The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, also known as the Lancer Evo, Lan Evo, or just Evo, is a high performance sports sedan manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors that is based on the normal Lancer. There have been ten official versions to date, and the designation of each model is most commonly a Roman numeral. All use two litre, turbocharged engines and all-wheel drive systems.
In 2005, Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen Evolution at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Concept-X,[18] designed by Omer Halilhodžić at the company's European design centre.
Mitsubishi unveiled a second concept car, the Prototype-X, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
The Lancer Evolution X sedan features a newly designed 4B11T 2.0L (1998cc) turbocharged, all-aluminium inline-4 GEMA engine. Power and torque depend on the market but all versions will have at least 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). (JDM version), the American market version will have slightly more. The UK models will be reworked by Mitsubishi UK, in accordance with previous MR Evolutions bearing the FQ badge. Options for the UK Evolutions are expected to be between 300 hp (220 kW) and 360 hp (270 kW).
Two versions of the car are offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which has a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car also has a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations.[21] The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amounts of torque to the rear wheels.
It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. It has replaced the Tiptronic automatic transmission, hence the SST version replaced the GT-A version (which was used in Evolution VII and Evolution IX Wagon). A five speed manual gearbox will also be available. The new Lancer Evolution will also incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body.
The Evolution X went on sale October 1, 2007 in Japan,[22] January 2008 in the USA,[23] February in Canada (as the first version of Evolution in Canada)[24] and in March 2008 in the UK.[25] The Twin Clutch SST version was available in Japan from November 2007.[26] Europe will follow with sales in May, GSR and MR version included premium Package. The introduction of the 2010 MR-Touring moved the car even further upscale. Leather and a Moonroof became standard while revising the rear spoiler to just a lip spoiler.
Mitsubishi Motors would later state that "Further to some comments published in the press recently, production of the current Lancer Evolution continues as planned. As for its successor, regulations and market feedback will dictate its engineering package & architecture. Stay tuned.." Industry analysts would read the statement as indirectly hinting that the Evolution nameplate will remain, but is likely to be an environmentally friendly powertrain (possibly electric or hybrid), inline with increasingly stringent emission and environmental regulations.
AutoCar UK later updated its blog post, adding references to EV, further confirming what industry watchers originally speculated. Most recent news shows that Mitsubishi has been leaning towards the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV hybrid drivetrain, explaining that the electric motors will act as a turbo for the Evolution. Mitsubishi claims that their more "green" version of the Evolution will be just as good or even better in the performance category.
In October 2011, the President of Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu Masuko, confirmed to AutoCar that work on the next Evo will start in 2012 and will go on sale within the following three years. It is said that the car will feature electric power from a hybrid drivetrain, maintaining performance of 0-62 mph time under five seconds while cutting CO2 emissions.[39]
The next generation of Mitsubishi Evo will be notably smaller than the last version according to company president Osamu Masuko.
In late March 2014, Mitsubishi spokeswoman Namie Koketsu issued a press release stating "Mitsubishi Motors does not have any plans to design a successor with the current concept, as a high-performance four-wheel drive gasoline-powered sedan. Mitsubishi Motors will explore the possibilities of high-performance models that incorporate electric vehicle technology.", marking Mitsubishi's exit from the manufacture of performance vehicles.[40]
Mitsubishi stated that the Lancer Evolution would cease by end of March 2016, and the car-maker has chosen to focus on vehicles that incorporate electric technology. A "Final Edition" will be offered with special production number badges.
In 2005, Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen Evolution at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Concept-X,[18] designed by Omer Halilhodžić at the company's European design centre.
Mitsubishi unveiled a second concept car, the Prototype-X, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
The Lancer Evolution X sedan features a newly designed 4B11T 2.0L (1998cc) turbocharged, all-aluminium inline-4 GEMA engine. Power and torque depend on the market but all versions will have at least 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). (JDM version), the American market version will have slightly more. The UK models will be reworked by Mitsubishi UK, in accordance with previous MR Evolutions bearing the FQ badge. Options for the UK Evolutions are expected to be between 300 hp (220 kW) and 360 hp (270 kW).
Two versions of the car are offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which has a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car also has a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations.[21] The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amounts of torque to the rear wheels.
