Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Launched (JA)

Press Release

Chassis

Body

• Lancer Evolution X's new platform achieves significant increases in body stiffness, with gains in torsional and flexural stiffness of 40% and 60% respectively over Lancer Evolution IX MR. This results in better handling stability and crashworthiness, as well as in improved ride and in reduced vibration and noise, to realize levels of quality and comfort that befit a new-generation sports sedan.
• Lancer Evolution X's wider track and longer wheelbase not only create a more spacious living space but also bring improved stability and ride. Other factors contributing to the new model's improved handling include its lower center of gravity stemming from the lower powertrain, and better front/rear weight distribution resulting from the lower engine weight, a front overhang that is 20 mm shorter than on the Lancer Evolution IX MR, and the transfer of the battery to the trunk.
• To reduce weight and lower the center of gravity, aluminum is used in the roof panel, front fenders and the rear spoiler frame structure.

Suspension & tires

• While based on the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement used on previous models in the series, Lancer Evolution X features a revamped suspension layout with wider tracks and 18-inch tires. Geometry optimization and greater stiffness in the mountings maximizes the contact patch and allows S-AWC to perform to its full potential as well as bringing improved straight line stability, cornering and ride.
• GSR comes standard with 245/40R18 wide and low-aspect tires on 18-inch Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels. 18-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels are also available as a factory-fitted option for GSR and add a distinctive custom touch with a luster finish.
• GSR comes standard with brembo 18-inch front and 17-inch rear ventilated disc brakes. The increased disc size improves stopping power and fade resistance as well as improving brake pedal feel.
• The factory-fitted High Performance Package comprises the Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs used on Lancer Evolution IX MR. It also includes brembo 2-piece disc brakes that realize a saving of 1.3 kg at each wheel and high performance tires with stiffer walls and better grip. This package brings further improvements in grip, steering response, stability and cornering.

4WD system (S-AWC)

• The GSR trim level comes with Mitsubishi Motors' own 4WD vehicle dynamics control system S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) standard. For Lancer Evolution X, Active Stability Control (ASC) has been added to the ACD*2, AYC*3 and Sport ABS*4 component systems featured in previous Lancer Evolution. S-AWC uses integrated management of these systems to exert high-precision control on drive torque and brake force at each wheel to enhance cornering and stability under all conditions from everyday driving to emergency evasion; thereby producing vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent. S-AWC offers three operating modes — TARMAC for dry, paved surfaces; GRAVEL for wet or unmade surfaces, and SNOW for snow covered surfaces — allowing the driver to select the mode best suited to current road surface conditions and realize greater stability.

Peace of mind / Safety specifications

• Standard on GSR are driver and front passenger SRS dual-stage airbags (driver dual-stage airbag standard on RS), the inflation pressure of which is controlled to match the severity of the impact, and the driver SRS knee airbag used on the Delica D:5 and Galant Fortis. SRS side and curtain airbags are available as factory-fitted options.
• GSR comes standard with discharge headlights and the adaptive front lighting system (AFS), in which auxiliary lights turn in the same direction as the steering wheel to increase the area of road illuminated and improve driver visibility at night.
• Rain-sensitive auto wipers that adjust wipe speed and interval to rain intensity and auto light control that monitors the intensity of peripheral light, turning the headlights on or off accordingly, are factory-fitted options on the GSR.
• All models come standard with an engine immobilizer and security alarm to deter theft. (The security alarm is standard on the GSR only.)

Audio / Utility

• The GSR trim level is available with the Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) as a factory-fitted option which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7-inch LCD screen.
• Available as a factory-fitted option on the GSR is the Rockford Fosgate premium sound system — well received on the Outlander and other models. The system uses a 650-Watt amplifier and nine speakers to deliver awesome high-fidelity sound assisted by the use of acoustic and damping material to seal off openings inside the doors and turn them into speaker boxes.
• Available as a factory-fitted option on the GSR is a keyless operating system that allows the driver to lock or unlock the doors and to start or stop the engine without having to take the remote unit out of pocket or handbag.
• Standard on all models is the Mitsubishi Motors ETACS (Electric Time and Alarm Control System) system. The system controls the operating environment for the Comfort Flasher — a dab on the flasher stalk causes the turn signal to flash three times; very handy when changing lanes — and the headlight auto-off feature which prevents accidental drainage of the battery and other electronic systems fitted to Lancer Evolution X.

Sales information

1. Sales target: 4,000 units (FY2007 total)
2. Available at: Mitsubishi dealerships throughout Japan
3. Manufacturer's recommended retail price (MMRP)

N.B.: Prices exclusive of recycling surcharge, insurance, taxes (but inclusive of consumption tax) and registration costs.

*: Twin Clutch SST version due to be launched in late November