Video: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X First Drive

At last, here’s some video footage of the all-new Lancer Evolution X courtesy of Edmunds Insideline and their colleagues from Motor Trend who were invited by Mitsubishi to get a first taste of the high-performance sedan. Both journalists tend to agree that while the new EVO is a better car overall, it looks like the X has lost part of its hard-core, rally-style persona in Mitsubishi’s quest to broaden its audience. -Continued after the jump

Personally, I’ve had the chance to drive the last three-generations of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO (7, 8 & 9) and it was love at first…drive. Yes, they were a pain in the ass for everyday use and the Spartan interior was as inspired as a bic pen, but boy were they addictive! Driving an EVO on a twisty B-mountain road was like entering a time warp; you simply put everything aside to become one with the car. So what if only a few skilled drivers could come close to taking fully advantage of the previous generation’s tremendous capabilities; isn’t that what EVOs are (were?) all about?

Via: Autoblog.it (Videos: Edmunds & Motor Trend)

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart / MR Spied

Edmund's spy videographers have managed to capture a prototype of the forthcoming Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (or MR in Europe) being tested somewhere in the Western part of the USA. Mitsubishi has already announced that it’ll introduce an “Upper-range version” of the Lancer at a later stage in its Frankfurt Show press release -click here for details. The Lancer Ralliart will fit between the current 2.0-litre version and the highly anticipated EVO X, aiming at the Subaru Impreza WRX, VW Golf GTI etc.

Our initial information talks about the Ralliart / MR getting a detuned version of the EVO’s turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing around 240 Hp. It remains unknown though whether the Ralliart /MR will retain a front-wheel drive layout or if it'll be equipped with a more simplified version of the EVO’s (expensive) AWD system.

Via: Insideline

Video: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X On The Nurbugring Track

Here’s you chance to get a “live” glimpse of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X performing test runs in the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany. Apart from the new lightweight and high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged MIVEC 4-cylinder engine that’s expected to produce around 300 Hp, the new EVO X will also feature a new 6speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (like Audi-VW’s renowned clutchless DSG gearbox).For hardcore gearheads like ourselves, Mitsubishi will also offer a traditional 6speed manual gearbox -if you've driven the EVO you'll understand why. See the production version here and read more details about Mitsubishi’s dual-clutch automated trans here.

Via: Edmunds