It may look like its humble cousin in profile, but there ends the similarity. This is no ordinary Mitsubishi Lancer.
Mitsubishi Motors India has announced the much awaited, Lancer Evolution X at a steep Rs. 49.95 lakh ex-showroom Delhi(SURPRISED). The huge price tag is because Mitsubishi will import the car as a completely built unit, thus attracting 110 percent import duties.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is powered by a newly designed 4B11T 2.0 litre (1997 cc) turbocharged, all-aluminum, inline 4-cylinder petrol engine pumping out 280 PS (205.9 kW or 276.2 bhp) of power. With this power, you get performance that can shame an occasional Porsche or Audi!
The Lancer Evolution X takes just 6.3 seconds for 0-100 kmph acceleration and can achieve a top speed of 241 kmph. With all-wheel drive and an SST gear box (twin clutch) along with exceptional driving dynamics, the Evolution X will transform even an average driver into a rally racer. Fuel consumption isn’t to be spoken off when you are describing the Evolution X, but since one may ask, it is a respectable 7-9 kmpl under normal driving conditions.
Thanks to the extensive use of aluminum in the roof, bonnet, front and rear bumper beams, and front wings, the Evo X is an ultra-light sports car at just 1675 kg. The Evo X has a titanium turbine wheel in the turbocharger for a sporty response.
The 6-speed TC-SST gear box’s dual clutch helps in engaging the gear in use via one shaft and pre-selecting the next gear needed with another. This minimizes the time lag in shifting gears. Active Yaw Control (AYC) is another technological advantage where the rear wheels get different torques based on the information received from the car’s electronically controlled rear differential. The torque transfer is based on factors such as longitudinal and lateral acceleration, wheel speed and steering angle.
Mitsubishi offers the Evo X with AFS (Adaptive Front Lighting System). AFS increases illumination during corners and its activation depends upon the steering and vehicle speed when not speeding above 100 kmph (62 mph). With ventilated discs on all the wheels, stopping this street racer isn’t a big deal at all. The 245/40 R18 93 Y is one of the largest wheel sizes in India for a sedan.
The Lancer Evo X is 4503 mm long, 1811 mm wide and 1481 mm tall. The only irksome factor is the ground clearance, which is a mere 135 mm, but that is how a sports car will always be, with the centre of gravity as low as possible.
Mitsubishi India enjoyed good sales figures with the original Lancer which it has been selling in India in 1.5-litre petrol and 2-litre diesel versions. The Lancer found a loyal audience especially in South India. However, the Honda City spoilt the party for the Lancer. Mitsubishi’s sluggish attempts to sell the ‘Cedia’ also went in vain.
But, the Lancer Evo X belongs to a completely new genre. Introduced in 1992, the 1st generation Lancer Evo was just meant to be sold in the local Japanese market, but then grey market imports began to take place owing to high demand for the car in the U.S. and Europe. Mitsubishi then began exporting Evo cars officially.
The Lancer Evolution X is not exactly a very dramatic looker from the sides, but take a look at that huge gaping mouth in front, and it makes its intentions pretty clear. That is as aggressive as it gets.
As of now this car sits in a niche with little competition. The Lancer Evo X is known for its unmatched handling and very responsive engine. No wonder, it has been in the limelight in many rallies for a long time. If you have deep pockets, a need for speed and worship WRC, look no further. The Lancer Evolution X is for you!
source: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X launched in India price Rs. 50 lakh | DWS Auto India