Description
Mitsubishi threw another sequel after its famous Lancer Evolutions models on the market in 2008, and the upgrades compared with its predecessors were massive.
When the Japanese automaker made the rally-spec version of the Lancer in 1992, the car became an instant success thanks to its performance. It was nimble, powerful, light, and affordable to many. Furthermore, Mitsubishi worked on the Lancer Evolution and constantly upgraded it almost every year. These cars won many rallies worldwide and got the World Rally Championship under its belt. Still, the market changed, and customers started to look for more comfort and enhanced features on their sports cars. As a result, in 2007, the production version of the Lancer came on the Japanese market.
While it was related to the Evo IX, the tenth version of this nameplate was massively changed. At the front, the car sported a tall trapezoidal-shaped grille horizontally crossed by a beam. Its angular headlights tried to resemble a pair of angry eyes, while the lower bumper sported a set of fog lamps on its outer sides. Like all other Lancer Evolution before, the automaker added functional extracting vents on the hood. These vents were designed to help with heat extraction from the engine bay, contributing to better engine cooling during high-performance driving situations.
From its profile, the car looked like it leaned forward due to its ascending beltline and the narrow nose. In addition, behind the front wheels, Mitsubishi added extracting vents that released the air trapped in the front wheel wells and reduced the aerodynamic lift. A set of side sills made the car look lower to the ground, while at the back, the automaker added a wing on the short deck. From behind, the LED taillights were extended from the quarter panels to the trunk lid, and their shape echoed the headlights’ design. Finally, under the bumper, the carmaker added two oval exhausts integrated into the rear diffuser.
Mitsubishi sold the Lancer Evolution X in a few trim levels, depending on the market and model year. The base version featured mundane seats and only a few options. Meanwhile, the top-spec version featured Recaro sports seats at the front with tall seatbacks and integrated headrests. Their high bolstered areas kept their occupants in place during high-speed cornering maneuvers. The driver fronted a dashboard with large dials for the speedometer and the tachometer that flanked a small LCD that showed data from the car’s onboard computer. Atop the center stack, between the center vents, Mitsubishi installed a touchscreen for the infotainment system that featured navigation and a Rockford Fosgate sound system as an option. The bench in the back was flat and didn’t provide too much legroom for passengers, although it was good enough for short jaunts.
But most customers bought the Evo for what was under the car’s skin: the engine and transmission. All vehicles came fitted with the brand-new all-aluminum 4B11T4 Turbo MIVEC engine that replaced the formerly used open-deck 4G63 powerplant that powered the previous generations of the Lancer. The automaker paired the new unit with either a five-speed manual gearbox or with a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch) transmission that sent the power in all corners via one of the most advanced all-wheel drive systems on the market named S-AWD (Super All Wheel Control).
Press Release
The development goal for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X was to make the car as fast as possible, while also making it as safe to drive as possible. To that end Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is loaded with the very latest in automotive engineering technology, including the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system and the newly developed, power-efficient Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission). Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is a new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan that allows a new category of driver access to Mitsubishi's dynamic driving experience by underpinning speed with control, security and safety.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X's handsome and aggressive functional design presents an intimidating and exciting aerodynamic exterior suggestive of its superior road performance. This is complemented by a functional interior that encourages the driver to concentrate fully on piloting his machine. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X uses the front end design identity common to all new Mitsubishi Motors sedans (inverted-slant nose with a trapezoidal grille design) first seen on the new Galant Fortis (Mitsubishi Lancer / Lancer EX in overseas markets). As well as shouting loud the aggressive qualities that mark a high performance sports sedan, the front fascia is crafted for optimum aerodynamic performance.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X realizes very high levels of motive and driving performance thanks to its new high-output and lightweight 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine with aluminum block, an all-new body and stiffer suspension. Despite its turbocharged pedigree the new model earns a 3-star rating for emissions that are 50% lower than the requirements of the Japanese 2005 standards. And complementing its powerful and clean road performance is the kind of a safety specification one would expect of a new-generation high-performance model: SRS dual-stage airbags for driver and front passenger, SRS knee airbag for driver and adaptive front lighting system (AFS) are all standard equipment on the GSR trim level.
