Recaro
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| Unlike the Concept Evo, this preview uses black harness pass-thrus instead of silver. I like it better this way... while the silver pass-thrus matched the squinting headlamps and taillamps, they were out of place on the inside and drew un-needed attention to the seats. |
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Rear View
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| The view out the back window of this car will be partially blocked by the large rear wing, as it was on previous-gen Evos. And, note the car doesn't have a rear view mirror... this is absolutely not the production car. It is probably a car built for marketing work, although not for brochures. It's too early for that type of work for a car which won't go on sale until after the first of the year. |
