After almost a decade in development, Alto Mitsubishi celebrates the launch of the spectacular Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X – with a summary of the EVO’s historical development.

From its early conception, Mitsubishi’s objective for the Lancer Evolution was to simply succeed in the World Rally Championship.

Throughout the years however, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has clearly defined and represented the finest precision motorsport development, producing truly astounding racing and street machines.

Evolution I

Craving for victory at the World Rally Championships in 1990, Mitsubishi engineers tweaked the VR-4 into a leaner RS model.

Incorporating a smaller, light-weight chassis they formed the Evolution I - paving the way for a superior club-level rally car.

Evolution II

Built from December 1993, the Lancer Evolution II concentrated predominantly on improvements to the EVO I handling.

While the same basic chassis was used in Evolutions I-III, Mitsubishi enhanced their steering response by making adjustments to the sway bar mounting arrangement accordingly.

A sleek rear spoiler was added to improve the vehicles stability at higher speeds.

Evolution III

As speeds were propelled to the limits, Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution III cooling performance was improved, and its lift reduced.

Several adjustments were made in order to enhance its operation, including a hefty rear wing and front airdam to the existing turbo with brake cooling vents.

The Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution III went on to be the best-selling EVO in the series.

Evolution IV

Extremely competitive in the World Rally Championships and securing a world-wide cult following - Mitsubishi did not hold back when it adapted its rally model into a dominant street machine.

Centred on an entirely new Lancer strategy, Mitsubishi focused on providing efficiency at higher engine speeds.

Mitsubishi determined to build innovative new technologies fused with their motor vehicles,  included Active Yaw Control (AYC) in the Evolution IV, which used a rear torque split to reduce understeer and improve turn-in.

Evolution V

By 1997, a new class titled "World Rally Car" was born. As Mitsubishi dominated the rally world, competing in Group A, they introduced the Evolution V in 1998.

The EVO consequently received a complete overhaul to maintain a competitive edge. Changes to the wheels, suspension, brakes and engine were integrated into the new model.

With a new fierce look including a new rear wing, larger hood vents for improving radiator airflow, a deeper spoiler and enormous cooling vents in the bumper the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V was now ready to dominate the roads and rallies.

Evolution VI

Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution VI featured enhanced cooling performance and engine stability.

Minimised fog lamps allowed for generously proportioned openings in the bumper and the license plate was repositioned to the driver's side along with a larger intercooler.

Mitsubishi improved the Evolution VI power delivery dramatically by developing the first production car in the world to use a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel. New rear wing was added with a second tier.

Evolution VII

The Evolution VII made its entrance in 2001. Mitsubishi, for the very first time would be competing in World Rally Championship class.

Mitsubishi added thinner glass, forged aluminium suspension pieces, aluminium front fenders, slimmer sheet metal in the roof panel, magnesium cam cover maintained the total vehicle weight increase.

A larger intercooler was also introduced, featuring a new lower exhaust.

Evolution VIII

With its anticipated launch in 2003, the Evolution VIII saw a remarkable boost in power.

This also included the introduction of Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC), which gave the Mitsubishi Lance Evolution VIII improved handling. 

Its debut at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show also featured BBS alloy wheels, Recaro bucket seats, Brembo brakes, and a MOMO steering wheel.

Evolution IX

Unlike previous models, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX contained a vast array of advanced technology components and lightweight materials - as a result, rapid and smoother dynamic performance.

Integrating improved turbocharger design the Lancer EVO IX featured new front and rear bumpers, enhanced aerodynamics and cooling.

Evolution X

Last month, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation launched the next generation in the Lancer technology - Evolution X.

Evolution X is the next generation in high-performance 4WD sedans.

Including innovative high-performance technology, Alto Mitsubishi is proud to carry the most recent addition to this legendary line.

Featuring a new platform, engine, exterior and interior designs, the totally redesigned 2.0-litre Evolution X was built to be swift and safe as possible.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is packed with features - S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics control system, a new, power-efficient Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission), 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine with aluminium block, Recaro seats and an all-new body and suspension.

Advanced and dynamic, the Lancer Evolution X ensures an exhilarating driving experience by packaging control, security, safety and efficiently into the one superior machine.

Providing outstanding fuel economy despite its powerful transmission, the turbocharged Mitsubishi Lancer X boasts 50% lower emissions than other high performance vehicles.

Fitted with SRS dual-stage airbags for drivers and front passengers, SRS knee airbag for driver and adaptive front lighting system (AFS), Mitsubishi you have peace of mind that your safety is assured.

Test drive the next generation in the Mitsubishi Evolution today at one of Australia’s leading group automobile dealerships, Alto Mitsubishi.