New Car Previews: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Change is inevitable. No matter how hard we may fight it, things will change. This is as true for automobiles and cars as it is for any other part of the world. The sad truth, of course, being that no matter how much we like a particular car, it must either adapt to the forces of time and change, or become lost completely. Fortunately, not all change is bad. In fact, some change is downright exciting. An example of this exciting change can be found in the redesigned 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, which seeks to take the best part of the outgoing Lancer IX, and transform them into a new and better package.

Even from the outside of the vehicle, we can tell that many things have changed for the Evolution. Looking much less like a production sedan, and starting to embrace it's sports car heritage, the Evolution X just looks mean. Aggressive and angled headlights, along with a very present front mounted intercooler, and curious square cut outs that may signal fog lights on the standard Lancer help to make the front end of the new Evolution both aggressive and distinctive. While it may still look very much like the standard Lancer, the changes are enough to set it apart, and definitely represent some new age styling. The familiar hood design has returned, although it has been modified slightly. Another favorite that returns for 2008 is the large rear wing, although it is now the color of the body. Large rims, mirrors with integrated turn signals and a very nice looking dual exhaust help to round out the exterior package. Although it is definitely far and removed from the Evolution IX, there really is a lot to like about this new design it just takes a little getting used to.

One complaint that has long followed the Evolution series has been that the interiors have always been a bit boring. The Evolution X has taken some major steps to right this problem, and the new interior looks great. From the Recaro racing seats, to the brushed aluminum pedals and gauge rings, along with what appears to be a boost gauge in the center console, the inside of the Evolution X is set to resemble the expensive, top of the line car that it is, and it is sure to be a big hit with Evolution fans. Also, Mitsubishi claims that ergonomic improvements have been made as well, improving steering wheel controls, seat contours, and a variety of other small tweaks that are designed to make the driver feel more in control and all passengers feel more comfortable while driving.

However, the area in which the new Evolution is really supposed to shine is the performance. The Evolution employs a new engine design, making it lighter, along with a more powerful turbo, larger intercooler, MiVEC timing on both camshafts, and a dual exhaust. All of this is supposed to up the stock power from 285 or so right up to 320. This is a major difference. And, of course, all that extra power requires an improved suspension in order to handle it. Once again, Mitsubishi comes through, and the all wheel drive design on the Evolution X is difficult to compare with any other current car. Known as super all wheel control, the system includes active braking, suspension, and steering control. Add this with all of the great features found on the current Evo's all wheel drive system, and we have a vehicle that may represent the best handling car that Mitsubishi has ever produced.

Another important change for the Evo is the new transmission system. A six speed DSG transmission is set to come standard. This is designed to shift faster and more efficiently than an average driver, and is controlled via paddles on the top of the steering wheel. Incorporating rev-matching downshifts and near instant gear changes, the DSG system in the Evolution is truly worthy of notice, and it will be interesting to see how it controls the vehicle when it finally comes out. However, and thankfully, for those who still enjoy the traditional form of driving, the Evolution X will also have the option for a six speed manual gearbox, which promises to be one of the most precise that Mitsubishi has ever produced.

Yes, there can be no denying that change cannot be avoided. However, perhaps we should look towards the new Evolution as proof that change can sometimes be a very exciting and even inspiring thing. With all of the promising new features loaded onto the Evolution X, and improvements in almost every area, it will be a long wait for the vehicle to hit the dealerships, and an even longer wait until one gets to sit behind the wheel and take the turbo charged performance monster for a test drive.