It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. It has replaced the Tiptronic automatic transmission, hence the SST version replaced the GT-A version (which was used in Evolution VII and Evolution IX Wagon). A five speed manual gearbox will also be available. The new Lancer Evolution will also incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body.
The Evolution X went on sale October 1, 2007 in Japan,[22] January 2008 in the USA,[23] February in Canada (as the first version of Evolution in Canada)[24] and in March 2008 in the UK.[25] The Twin Clutch SST version was available in Japan from November 2007.[26] Europe will follow with sales in May, GSR and MR version included premium Package. The introduction of the 2010 MR-Touring moved the car even further upscale. Leather and a Moonroof became standard while revising the rear spoiler to just a lip spoiler.
Japanese models
The engine is the 4B11T-type 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo engine. The Evolution X can accelerate from 0–100 km/h in 4.5 to 4.7 seconds. Aluminum is used in the roof panel, hood, front fenders and the rear spoiler frame structure.[27] The launch model's engine was rated at 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) @ 6500 rpm and 422 N·m (311 lb·ft) @ 3500 rpm. Following the repeal of the 276 horsepower Gentleman's Agreement in Japan,[28] engine power was raised to 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) @ 6500 rpm beginning in 2009 model year.- RS – 5 speed manual transmission. 16-inch wheels.
- GSR – Standard rear spoiler. 5-speed manual or 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission (magnesium paddle shifters on SST model). 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN A13C tire on Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels or optional BBS lightweight alloy wheels. Brembo ventilated disc brakes. Standard S-AWC 4WD system. Driver and front passenger dual-stage airbag. Standard Engine immobilizer with security alarm. Optional Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7 in (180 mm) LCD screen. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. Optional keyless remote entry.
- High Performance Package – Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs, brembo 2-piece disc brakes, high performance tires with stiffer walls and better grip.
- Stylish Exterior Package – Chrome finish for the front grille lattice and beltline molding, body color-keyed fender vents, adds fog lamps.
- Leather Combination Interior – The seats match the color of the exterior.
- Premium Package – All 3 above packages plus 18 in (457 mm) BBS lightweight alloy wheels.
- GSR-Premium – Replacement of Premium Package beginning with 2009 model year, but added MMCS and Rockford Fosgate premium audio.
- GSR Tuned by RALLIART – The Ralliart version was launched again in 2007, this limited edition for Lancer Evolution X is exclusively tuned by Mitsubishi Ralliart Japan equipped with 5 speed manual transmission, Ralliart RA04 Wheels 18 inch forged 1-piece black aluminum sport wheels paired with Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08 tires. Aerodynamic parts include a newly designed carbon fiber front underspoiler, hood air dam, and front bumper air intake duct, and the intake and exhaust system has been tuned to get the best out of the engine. The interior is fitted with a motor sport shell-type full bucket seat jointly developed with Recaro. Official Ralliart livery was included in the packege together with Rockford Fosgate premium sound system with Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with 7 in (180 mm) LCD screen. Its highly tuned 4B11T engine has maximum power output of 224 KW (300 bhp/ 304 ps) or more.[29]
- Final Edition - A send-off version comprising the last 1000 units to be built. Based on the Evo GSR, this five-speed-manual-only edition comes with black leather Recaros with red accent stitching, 18-inch BBS wheels, Bilstein and Eibach suspension bits, and Brembo brakes, along with the requisite "Final Edition" badging and a numbered dash plaque.[30]
North American models
Engine produces 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) @ 6500 rpm and 407 N·m (300 lb·ft) @ 4400 rpm.- GSR – Same as base Japanese GSR with large spoiler. (available only with manual 5 speed)
- MR – 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Color-keyed large rear spoiler. Leather and sueded seating. Electronic keyless entry and starting system. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface system with voice recognition.
- MR Premium – MR with a Rockford Fosgate Navigation/Stereo with 9 speakers.[31]
- MR Touring – (2010) Major differences from the MR are the rear-lip spoiler, heated full-leather seats, upgraded interior trim, and a power-sunroof on a steel roof.
- SE – (late 2010–11) Is a combination of all three 2010 models; some key features are the GSR front grill and interior, MR rear diffusers, 6-speed TC-SST transmission, Eibach springs and Bilstein struts, MR touring rear-lip spoiler, and heated seats. Only 340 were produced in the United States. A special key fob with the series number and a letter of acknowledgement from Shin Kurihara were given to the purchaser of this trim.