The Twin Clutch SST is a 6-speed automated manual transmission incorporating a dual automated clutch system to deliver lightning-fast, slick shifting for feel-good acceleration; while it also provides high-efficiency power transmission for outstanding fuel economy. In keeping with the higher output and torque developed by the new engine, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is offered with a new 5-speed manual transmission that delivers smoother shifting and improved shift feel for those who prefer the joys and more direct control of manual shifting.
All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR models are fitted with the S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system. The system intelligently manages several component systems to regulate drive torque and braking force at each wheel, reading and reflecting driver intent in real time over a wide range of situations. This allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy sporty driving with peace of mind.
Engine
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is powered by a new turbocharged engine that adds a high-performance turbocharger to the 4B11-type 2.0-liter 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC MIVEC unit used in the Galant Fortis. Developing more power over the full rev range, this engine generates more torque at 422 Nm (43.0 kg-m)/3500 rpm and has better response than its 4G63 predecessor. The new engine is also lighter and returns better environmental performance.
The application of continuously variable valve timing technology (MIVEC) to both intake and exhaust camshafts realizes valve timing optimally matched to engine speed and load to stabilize combustion characteristics and allow the engine to develop more power over the full rev range. It also improves emissions performance. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X earns a 3-star rating for emissions that are 50% under the Japanese 2005 Emissions Standards levels.
The new engine, excluding auxiliary equipment, is 12 kg lighter than the 4G63 thanks to the use of a die-cast aluminum cylinder block, head cover and chain case.
Using a titanium-aluminum alloy turbine wheel and aluminum alloy compressor wheel, the turbocharger features a shape-optimized compressor wheel that improves boost response and increases low-end and mid-range torque.
The adoption of a rearward facing exhaust manifold layout has, as well as improving exhaust efficiency, allowed the engine to be mounted lower, lowering the center of gravity. Other innovations have reduced intake/exhaust system losses and valvetrain friction, contributing to improved engine performance.
Transmissions
The GSR is available with the new Twin Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual transmission that eliminates the need for a clutch pedal and provides slick, smooth shifting. Twin Clutch SST puts odd (1st, 3rd, 5th) and even (2nd, 4th and 6th) gears on separate input shafts each with its own clutch and, through tight cooperative control with the engine, switches between these clutches to realize seamless and lightning-fast shifting for feel-good acceleration. Because it uses clutches rather than a torque converter to transmit power, Twin Clutch SST allows superior power transmission efficiency with little loss of motive power and returns excellent fuel economy. Twin Clutch SST allows the driver to choose between Autoshift fully automatic shifting and Manual Shift, where the driver can change gears as with a manual transmission. A toggle switch located at the base of the shift selector allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Super Sport modes for the optimum shift scheduling for a wide variety of situations ranging from driving around town to tracing a tight line on a winding road.
Twin Clutch SST models are fitted as standard with steering column-mounted lightweight magnesium paddle shifters that allow the driver to shift manually without taking his hand off the steering wheel.
For drivers who enjoy having more direct control over their machine, the GSR is available with a new 5-speed manual transmission. (The RS is only available with this manual gearbox.) Benefiting from the know-how Mitsubishi Motors has accumulated in the motorsport arena the new manual gearbox features a greater torque capacity to handle the higher torque generated by the new turbocharged engine without growing in size. First to fourth gears use close ratios. 1st gear uses a lower ratio than previously for better standing acceleration while 5th gear uses a higher ratio for more comfortable high-speed cruising. The new transmission uses multi-cone synchronizer rings on all gears for smoother shifting and a more positive shift feel as well as for improved durability.
Body
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X's new platform achieves significant increases in body stiffness, with gains in torsional and flexural stiffness of 40% and 60% respectively over Lancer Evolution IX MR. This results in better handling stability and crashworthiness, as well as in improved ride and in reduced vibration and noise, to realize levels of quality and comfort that befit a new-generation sports sedan.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X's wider track and longer wheelbase not only create a more spacious living space but also bring improved stability and ride. Other factors contributing to the new model's improved handling include its lower center of gravity stemming from the lower powertrain, and better front/rear weight distribution resulting from the lower engine weight, a front overhang that is 20 mm shorter than on the Lancer Evolution IX MR, and the transfer of the battery to the trunk.
To reduce weight and lower the center of gravity, aluminum is used in the roof panel, front fenders and the rear spoiler frame structure.
