Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X WRC Concept

Photos of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X WRC Concept has been floating around car enthusiast forums. The concept car in the photos below is a miniature model, something in the scale of 1/10, taken from Mitsubishi Design Europe in Trebur, Frankfurt. Pictures is what we have at the moment since this car's road going version isn't in production yet. Isao Torri, the president of MMSP, has hinted that Mitsubishi is likely to compete again in the WRC as a complete factory works team in 2008. Mitsubishi's withdrawal comes as no surprise after the company's financial struggle at the moment, and it is but logical that budget for certain motorsports spending has to be cut. Between WRC and Dakar, Mitsubishi chose to fund Dakar and Rally Raid activities as these are the strongest points of the company's motorsports activities, having won the 2006 Dakar again, 6 years straight. WRC fans loyal to Mitsubishi has yet to wait another year and a half for this rally machine. Let us just hope that the engineers at Mitsubishi are able to make a strong and reliable fighting machine in the Evo X WRC. I'm sure Gigi Galli will be eagerly awaiting, if that promised full time drive seat is still his when Mitsubishi returns in 2008. I hope so, Gigi have what it takes to bring this predator machine all the way to the top.

Here are the photos of the predator Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X WRC Concept (thanks gnusmaS of evolutionm.net)









At the moment, no details as to the specifications of the the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X WRC Concept, but what we have are the details of the road car version of this machine, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Concept. Shown at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show last September 28, 2005, Mitsubishi has released some details of the Evo X Concept. Details below from the press release and pictures of the concept car.

MITSUBISHI Concept-X

With an exterior that carries over the full flavor of Lancer Evolution's spartan road machine image and a high quality interior with a functional layout that encourages the driver to concentrate solely on operating his machine, MITSUBISHI Concept-X points to way a new-age Evolution design that is as handsome and purposeful as it is functional.

In the mechanical components department, MITSUBISHI Concept-X mates a turbocharged aluminum cylinder block MIVEC engine to a high-performance 6-speed auto-manual transmission. Extensive use is made of aluminum in the roof, engine hood and other body panels. Chassis performance has been substantially improved with the introduction of Mitsubishi's latest 4WD-based Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control system. The incarnation of driving pleasure, this highly advanced technical specification makes MITSUBISHI Concept-X a showcase on wheels for Mitsubishi Motors' quintessential road performance technology.

Design
The team has crafted a form with lines that are purposeful and handsome; a form that symbolizes the New Mitsubishi Motors Design while retaining the spartan performance image that defines the Lancer Evolution series.

Distinguished by its eye-catching oversized grille, the front visage borrows design cues from a jet fighter to hint broadly at the huge quantities of air it draws in and at the car's road-hugging stability. The brand-identifying 3-diamond logo on the leading edge of the engine hood is another distinguishing element of the new-age Evolution design.

The simple and functional layout of the cockpit is put together in a design that encourages the driver to concentrate fully on operating his machine. The design team has spared no effort in developing coloring and lighting that engender a keener competition look to the interior. The black keynote interior color uses silver counterpoints to impart the material look of aluminum and create a more dynamic and athletic looking interior space.

Powertrain
MITSUBISHI Concept-X is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC intercooler-turbocharged engine that delivers instant response at all engine speeds with flat torque that keeps pulling up to the red line. MITSUBISHI Concept-X uses a clutchless 6-speed auto-manual transmission that realizes slicker shifting and higher transmission efficiency than a regular manual gearbox. Paddle shifters mounted on the steering column allow the driver to concentrate on his steering better and enable drivers of all abilities to experience the satisfying pleasure of sport driving.

Body and chassis
The ring-structure frame design realizes a significant increase in body stiffness, while the use of aluminum in the engine hood, trunk lid, fenders, roof and front and rear door panels reduces weight. Reducing weight in the roof and upper parts of the body lowers the center of gravity, while weight reduction in the doors, engine hood, trunk and other peripheral elements reduces the moment of inertia for better steerability. Weight reduction, lowering the center of gravity and reducing the moment of inertia all contribute to better motive performance and better handling.
The suspension features a MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Working in concert with Mitsubishi Motors' "Roll Control Suspension" technology, this design delivers very high levels of ride and road holding.

On-board Multi-Media System
The On-Board Multi-Media System complements the interior design in the way it encourages a dialogue between driver and machine. The high-definition LCD monitor provides a real-time display of vehicle and S-AWC operating status while also displaying on-board navigation system maps and DVD audio controls. Rear seat passengers have their own LCD displays at the back of the front seats that allow them to share with the driver driving-related information and to share the fun-to-drive experience.

Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
MITSUBISHI Concept-X showcases Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) vehicle dynamics control technology. A further step up the evolutionary ladder of Mitsubishi Motors four-wheel drive traction and handling technology well proven in the Lancer Evolution and other series, S-AWC realizes cutting-edge levels of vehicle dynamics control. Based on Mitsubishi's full-time 4WD system, as used in Lancer Evolution, that is built around ACD3 and Super AYC4 component technologies, S-AWC adds Active Brake Control, Active Steering System and Roll Control Suspension technologies to realize a fully integrated system.

MITSUBISHI Concept-X specifications
Overall length (mm) 4530
Overall width (mm) 1830
Overall height (mm) 1470
Wheelbase (mm) 2650
Track: F/R (mm) 1565 / 1565
Seating capacity 4
Tires 255/35R20
Wheels 20 x 9J

Photos of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Concept (from MMSP)