Sydney Show: The new Evo has landed

LANCER Evo X. Those three evocative words steered the crowds to the Mitsubishi stand at the Australian International Motor Show this morning, where Australian management unveiled the awesome high-performance AWD sports sedan and confirmed, as expected, that two model variants would be available from launch next April.

These comprise a racetrack-oriented MR version and a standard model based on the Japanese GSR. Both will use the new “4B11” 2.0-litre intercooled and turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and while specific Australian specifications are still elusive (not to mention pricing), Mitsubishi Australia did confirm that the GSR-based car would be fitted standard with a five-speed manual and that the MR would come with a new twin-clutch sequential-manual gearbox. This “Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission” (TC-SST) will be available as an option on the base model.

Both models will feature Mitsubishi’s latest four-wheel drive system dubbed S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Drive). This system brings together a number of electronic control systems that add considerably to the car’s acronym list – an active centre differential (ACD) to control drive between the front and rear axles, active yaw control (AYC) to vary drive from let to right, ‘active’ electronic stability control (ASC) that can be switched off for track use and a ‘sport’ ABS system that Mitsubishi calls S-ABS.

Other standard features on both will include Brembo brakes, Recaro front seats, 18-inch wheels and seven airbags. The MR model will add Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors (for better heat dissipation), BBS forged-alloy wheels and extra cabin items.

Mitsubishi also used the show to launch a five-year sponsorship agreement with the Australian Olympic Team, and to unveil a range of “Panther” concept treatments to its Pajero, Triton, Grandis and Lancer models. Finished in black paintwork with a “claw” detail, the Panther vehicles use local and overseas-sourced components and accessories such as aggressive body adornments, chrome wheels and illuminated front sports grilles.

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First look: The Evo has (almost) landed!