Suspension & tires
While based on the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension arrangement used on previous models in the series, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X features a revamped suspension layout with wider tracks and 18-inch tires. Geometry optimization and greater stiffness in the mountings maximizes the contact patch and allows S-AWC to perform to its full potential as well as bringing improved straight line stability, cornering and ride.
GSR comes standard with 245/40R18 wide and low-aspect tires on 18-inch Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels. 18-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels are also available as a factory-fitted option for GSR and add a distinctive custom touch with a luster finish.
GSR comes standard with brembo 18-inch front and 17-inch rear ventilated disc brakes. The increased disc size improves stopping power and fade resistance as well as improving brake pedal feel.
The factory-fitted High Performance Package comprises the Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs used on Lancer Evolution IX MR. It also includes brembo 2-piece disc brakes that realize a saving of 1.3 kg at each wheel and high performance tires with stiffer walls and better grip. This package brings further improvements in grip, steering response, stability and cornering.
4WD system (S-AWC)
The GSR trim level comes with Mitsubishi Motors' own 4WD vehicle dynamics control system S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) standard. For Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Active Stability Control (ASC) has been added to the ACD, AYC and Sport ABS component systems featured in previous Lancer Evolution. S-AWC uses integrated management of these systems to exert high-precision control on drive torque and brake force at each wheel to enhance cornering and stability under all conditions from everyday driving to emergency evasion; thereby producing vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver intent. S-AWC offers three operating modes - TARMAC for dry, paved surfaces; GRAVEL for wet or unmade surfaces, and SNOW for snow covered surfaces - allowing the driver to select the mode best suited to current road surface conditions and realize greater stability.
ACD (Active Center Differential)
The Active Center Differential uses an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch to optimize front/rear wheel torque split and thereby produce the best balance between traction and steering response.
AYC (Active Yaw Control)
AYC uses a torque transfer mechanism in the rear differential to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions and so limit the yaw moment that acts on the vehicle body and thus enhance cornering performance. AYC now features yaw rate feedback control using a yaw rate sensor to more accurately determine the cornering dynamics on a real-time basis. And the addition of braking force control allows the system to realize vehicle behavior that more closely mirrors driver intent.
Sport ABS (Sport Anti-lock Brake System)
ABS allows the driver to maintain directional control and keeps the vehicle stable by preventing the wheels from locking under heavy braking or when braking on slippery surfaces. The addition of yaw rate sensors and brake pressure sensors to the Sport ABS system has improved braking performance through corners.
Active Stability Control (ASC)
The ASC system stabilizes vehicle attitude while maintaining optimum traction by regulating engine power and the braking force at each wheel. ASC elevates vehicle stability by suppressing skidding in an emergency evasion maneuver or as the result of other sudden steering inputs. It also improves traction under acceleration by preventing the driving wheels from spinning on slippery surfaces.
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Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition
In its 10th and final generation, the Lancer Evolution is a car that is beloved by many and arguably the originator of the four-door sports car genre. To send it off in style, Mitsubishi will offer a limited-production, Final Edition model; only 1,600 numbered Final Edition models will be produced.
Already known for its pulse-pounding performance, the Lancer Evolution Final Edition increases horsepower to 303 and torque to 305 lb-ft. Performance is further added by use of lightweight two-piece Brembo® brake rotors up front, accompanied by Bilstein® shock absorbers and Eibach® springs at all four corners. As with all 2015 Lancer Evolutions, the Final Edition features Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel control.
Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC): High-Tech AWD Bred for the World Rally Championship
One of the most sophisticated all-wheel drive systems ever developed for a production car, the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, working in concert with the Lancer Evolution's superbly engineered suspension, provides an otherworldly degree of performance and tractability for the 2015 Lancer Evolution.
What's more, to precisely maximize the S-AWC system's performance, the driver can choose between three selectable traction mode settings - "Tarmac," "Gravel" and "Snow," the latter setting providing maximum tractability and performance in poor weather/road conditions and/or on low-grip surfaces.
The S-AWC system found in Mitsubishi Motors' four-door sports car includes numerous high-tech components/systems to deliver such a remarkable level of traction and agility: Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sport Anti-lock Braking (ABS).
Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Controls torque distribution to the vehicle's rear wheels through brakeforce control from the Active Stability Control (ASC) system, as well as from the planetary gear rear differential and yaw rate sensors.
Active Center Differential (ACD)
Manages the power routed to the wheels via an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch based on a number of parameters including throttle opening, individual wheel speeds, and steering wheel angle. The Active Center Differential (ACD) allows for up to a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels.
Active Stability Control (ASC)
Oversees the traction and stability control systems and helps prevent wheel slip and regulates brake force and power distribution at each individual wheel for improved traction and stability when cornering.
Sport Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Utilizes data from the yaw rate sensors and the S-AWC system, along with advanced brake pressure, to rapidly decelerate the vehicle with exceptional control and aplomb.
The Lancer Evolution Final Edition's suspension features inverted MacPherson struts up front with a multilink design at the rear, with suspension control arms composed of aluminum (the Lancer Evolution's hood, roof, front fenders and front and rear bumper beams are also made from the strong yet lightweight alloy), Eibach® springs and Bilstein® shock absorbers with stabilizer bar.
High Potency Turbocharged/Intercooled Powerplant
Based on the design that powered Finnish racing legend Tommi Mäkinen to four straight titles in the grueling World Rally Championship (WRC), the turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine found beneath the hood of every 2015 Mitsubishi Final Edition Lancer Evolution model delivers instantaneous power and torque at virtually any rpm within the powerband.
Consisting of a reinforced cast-aluminum block and an aluminum cylinder head and fitted with the latest edition of Mitsubishi Motors' innovative MIVEC variable valve-timing system, this impressive engine's architecture features a "square" design as both its bore and stroke measure an equal 86.0 mm, accompanied by a compression ratio of 9.0:1.
The power output from this whirlwind of an engine for the Final Edition is rated at 303 horsepower at 6,500 rpm with a full 305 lb-ft of torque starting at the 4,000 rpm level.
The Lancer Evolution's distinctive and throaty exhaust note is due to the free-flowing dual exhaust outlets. The stainless steel exhaust manifold and turbocharger are located at the rear of the transversely-mounted engine and close to the firewall, which helps to improve weight distribution.
Lancer Evolution Final Edition comes standard with a short-throw, 5-speed manual transmission. EPA fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway.
Exemplary Safety Features and Mitsubishi Motors' Outstanding Warranty
Owners of the 2015 Mitsubishi Final Edition Lancer Evolution will find protection not only in the form of advanced safety features and technologies included on every vehicle as part of its standard equipment package but will also benefit from the Japanese auto manufacturer's outstanding vehicle warranty.
Helping to protect the vehicle's occupants in the event of an accident are Mitsubishi Motors' patented next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) technology to help disperse energy from the cabin section as well as the fuel system; a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors and a total of seven (7) air bags: a driver's side knee air bag, two front air bags, two front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and two side curtain air bags.
Every 2015 Mitsubishi Final Edition Lancer Evolution model includes an extensive vehicle protection program consisting of a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance program.
The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition model comes equipped with the following standard features:
Mechanical
Turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter MIVEC DOHC 16-valve inline 4-cylinder
303 horsepower and 305 lb-ft torque
Bilstein® shock absorbers and Eibach® springs
Brembo® 2-piece front rotors
Exterior
Final Edition Badge
Black painted aluminum roof
Gloss black center bumper and hood air outlet
Dark chrome painted Enkei® alloy wheels
Dark chrome front grille surround
Auto on/off bi-xenon High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with leveling control
Colors: New Pearl White, Octane Blue, Rally Red, Mercury Gray
Interior Enhancements
Black pillars, sun visors, assist handles and headliner
Gloss black center console box with production serial number plaque (US0001 ~ US1600)
Red stitch accents on sports seats, steering wheel, shift knob, console lid, floormats, and e-brake handle
Final Edition animation on meter display
Safety
Advanced seven (7) air bag SRS system including driver's side knee air bag, dual-stage front air bags with occupant seat position sensors, front seat mounted side-impact air bags and front and rear curtain side air bags
Sport anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control Logic (TCL)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Engine immobilizer anti-theft security alarm system
Mitsubishi Motors' patented Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) safety cell body construction
Warranty
3-year/36,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty
5-year/60,000 mile powertrain limited warranty
7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty
5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance
