Mitsubishi car

The Evolution receives dual SRS airbags with impact sensitive inflation pressure. The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) comes standard. It turns the headlights according to the turn on the steering wheel. Mitsubishi believes only BREMBO brakes can stop this beast of a car. As such the car comes equipped with four racing red calipers and ventilated discs. ABS with EDB and LSD assist the driver to ensure driving safety. Engine immobilizer and remote alarm deters theft.

Safety

Transmission of all that power comes in the form of a choice of a 5-speed manual transmission or a Twin Clutch SST (Sports Shift Transmission) 6-speed automated manual transmission. The all new manual transmission features greater torque capacity to match the engine's capabilities. Close ratio gearing is used from first to fourth while the fifth gear gets a higher ratio for more comfortable high-speed cruising.

The all familiar 2.0 litre MIVEC turbocharged engine gets a makeover. The new engine creates 422Nm of torque at just 3500rpm with 280 pure racing thoroughbred Japanese horses pulling the car at blistering pace! Lighter and "greener" than ever before, the new engine is 12kg lighter and has emissions which are 50% less than the Japanese standard. The use of die-cast aluminium cylinder block, head cover and chain case has ensured the engine is lean and mean.

Under the hood

The Evolution X gets a sporty three spoke steering wheel clad in leather similar to its gear knob. It has also a steering wheel control to activate the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control). The instrument cluster consists of a tachometer, a central multi-function display and a speedometer that goes all the way to 300km/h!

The interior of the car could have undergone a more stringent quality control. Plastic in the cabin feels cheap and uninspiring. Control buttons feel ordinary. However, the RECARO bucket seats with carbon fibre insert make up for everything that is lacking. Rear seats are just about enough for two adults with fair leg room. The rear passenger windows come tinted for privacy.

Interior

Follow the line down to the back of the front wheel arch, and you will find at outlet for better displacement of air from the engine bay. The rear of the car features a linear light cluster on each side. The car's most outstanding feature from the rear would be the twin tailpipes that protrude out of the bumper further enhancing the outlook of the car.

Based on the Concept X unveiled by Mitsubishi in 2005, the Evolution has indeed gone through a thorough design makeover. The nose end features a menacing front grill which flows down to the bumper of the car, unveiling the intercooler that sits just below the three diamonds. Flanking the grille are projector HID lamps. The bonnet gets redesigned outlets with a very inconspicuous scoop taking centre stage.

Exterior

Mitsubishi has taken a totally different styling approach to the new Evolution, leaving the relatively boxy shape of the previous Evolution for a more dynamic, streamlined silhouette. The car is also lighter and has a better weight to power ratio and distribution. The new Evolution looks set to take over the market in the Japanese supercar category.

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