Mitsubishi Prototype X: A preview of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Mitsubishi Prototype X: A preview of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

We get another very clear preview on how the final Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will look like, with Mitsubishi’s latest concept vehicle, the Mitsubishi Prototype X. Lucky American visitors were able to have a look at it at the 2007 NAIAS in Detroit which will run until the 21st of this month.

The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will be built on Mitsubishi’s new GS Platform, which also underpines the latest Mitsubishi Outlander as well as the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass and other Chrysler Group vehicles. The engine is of a new family, not the venerable turbocharged 4G63T series which has been gracing the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution since it’s first incarnation. The new engine is a 2.0 turbocharged unit with MIVEC variable valve timing codenamed 4B11, and is mated to either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automated clutch manual transmission with paddle shifters. It’s not known whether the Evo X’s automated manual will feature a single clutch or dual clutches. Final output figures of the 4B11 have not been stated, but Mitsubishi promises it will have the highest output of a stock Evo to date.

The new engine block is aluminum instead of the iron used in the 4G63T block, and is 20 kg lighter. The exhaust is located on the bulkhead side, allowing for improved placement that helps to lower the center of gravity. High inherent strength has been achieved partly through over-engineering of the open deck block, and the use of large water jackets and metal areas around each siamesed cylinder bore. All in all, the engine was designed to withstand high levels of boost.

The new Lancer is built on a longer wheelbase and wider track – but with a slightly shorter overall length than the previous model. The new Prototype X takes the sexy Lancer design further with widened wheel arches and sportier trim all round. The intercooler remains front mounted, and you have that trademark huge wing at the back – something that might just look silly on all cars except Evos and Imprezas. You also get the customary LED turn signals on the wing mirrors. Wheels are 20 inchers, which hide huge brake discs behind them.

Related Posts:
Mitsubishi Prototype X – future Evolution X
New 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer specs and photos revealed
Mitsubishi Lancer to be unveiled at 2007 NAIAS

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • eric (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 11:01 am

    ohh so ****ing sexyyyy.. :P

    gonna so have one. =)

    are the pics showing 2 different types of evo? cause in one of them the intercooler (the same stock intercooler in current evos) is very obviously seen compared to the other spec-ed model which shows only what looks like a radiator? or could that be a newly designed IC?

    highest output of any stock evo to date would mean in excess of about 300 poines. and the ability to withstand higher amounts of boost.. oooo.. i predict 1000hp evos won't be such a big rarity in the near future.. :P

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  • cbljkkj (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 1:36 pm

    Is it me or does anyone else think that this new Evo X looks a little strange? he roofline is absurdly high for me. Looks like a huge bulge. The front is alright i guess, still retains some masculinity in comparison to the standard Lancer shown above.

    The rear still reminds me of the Alfa 156. Wing has been toned down and isn't as lairy as the previous ones.

    I can't stand the sight of the interior. Looks like a million trillion trinkets ready to poke the first person to drive it.

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  • BrakeFader (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 4:04 pm

    Sweet!! A fierce shark looking car. The speedo and rev meters looks similar to Mazda 3, with its needle starting from 6 o'clock position.

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  • albagmane (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 5:43 pm

    man… this car tells different stories from different angles… a very amazing next gen evo!!! oh ya, i wonder where will be the plate number put on this evo… coz it seems tat there is no where to squeeze the plate number anymore…

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  • pirate (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 6:25 pm

    Looks ripe for production to me – as the much anticipated EVO X…ever-ready!

    Save for the 20inches wheels, maybe not…

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  • drM (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 6:34 pm

    so many pictures. thats the only good thing.

    the centre console is like…..boring. the round dial shaped meters are like we being pushed back 5-10 years.

    but Evo being Evo, this will do well with Evo lovers

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  • òmn&Ati (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 6:37 pm

    i saw two different variations on the front during last weekend Tokyo Auto Salon at Chiba, Japan. one has a honeycomb intake while the other with horizontal fin intake. wish i have sufficient batteries to snap some shots.

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  • KL-ATR (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 6:45 pm

    It looks AWESOME!!! New engine sounds like it's been beefed up for the right purpose too. Can't wait to see the real thing!

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  • 4G63T DSM (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 7:57 pm

    Hehehe…

    Looks like predestrian safety laws are dictating how new cars look nowadays.

    Looks like there wont be any more sleek front ends for a while. Ever wondered why all the hoods (or bonnets as some call it) have that raised section? Laws dictate 4" of room between the underside of the hood and the top of the engine.

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  • motorhead (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 9:29 pm

    Wow, so many pics.. thx paul… awesome la…. like a hot shark…. but can only dream of it…

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  • hameed koyakuti (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 10:03 pm

    Hmmmm, reminds me of the ol Volvo S40…………sniff sniff

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  • waimak (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 10:21 pm

    This prototype X nose reminds me of Audi design only upside down, but very nice. An evloution indeed. The only thing which i dont quite like is the interior. Dont you guys think its a bit too much?