- Special Action Model (SAM) – (2015) All Lancer Evolution SAM models will be getting new heated side view mirrors with turn indicators and drop cup holder with lid. Production will be limited to 2,000 to 2,500 units and will be exclusively produced for the United States. Mitsubishi states that Special Action Model will mark the end of production of Lancer Evolution model.[32][33]
- (GSR only) Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package – Xenon HID headlamps with manual leveling; large rear spoiler (starting in 2011, the large rear spoiler is standard in all models); FAST-Key electronic entry and starting system; 750-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate audio system; in-dash 6-disc CD changer; Sirius Satellite Radio with three months prepaid subscription.
- (GSR - Canada only) Handling package - Bilstein Shocks, Eibach springs, 2 piece front rotors, forged BBS wheels, large spoiler.
- (MR and MR Touring) Technology Package: Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, GPS navigation with Diamond Lane Guidance; 30GB hard disc drive with Digital Music Server, in-dash DVD/CD player, multifunction 7-inch (180 mm) color LCD touchscreen, 650(710 for 2010 model)-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate high-performance audio system, Sirius Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.
UK models
UK cars kept the Evolution X name.- GS – Base Japanese GSR with Enkei or BBS wheels, 5-speed manual transmission\ radio and music server (MMCS), Rockford Fosgate premium audio, iPod/MP3 auxiliary input port.
- GSR SST (FQ-300, FQ-330) – GSR FQ-300 with 6-speed TC-SST transmission with SST mode selection (normal, sport, super sport). GSR SST FQ-330 was released in 2009.[34]
- FQ-300 – Engine rated 300 PS (220 kW; 300 hp) at 6500 rpm and 407 N·m (300 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
- FQ-330 – Engine rated 329 PS (242 kW; 324 hp) at 6500 rpm and 437 N·m (322 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
- FQ-360 – Engine rated 359 PS (264 kW; 354 hp) at 6500 rpm and 492 N·m (363 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm. Carbon fibre front lip spoiler, rear vortex generator, gear knob, hand brake. Front leather Recaro seats.
- FQ-400 – Engine rated 410 PS (300 kW; 400 hp) and 542 N·m
(400 lb·ft) of torque. It also includes 5 speed manual transmission,
six-piston brake calipers, upgraded brakes and 18-inch wheels fitted
with Toyo Proxes R1R tyres (summers) or Toyo Snowprox S953 tyres
(winters), a new aero kit that includes additional cooling intakes,
vents, a larger air intake in the hood and ducts. An estimated 100
vehicles would be made.[35] It accelerates 0–62 mph in 3.8 seconds (est.) and has a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited).
Standard equipment for the range-topping Lancer Evolution X model is comprehensive, the FQ-400 coming with Bluetooth hands-free telephone connection, a CD-tuner with 30 GB hard drive, DVD satellite navigation and privacy glass. Convenience features like remote central locking, automatic headlamps and windscreen wipers increase the FQ-400's ease of use. Available from June 2009, the FQ-400 is covered by a three-year / 36,000 mile warranty. Cost £49,999 (list price).[36] - FQ-440 MR – Engine rated 450 PS (330 kW; 440 hp) Released in 2014 as a special edition with only 49 units available. It was available in only the Frost White colour priced at £50,000.
European models
Acceleration: 0–100 km/h 4.8 sec. with 1560 kg, 4.9 sec. with 1600 kg. Engine rated 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) at 6500 rpm and 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.- GSR – 5 speed manual (GSR 5 M/T) or 6-speed TC-SST transmission (GSR TC-SST).
- MR TC-SST – 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Mitsubishi Multi Communication System.
Brazillian models
The Lancer Evolution X arrived in Brazil in 2008 and is sold only with the twin-clutch transmission.- GSR - 6 speed TC-SST transmission, 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, Recaro racing seats, 7-inch multimedia system.
- 2015 John Easton Edition - Specially created to the Brazilian market, this last edition comes with a 340 CV (335 hp), 48,5 Kgf.m (475 N.m) engine, grill outline in red and is limited to 90 units.
