First look: Mitsubishi concept points to Evo X

NOT content with revealing its next-generation Lancer four-door at the Detroit show, Mitsubishi also introduced the Prototype-X concept – essentially a preview of the all-new Lancer Evolution X sports sedan due on sale in Australia by early 2008.

The X has a wildly aggressive bodykit attached to the new Lancer sedan body, which at 4570mm long, is 35mm longer than the current car, 65mm wider at 1760mm, 60mm higher at 1490mm, and 35mm longer wheelbase at 2635mm.

The car shares its platform with the Outlander, providing strong safety levels and body rigidity.

It comprises a gaping new Audi-style front grille that extends down onto the deep front bumper, bulging front quarter panels, a complex bonnet scoop, large rear wing, beefier side skirts and, at rear, twin exhaust outlets and a venturi-style bumper/diffuser.

Details are thin on the ground, with Mitsubishi revealing little other than its performance flagship being powered by a "new turbocharged MIVEC engine with an aluminium cylinder block", mated to a "high performance" six-speed manual transmission.

That is pretty much what the Lancer Evo IX sedan has offered since September 2005.

The new Evo is also expected to make extensive use of aluminium body panels to help reduce weight and lift performance.

However, the 10th-generation Evo is likely to deliver more power and torque than the current Euro IV emissions-compliant 2.0-litre MIVEC turbo engine, which produces 206kW/355Nm.

The Prototype-X is also fitted with Mitsubishi's "Super All-Wheel Control" (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics system, which is expected to improve on the Evo IX's Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) AWD system.

The entry Lancer will be powered by a 113kW MIVEC 2.0-litre four cylinder and offer CVT with a six-speed sports mode with paddle shifters.