2007 Salon
International d'Auto et Accessoires, Geneva, Switzerland
Mitsubishi Prototype X -
(R) Evolution
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With Prototype-X, Mitsubishi Motors hints
today at the next generation of its iconic supercar, the much anticipated
and all-new Lancer Evolution.
Consistent with MMC’s impeccable 45-year
sporting credentials, its high performance engine, outstanding dynamics and
sharp design will appeal to enthusiasts worldwide. While remaining true to
the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution series synonymous with
thrilling performance, the next-generation – previewed as Prototype-X - will
offer all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world’s
best performance models.
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As such, Prototype-X also demonstrates
the depth and breadth of MMC’s new “Project Global” platform as
expressed by the new Lancer sports sedan family, ranging from entry
model (1.5 l in Europe) right up to Lancer Evolution, the “range
topping” supercar.
Next-Gen Lancer Heir of the Lancer
1600 GSR of the 70’s or the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo of the 80’s, the
Lancer Evolution has lived up to its namesake by greatly improving
with each successive generation since 1992. (Lancer Evolution VIII
was the first to be officially offered in the European market).
As Prototype-X demonstrates, the Lancer
Evolution will soon make perhaps the largest leap in overall capability seen
between two generations of this model. The next Lancer Evolution will offer
major gains in handling dynamics and technology while maintaining the kind
of thrilling turbo engine performance that has made the model a legend
around the world.
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Both unveiled a few weeks ago at the 2007
North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the forthcoming 2008
Lancer sports sedan and Prototype-X convey a shared lineage with the
Mitsubishi Concept-X that was first shown at Tokyo Motor Show in 2005.
A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet
fighter air intakes, long hood / short deck proportions, wide track,
trademark “shark nose”, distinctively deep set “eyes”, a distinct
wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the exciting new
design shared by Lancer sports sedan and Prototype-X.
Beyond these similarities, Prototype-X
features a unique front grille, rear fenders and decklid. Making a
maximum-performance statement, Prototype-X looks the part with its boxed
fenders, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop, 20-inch
alloy wheels with massive brakes and the high-tech LED turn signals in
the sideview mirrors.
Inside, the deeply contoured bucket seats
are upholstered in high-grip suede-like material A dash top-mounted
electronic lap counter hints at the car’s weekend club racer capability,
while the red LED light band that spans the doors and the dash surface
might suggest a customizing idea to future customers.
The technology used for Prototype-X
previews what will be available for the next Lancer Evolution. While not
all design features and content seen on the show car will make it to the
production vehicle, the overall design will be carried through.
Next-Gen Power Under this suggestive
shape, the engine powering Prototype-X – and the next Lancer Evolution –
is just as new: a turbocharged version of the all-new aluminum 4B11
2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine used in the 2008 Lancer sports sedan.
This mighty powerplant will yield the
highest power rating ever in a Lancer Evolution*. Tellingly for a global
project, the newest Lancer Evolution will have less differentiation from
market to market (Japan vs. Europe vs. North America) than the previous
generations.
The new model’s aluminum engine block is a
significant 20 kg lighter than the iron-block 4G63 engine used in all
previous models, which aids weight distribution. In addition, its
orientation (exhaust located on bulkhead side) allows for improved
placement that helps to lower the center of gravity.
Although the new Lancer Evolution engine
block is lighter, it was designed from the outset for high-performance
turbocharged applications.
High inherent strength has been achieved
partly through over-engineering of the open deck block, and the use of large
water jackets and metal areas around each siamesed cylinder bore. The
reciprocating assembly of the turbocharged 4B11 is capable of withstanding
high levels of boost.
Next-Gen Gearbox* Prototype-X is equipped with
the automated manual transmission with magnesium steering wheel paddle
shifters that will be available on the next Lancer Evolution.
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This new transmission will offer
lightning fast, paddle-shift actuated shifting when desired, along
with offering a fully automatic mode. This unit is not a
conventional torque-converter automatic transmission, but rather a
true auto-capable manual similar to that used on some of the world’s
most notable performance models.
For stick shift purists, the next
Lancer Evolution will still offer a conventional 5-speed manual
transmission*. With the 4B11 turbo engine’s stronger torque
performance, a 5-speed will provide optimal acceleration response.
Next-Gen “All Wheel Control” system
The next Lancer Evolution, while still providing the levels of
engine performance that appeal to this model’s loyal core customers,
will expand dynamic capability with the new Super All Wheel Control
(S-AWC) system.
Combining intelligent full-time four-wheel
drive with stability control, S-AWC is a further development of the advanced
full-time 4WD technology first introduced on the new Outlander.
In Prototype-X – and the upcoming Lancer
Evolution – this next-generation system combines an Active Center
Differential (ACD) with an Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential and
Active Skid Control (ASC). The AYC rear differential has never been offered
on a Lancer Evolution sold in the U.S. market.
The combination of all these technologies will
help the Lancer Evolution make optimal use of its considerable torque and
also ensure the highest level of dynamic capability and stability ever in
this model. At the same time, the new technology will further enhance the
exhilarating driving performance character that customers have come to
expect from this model.
The next Lancer Evolution once again features
its own suspension system, replacing steel stampings of the standard Lancer
sports sedan with race-proven forged aluminum components.
Due to the high rigidity of MMC’s new “Project
Global” platform, the Lancer Evolution’s suspension can be tuned to provide
a more compliant and stable ride than before without compromising handling
performance – a trait that is expected from a true world-class performance
sedan.
With exciting performance* assured Mitsubishi
Motors will be able to equip the upcoming Lancer Evolution to be a markedly
better car for everyday driving. User technologies introduced on the new
Outlander and Lancer models will also be offered in the next Lancer
Evolution**, including a premium Rockford-Fosgate® 650 W (max.) audio
system, HDD navigation system with music server, Bluetooth®, steering wheel
audio controls, and an automatic climate control system.