Australian / New Zealand models
Engine rated 295 PS (217 kW; 291 hp) at 6500 rpm and 366 N·m (270 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.- GSR – 5 speed manual or 6-speed TC-SST transmission.
- MR – 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and Bilstein struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, 2 piece front brake, aluminium rear spoiler, auto leveling Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, leather combination seat trim, heated front seats.
- Bathurst Edition – A Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Australia upgraded/tuned version Evolution X with a rated power output of 336 PS (247 kW) and 436 Nm of torque. The Team Mitsubishi Ralliart (TMR) Bathurst Edition is the most powerful road-legal Lancer Evolution X to be offered in Australia as a new car. The Bathurst Edition is available with either the standard 5-speed manual or the quick-shifting TC-SST twin-clutch 6-speed, with a limited run of only 100 units. It is covered by the MMAL factory warranty.
- Final Edition - A send-off version comprising the last 1000 units to be built and 150 will be diverted to Australian and only 30 also made available in New Zealand. Based on the Evo GSR, this five-speed-manual-only edition comes with black leather Recaros with red accent stitching, 18-inch BBS wheels, Bilstein and Eibach suspension bits, and Brembo brakes, along with the requisite "Final Edition" badging and a numbered dash plaque. This model has 'Enhanced engine power' (over the GSR model) with 226 kW power and 414Nm of torque.[37]
Southeast Asian models
Philippine models
The Philippines received its Evolution X in November 2008, and is the same as the USDM versions. The trims and specs are almost the same, excluding the MR Touring model from the USDM.- GSR- 5-speed manual, and the same specs with the USDM GSR with large spoiler.
- MR- 6-speed TC-SST gearbox, and the same specs with the USDM MR, excluding the Technology Package.
Malaysian models
In Malaysia, the Lancer Evolution X is available with only a 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission. Front license plates are aligned towards the center or right of the fascia. In 2009, the Royal Malaysian Police acquired a fleet of the Lancer Evolution X to be used in high-speed pursuits.Future
In March 2011, rumours of discontinuation of the Lancer Evolution program started when AutoCar UK's journalist Matt Prior wrote on his interview with Gayu Eusegi, Mitsubishi's Global Product Director, and quoted him saying 'The Lancer Evolution X, Eusegi told me, will be the last Evo. "There is still a demand [for the car]," he said, "but we must stop." Eyebrow up.'[38] This created a lot of discussion on the Internet.Mitsubishi Motors would later state that "Further to some comments published in the press recently, production of the current Lancer Evolution continues as planned. As for its successor, regulations and market feedback will dictate its engineering package & architecture. Stay tuned.." Industry analysts would read the statement as indirectly hinting that the Evolution nameplate will remain, but is likely to be an environmentally friendly powertrain (possibly electric or hybrid), inline with increasingly stringent emission and environmental regulations.
AutoCar UK later updated its blog post, adding references to EV, further confirming what industry watchers originally speculated. Most recent news shows that Mitsubishi has been leaning towards the Mitsubishi Concept PX-MiEV hybrid drivetrain, explaining that the electric motors will act as a turbo for the Evolution. Mitsubishi claims that their more "green" version of the Evolution will be just as good or even better in the performance category.
In October 2011, the President of Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu Masuko, confirmed to AutoCar that work on the next Evo will start in 2012 and will go on sale within the following three years. It is said that the car will feature electric power from a hybrid drivetrain, maintaining performance of 0-62 mph time under five seconds while cutting CO2 emissions.[39]
The next generation of Mitsubishi Evo will be notably smaller than the last version according to company president Osamu Masuko.
In late March 2014, Mitsubishi spokeswoman Namie Koketsu issued a press release stating "Mitsubishi Motors does not have any plans to design a successor with the current concept, as a high-performance four-wheel drive gasoline-powered sedan. Mitsubishi Motors will explore the possibilities of high-performance models that incorporate electric vehicle technology.", marking Mitsubishi's exit from the manufacture of performance vehicles.[40]
Discontinuation
Mitsubishi stated that the Lancer Evolution would cease by end of March 2016, and the car-maker has chosen to focus on vehicles that incorporate electric technology. A "Final Edition" will be offered with special production number badges.
No comments:
Post a Comment