By Dr LongFinal specifications of the much-anticipated all-new Lancer Evolution X has been released ahead of the Tokyo International Motor Show this month. Sporting S-AWC and Twin Clutch SST and other cutting-edge automotive technologies, the GSR spec (also available with a 5-speed manual transmission) leads the new Lancer Evolution X lineup. The Evo X also continues to offer the RS competition base model, with a less comprehensive and simplified equipment specification to reduce kerb weight. But this model looks more bargain-basement than the Lancer 2.0GT we already have here in Malaysia, so I have chosen to leave it out. After all, with paying some RM300k for a Japanese C-segment sedan � albeit a wicked super-high performance one at that � one will not tolerate an RS-spec Evo X, mostly anyway, for daily urban or sub-urban tarmac use. The Premium Package adds 18-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels to the GSR.
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Highlights and technical wizardries of the new Evolution X:
The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is powered by a new turbocharged engine that adds a high-performance turbocharger to the (4B11) 2.0L 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC MIVEC unit used in the Lancer 2.0 GT. Developing more power over the full rev range, this all-aluminium petrol motor generates higher torque, a heady 422Nm at 3500 rpm and has better response than its 4G63 predecessor. The new engine is also lighter and returns better fuel efficiency as well as cleaner emission standards. 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 application of continuously variable valve timing technology (MIVEC) to both intake and exhaust camshafts realizes valve timing optimally matched to engine speed and load, stabilize combustion characteristics and allow the engine to develop more power over the full rev range. 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.
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.
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 quick and incisive 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 while returning respectable 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 racing 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.
4WD system (S-AWC)
The GSR trim level comes with Mitsubishi Motors' 4WD vehicle dynamics control system dubbed S-AWC (Super - All Wheel Control) as standard. For Lancer Evolution X, Active Stability Control (ASC) has been added to the ACD, AYC and Sport ABS component systems featured in previous Lancer Evolution series. 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 realise 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.
The new Lancer Evolution X is expected to be available by H2 2008 in Malaysia - in the GSR form with Twin Clutch SST, of course. Incidentally, this GSR version with SST will only be available by November �07 in Japan. MMC expects to deliver 4,000 units of Lancer Evolution X in Japan before the end of 2007.
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