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  • aksMs (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 10:56 pm

    I don't care what you all have said, be it good or bad. But this car makes me *drool* :p~~ Thanks Paul, for putting up lots of pics!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • AmSouth (Member) on Jan 15, 2007 at 11:06 pm

    Wow! This is a lovely fierce shark face evo…. when will it be available at Playstation 2 …… :)

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  • mitlanevo (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 1:07 am

    I still can't accept this New Evo X, and still prefer the current Evo IX….

    But maybe quite sometime later, I will accept it……

    PEACE~

    Super Evo fan, haha~

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  • protonGL (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 2:23 am

    desirable,….and next,,,,,WRX hatch

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  • armandd (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 2:30 am

    looks 85% like an acura TL, the acura looks better though. c'mon mitsubishi, u can do better than this!

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  • transformer (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 2:48 am

    IMHO, its still looks like the last gen. of Gallant (those equips with the cool VR4 type) overall appearance : its Fine! (i dislike the rear end..)

    its interesting to find an aluminium engine block in a Mitsu though… and still 2.0L compared to Impreza offered 2.5L ? aluminium reduce weight and run cooler… but hopefully its not softer too(for a 400bhp or more)…

    any infos on its LSD or Active YAW control or ESP or Traction system or etc…

    don't know until when we could see a Diesel powered Lan EVO, maybe a 2.5L from the Triton(after modified)….

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  • DAN (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 3:47 am

    the Morse advance on earth !

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  • mystvearn (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 4:31 am

    why 5 speed manual, 6 speed auto? not 6, 6?

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  • Grey_Fox (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 6:11 am

    Whoa…my favourite post ever..hot hot hot..i WANT!!.Wah..but clutchless shifting..hm..wonder how will that turn out..

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  • Initial D (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 6:36 am

    really nice looking………. only the front be longer, then it will be best………..

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  • altimi (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 7:20 am

    that meter console looks like lotus…..or is it gen2? :)

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  • Goniothalamus (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 7:38 am

    Yes, very fierce from the front perspective. (isn't like Nuvolari concept?) and it's has briliant engine maybe. The scenario shown that the Jap sportcar was introduce thier icon as well. For the Evo, the Impreza is waiting at the rallye competition. Style is not at all, the more important is how it's works!

    This is not the evolution, this should the revolution. Great job, Mr.Mitsu.

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  • AmSouth (Member) on Jan 16, 2007 at 4:58 pm

    This Evo X is very attractive…. Fierce and masculine look makes everybody wants to drive this powerful car ….. Good Mitsu…

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  • protonGL (Member) on Jan 17, 2007 at 12:31 am

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fv006pMw6s

    flashback evo6 vs evo9

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  • I my (Member) on Jan 17, 2007 at 6:15 pm

    form me the old model look more garang. may be need time to use to it. Anyway for the new Evo X, the rear look like a alfa 156, the front look like a new Audi A4's big mouth but terbalik.

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  • Takumi Fujiwara (Member) on Jan 17, 2007 at 10:47 pm

    i want buy 10 unit…whahahhahhahaaaaa

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  • DarkL1ghT (Member) on Jan 20, 2007 at 5:32 am

    very nice! but doesnt the direct front picture remind anyone of the GT-R34 Skyline?

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  • matmoto_5125 (Member) on Jan 23, 2007 at 12:03 am

    wohoo..mm..sexy..

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  • yasith (Member) on Jan 26, 2007 at 8:56 pm

    Gretest one after the evo 6, extreme sporty looks,with the gaping mouth.

    This one can rock to the limit. Waida go…….

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  • Rapunzel (Member) on Dec 11, 2007 at 7:57 pm

    I worship EVO’s!!!!!
    But i have to say that the exterior design still needs LOTS of work!!! It looks like a Mazda from the rear, dont mind the front view tho, but definately has the rear of a Mazda model. The side profiles look a tad bit weird too, it slants a bit too much, and the rear door looks a bit cramped getting in and out of…. I reckon they should’ve just vamped up the EVO 5/6 bodykitted model just a bit like they did to the Evo 7/8’s to keep that real ralliart look!!! i reckon the evo 5/6 bodykit looked freakin’ awesom, with the beasty front bar and floodlights and hood! and not to mention the two tiered spoiler!!!! YEOUCH!! :o) Should’ve just worked from there! Otherwise, i love the motor!!! always up for a suped up engine!! *two thumbs up* but like someone said b4, it looks a bit weird interior-wise too…. but i guess thats wat happens when its a first in a line of new designs.. the first few always look a bit crummy…

    Keep working on the design guys! Love your Evo work!!

    Any future for a two door/coupe???? When’s this vehicle coming to Australia??? and how much $$$$?

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