We finally got our chance to get up close and personal with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, and we're impressed.  The car has had a very busy month, having been rolled out in Japanese showrooms and getting its auto show debut in Australia.

Mitsubishi keeps showing off the Lancer Evolution X in red, but the car looks totally hot in black.  Already available with a five-speed manual transmission, the 10th generation Evo will get mated to an optional Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmisson (SST) sometime in November.  Stability of the new Evo was increased by trimming 20mm off the front overhang.  The sports car made for a city was built with lightweight aluminum throughout the body, and a new, lighter-but-stronger engine, that is also a bit more friendly on Mother Earth.

This new engine gets 280 horsepower and 311 ft-lb of torque.  More airbags, and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) was added to the Mitsubishi flagship for enhanced safety.

Pricing for the base level Evo SR will be around €18,375, with the GSR starting at €21,425.  The Twin-Clutch SST will set you back an additional €1,475.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will also take the world stage at Rally Japan being held this weekend.  Mitsubishi plans to use the Evo as a course car preceding the WRC race.