Look past the headlights, big wheels, and Alcantara-appointed interior, and what you get, Mitsubishi assures us, is the much-anticipated 2009 Lancer Evolution X. That means the sheetmetal of the rakish concept is production correct. Furthermore, the Prototype X is actually a running prototype of the Evo X, which means the forged aluminum suspension pieces, the Brembo brakes, and the Recaro seats will be present and accounted for when the Evo lands on our shores in the spring of 2008.
Like its predecessor, the Evo X will get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but it's a new, all-aluminum design, part of Mitsubishi's Global Engine Alliance with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai. Power is expected to increase over the current car's 286 horses to match the slight weight increase (likely 200 pounds) that will come with the adoption of the more rigid, wider 2007 Lancer platform. A dual-clutch six-speed transmission, similar to the quick-shifting DSG found in select Audis and Vee-Dubs, is rumored to be in the works. Upgrades to the all-wheel-drive system include the addition of stability control and an electronically controlled active rear differential that will be able to quickly divide torque from left to right, which would feasibly allow for power oversteer and less understeer.
Tony Quiroga is a 20-year-veteran Car and Driver editor, writer, and car reviewer and the 19th editor-in-chief for the magazine since its founding in 1955. He has subscribed to Car and Driver since age six. "Growing up, I read every issue of Car and Driver cover to cover, sometimes three or more times. It's the place I wanted to work since I could read," Quiroga says. He moved from Automobile Magazine to an associate editor position at Car and Driver in 2004. Over the years, he has held nearly every editorial position in print and digital, edited several special issues, and also helped produce C/D's early YouTube efforts. He is also the longest-tenured test driver for Lightning Lap, having lapped Virginia International Raceway's Grand Course more than 2000 times over 12 years.
