All images are for illustrative purposes only
All models are available with a mechanically direct, five-speed manual gearbox which features Teflon-coated shift cables for super smooth changes, but the GSR SST FQ-300 is the first Lancer Evolution to offer automatic transmission, albeit an automatic with a difference. TC-SST (Twin-clutch Sports Shift Transmission) provides smoother and faster gear changes than conventional automatic transmissions whilst returning both the same level of fuel economy and acceleration performance as a manual transmission.
A high performance saloon must have a superior suspension system that provides the maximum tyre-surface contact and grip. The Lancer Evolution X's suspension system has been set up for outstanding cornering performance. Designed from scratch, a highly rigid, lightweight suspension has been developed. At the front, steps have been taken to increase the size of the hub unit bearings and stiffness of the sub-members to accommodate the improved cornering performance of 18" low-profile tyres. At the rear a completely new suspension was developed featuring forged aluminium upper and lower arms. Bilstein dampers with Eibach coil springs are used throughout.
The four-wheel drive Lancer Evolution has always been able to make superb use of its power on twisting, wet or poorly surfaced roads and Super All Wheel Control is the brains behind this phenomenal handling. It unites an electronic traction control system, to rally-inspired specification four-wheel drive hardware to make a hard-charging hero out of even the most ordinary driver. You can actually sense the system moving the torque to the wheels with the most grip as you corner.
The 4B11 retains the 2-litre, four cylinder, twin-cam, 16-valve design architecture of its illustrious forebears. Improvements in fuel economy were achieved through utilizing MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control System) the intake and exhaust sides of the engine, enabling the idling speed to be lowered without compromising the high-speed performance; other measures include improved cooling efficiency.
Exhaust emissions have been reduced to less than 25% of those of the Evolution IX thanks to the optimization of fuel line pressure combined with a rear exhaust layout and the use of a high-performance metal catalyst featuring a short activation time.
The Evolution X is fitted with newly developed 245/40R18 low-profile tyres with an asymmetrical tread pattern and optimized inner structure. These are fitted to aluminium wheels, which undergo a spinning process to increase strength and reduce the weight and thickness of the rims. The rim shape itself, together with the location of the spokes, are specially designed to produce a highly rigid, lightweight wheel.
Using an optimally-shaped titanium turbine wheel in the turbocharger in conjunction with a straight type intake system and large diameter exhaust system piping, response times are up to 18 per cent better even than those in the Lancer Evolution IX.
Aluminium is used extensively in the construction of the Lancer Evolution X, with the roof, bonnet, front wings and front and rear bumper beams being made from this ultra-light material. This serves to keep weight to a minimum, to concentrate mass in the centre of the car and keep the centre of gravity as low as possible. High-strength steel is used extensively to reduce mass while maintaining structural integrity. The result is an Evolution that is 39 percent stiffer against twisting and 64 percent more rigid against bending (Compared to Evolution IX)
TC-SST is effectively two three-speed gearboxes mounted on the same output shaft and with two clutches, one which engages the gear in use, the other which pre-selects the next gear required. In manual mode the shift quality is both quicker and smoother than any human could manage with a conventional gearbox. In addition to the automatic and manual transmission, the TC-SST also offers a choice of driving modes: 'Normal' (comfort and economy), 'Sport' gear (changes at higher revs), in Super-Sport mode shifts happen at 6500 rpm, throttle response is even more aggressive and the transmission downshifts automatically on braking for a bend, but holds the gear around the corner.Available on the FQ-300 and FQ-330 models only.
Super All Wheel Control is the collective name for a number of different electronic and mechanical devices which work together to create the phenomenal way the Lancer Evolution X responds to the driver; it can be tailored to best suit snow, gravel or tarmac surfaces at the flick of a switch. At the heart of the S-AWC lies an Active Centre Differential. Unlike a passive system it processes information to determine the optimal torque split between the front and rear axles and distributes it via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch. Active Yaw Control (AYC), unique amongst road-going cars, utilises an electronically controlled rear differential to take information about longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle and wheel speed and apportions torque between the rear wheels according to need. Active Stability Control (ASC) regulates the engine power and braking force at each wheel to prevent a loss of control, so smoothly and swiftly that the driver is often unaware of its operation: it can be disabled partially or fully. The final link in the chain of control is, of course, Sports ABS.
The 4B11 uses a die-cast aluminium block to reduce weight, strengthened to withstand the stress of high-output operation and utilising a ladder frame structure to reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Designed to be inherently smooth-running it negates the need for secondary balancer shafts, which also contributes to weight reduction and allows the engine to be more compact. Furthermore, the 4B11 uses a forward facing intake and rearward facing exhaust ports. This change eliminated the need to run the exhaust pipe under the engine, allowing it to be lowered by 10mm and contributing to the vehicle's lower centre of gravity.
At the front large air intakes ensure the engine receives the cooling it needs, whilst the whole front bumper is styled to decrease drag and lift. Underneath the car, air is channeled by diffusers to increase down force and therefore grip and stability at high speeds while, at the back, the substantial rear spoiler plays an important part in maintaining the car’s aerodynamic balance and handling consistency at all speeds.
The Evolution X's cabin is spacious and comfortable, and, just like its exterior, the interior is designed with a very specific purpose - here it is to reduce the burden on the driver and aid concentration. For example, the instrument panels arch-like shape is designed to bring the controls closer to the driver for greater focus and ease of use whilst providing greater legroom for the front seat passenger.
The wheelbase has been lengthened for greater stability, the track widened and centre of gravity lowered for improved handling, and the front and rear overhangs reduced to make the car more manoeuvrable. Wing blisters were adopted to transport the side air streams rearwards without separation - whilst such distinctive styling features as the trapezoidal grille, the NACA duct on the hood and the kick-up shape of the front part of the wheel-arch are all designed for optimum cooling.
The Lancer Evolution X's sophisticated Bluetooth system with built-in noise and echo cancellation ensures excellent audibility. Up to seven different 'phones can be paired to the system at any time and are automatically recognized upon starting the vehicle. Pick-up, hand-up, speech and volume controls are sited on the steering wheel whilst all other commands may be made verbally.
The full bucket front seats are designed by Recaro as much for comfort as support, alleviating the sense of constriction often encountered in sports seats and improving access. Even the covering materials - a choice of a suede-like knit or combination of leather and techno-suede leather - have been developed specifically for their comfort and grip.
An 8-channel, 650w audio system designed by Rockford Acoustic Design (GSR variants) provides truly superior sound. A digital sound processor enables you to create the optimum acoustic characteristics to match your sound source and personal preference, providing a choice of four acoustic fields and five sound types. Nine speakers, including a 25cm subwoofer, are housed in seven optimum locations.
The Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (GSR variants) incorporates a 30-gigabyte, hard disk drive satellite navigation system with colour, touch-screen display which is exceptionally fast and intelligent, providing ultra-quick search and route finding capabilities. It also features- radio, DVD drive and CDDB which relays information about the CD being played to the screen as well as a hard disk-driven music catcher which can download and store up to 2000 music tracks.
Seven airbags come as standard, adding a driver's knee airbag to go with the more usual front, side and curtain airbags.
Massive Brembo brakes with 350mm ventilated discs with four piston calipers at the front and 330mm items at the rear offer huge stopping power even before electronic safety measures like Sport ABS and EBD need be triggered. Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) makes sure that each wheel has the maximum possible braking power available at all times.
Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lamps can literally see around bends, depending upon the steering angle to illuminate your direction of travel at speeds below 62mph.
Super All Wheel Control, the collective name for a number of different electronic and mechanical devices which work together to create the phenomenal way in which the Lancer Evolution X responds to the driver, but they do not merely make it more fun to drive, they also make it far easier to control in an emergency situation. Unlike a passive system it processes information to determine the optimal torque split between the front and rear axles and distributes it via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch. Active Yaw Control (AYC), unique amongst road-going cars, utilises an electronically controlled rear differential to take information about longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle and wheel speed and apportions torque between the rear wheels according to need. Active Stability Control (ASC) regulates the engine power and braking force at each wheel to prevent a loss of control, so smoothly and swiftly that the driver is often unaware of its operation. The final link in the chain of control is, of course, Sports ABS.
Built around Mitsubishi's cutting edge RISE monocoque structure this massively strong assembly employs the strategic use of ultra-high tensile steels never before seen in any Lancer Evolution model to ensure maximum crash protection from all angles. The body is designed to direct impact forces away from the occupants and for the car's extremities to deform in a pre-programmed manner while the passengers remain within a steel safety cell.