All-New Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Unveiled at LA Show

All-New Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

By Sam Stockley
November 15, 2007 8:07 PM
Filed Under: Japanese, Los Angeles Auto Show, Mitsubishi

The tenth-generation of the Lancer Evolution is now upon us, waving in a more sophisticated version of Mitsubishi's legendary high-performance saloon to the US market - some 16 years after it first hit Japan. Based largely on the spirited looks of the 2005 Concept-X vehicle and the guiding philosophy of the Evo's core values, the new-generation model is a car which fuses hair-raising performance with the widespread proficiency and technological advancement that creates a world-class performance vehicle.

An evolution in design: the new Lancer Evo is a car which conveys both the themes of a concept vehicle and those of Mitsubishi's rich rally heritage. Highlights of the new Lancer's design include its 'shark-nosed' front end, inspired by the air intakes of a jet fighter, and its 'wedge-like' profile. Crisp lines, an aggressive hood with integral air scoop and 18-inch alloy wheels with Brembo brakes further reinforce the street-wise sportscar themes.

Packaged with new performance and handling technology, the tenth-gen Evo heralds a more advanced sports saloon. An all-new 291 hp (est.) 2.0-litre turbocharged and intercooled engine sits beneath the bonnet, coupled with a new six-speed intelligent gearbox and a dynamic handling system dubbed S-AWC for Super-All Wheel Control.

The system allows exceptional levels of control at each wheel by regulating the car's 300 lb-ft. of torque through its numerous dynamic handling technologies, the capabilities of the system 'going well beyond' that of rival all-wheel-drive setups. Active Stability Control (ASC), Sport ABS brakes, Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Center Differential (ACD) and four-wheel-drive are standard for all markets, while ASC is new for all.

Mitsubishi are introducing a new transmission into the Lancer Evo, the TC-SST. The 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission is an automated manual gearbox which allows the quick-shifting through gears without any loss of engine power. Console-mounted and steering wheel paddle shift gear selection is available, also maintaining the option of a full manual or automatic gearbox.

Making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the Evolution's S-AWC dynamic handling system can be experienced via an interactive display which aims to emulate tough terrain and mountaneous winding road driving. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will enter US showrooms for early winter.

Press Release (Click to expand)

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) today debuted to North America the all-new and much-anticipated 2008 Lancer Evolution. Building on the success of the all-new Lancer launched in spring 2007, and the all-new Outlander crossover SUV, Mitsubishi introduces the high-performance 2008 Lancer Evolution, which was recently awarded Popular Mechanic's 2008 Automotive Excellence Award (Fun to Drive category.) Also making their North America debuts are the new Outlander 2.4L SE and the innovative Concept-cX.

The 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show runs November 16-25 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. In addition to the North American debut vehicles, Mitsubishi is displaying its entire 2008 model line at the show, including the all-new Lancer, Outlander SUV, the exciting Galant Ralliart performance sedan, the highest safety rated SUV the Endeavor and the Eclipse Coupe and Spyder. Also, the WORKS Speed World Challenge Lancer, the 1981 Lancer 2000 Turbo and Lancer World Rally Car (WRC) 05 showcase more than three decades of Mitsubishi motorsports heritage. Another specialty vehicle is the LoudLancer, featuring a custom Rockford Fosgate® sound system that will appeal to automotive audiophiles of all ages.

Next-Generation Lancer Evolution

Noted as the pinnacle of Mitsubishi's rally-inspired technology and engineering, Mitsubishi introduces the 2008 Lancer Evolution, the newest and most sophisticated version of the legendary high-performance model series that began in Japan 16 years ago. Lancer Evolution goes on sale in early winter. While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation model offers all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world's best performance models. The strikingly styled 2008 Lancer Evolution showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 291-hp (est.) 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.

The Lancer Evolution's S-AWC system regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including: Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sport ABS brakes. Integration of ASC is new for all markets. Exclusive to the Los Angeles Auto Show will be an interactive display for event attendees to experience the razor sharp handling of the Lancer Evolution's S-AWC dynamic handling system designed to emulate driving on tough terrains like a winding mountain roads.

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