Well, here are the first of what are sure to be many spy photos of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. Caught somewhere in California, this Evo prototype looks about like we expected. In other words, it's exactly like the Prototype X "concept" shown in Detroit earlier this year. So what's different? Well, it's clear this prototype has production headlights supplemented by a pair of foglights underneath...
The wheel design hasn't changed, but their diameter is down to 18-inches from 20. Tires are 245/40 at each corner. Other than the production mirrors, the rest of this test mule's bodywork looks unchanged from the concept. And we consider that a good thing. -- Ed Hellwig, Senior Editor
estreka says:
11:59 AM, 03/16/07
18"s are still huge. Is that driver flipping off the camera? It's so hard to tell how "unchanged" it is with all the camo. It looks pretty good, though.
ateixeira says:
01:59 PM, 03/16/07
Looks better, and the stiffer structure is something a model like the EVO can take advantage of.
I'm concerned about weight, though. This platform is shared with the Outlander, after all. The base Lancer is no quicker despite increased power, too.
I hope they didn't mess with the already perfect steering feel.
trjnflip says:
02:36 PM, 03/16/07
can't wait for that. hopefully it'll keep the suby fanboys in their place!
blueguydotcom says:
03:52 PM, 03/16/07
Lose the silly spoiler and that could be a nice looking car. Hopefully it'll have a spoiler delete option.
drfill says:
04:08 PM, 03/16/07
Whoever cut the door frames into the roof support needs an unemployment check, pronto. That's a deal-killer. That is the major change from the Prototype X, along with much more feminine bodywork. Too bad.
DrFill
jguan says:
09:22 PM, 03/16/07
the tires looks too small, how about some 19s?
iluvmysephia1 says:
11:32 PM, 03/16/07
Looks smart, looks fast, looks good.
I'd say Mitsubishi is back, but dudes, they never really left.
18's look just right on the '08 GTS Lancer and I would say they look smack dab just right on the EVO X, too.
I like the GTS' wheels better than the EVO X's.
mirde98 says:
12:00 AM, 03/17/07
Looks hot! Needs bigger wheels but thats why the aftermarket world is available, door frames are not attractive. Makes it look econocar. But other than that....i love it.
cblackwell1 says:
05:04 AM, 03/17/07
Who care what it looks like, as long as it can keep up with Porsches and Corvettes that cost twice as much is all that matters.
18's are the perfect size wheels for this type of car. 19's and 20's are too heavy and will really slow this car down when racing on the street.
Mitsubishi got it right with this one....now if they can just please fix the Eclipse and make it the street legend that it once was!
frank908 says:
05:53 AM, 03/17/07
I'm not believing that these are "spy shots" anymore. For a longtime now, all these photos look like they were leaked from the car company itself for publicity or they turned a blind eye for the photographer who probably called the car company that morning to notify them to park the car at a 7/11 that afternoon. Cheesy.
Why's Mitsu disguising this car anyway? They're the one's that rip off styling cues from BMW and Lexus, and why would any other car company try to copy a car company that's still in the red. Not to mention the new Evo is ass-ugly.
ksven says:
07:15 AM, 03/17/07
That feminine body work.really threatens my masculinity. Take the spoiler away and I will buy a Hummer instead. Sigh.
gmguy111 says:
11:39 AM, 03/17/07
Eww I hate that shade of grey and why grey to begin with its an ugly color for any car especially a bargain performance car and its a shame that the look is going to be less agressive then the proto oh well
hondacura4 says:
11:43 AM, 03/17/07
Even if this car is significantly better in performance wise Im still willing to bet that most Mitsu tuners will choose the current Evolution because of the stout 4G63. Mitsu has already stated that the new turbo engine isnt as stout as the 4G63 which has made a name for itself and is nearly bullit proof. I would have had an Evolution MR last year but the wifey said that I couldnt have 2 tuner cars. =(
jeremykupfer says:
02:12 PM, 03/18/07
frank908:
They are real. Believe me, the Mitsubishi guys (and girl) were not happy with the free publicity.
estreka:
He was holding a piece of white paper, not flipping me off.
conrod says:
03:41 PM, 03/18/07
and the brake as well changed
but the whole car looks pretty good !!
rennf says:
09:21 AM, 03/19/07
The more I see shots of the Evo X, the more I realize I really liked the Evo IX design. Found a low-mileage '06 on Carmax for around $28k-$29k the other day. I'm not in the market now, but in another couple of years, give my (auto... mistake) TL to my S.O. when she needs a new car. Then look for a reasonably-priced, (infinitely) more tossable ride for me...hrmm.
I'm in the Chicago area, so the AWD alleviates snow concerns as well. (Followed the separate thread on RWD in snow with proper tires and weight in the trunk -- but just doesn't seem safe, plus I don't want the hassle of storing 4 extra wheels + snow tires in my garage and changing them every year.)
Back on topic, about the only thing I could see in the Evo X's favor (for me) is the interior as the Evo IX interior....erm, leaves something to be desired.
berk10 says:
05:02 PM, 03/19/07
Sorry but while the EVO is an amazing deal with great performance, it definitely can't keep up with a Vette Z06 -- given that it's a corvette costing twice as much. Around a track, there simply is no comparison. All in all, still gotta love the EVO.
cbxweb says:
07:25 PM, 03/19/07
Believe me, they are real, because I'am the reason these photos exist. I originally found the Evo while driving around my neighboring city.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSh2VdEdMOQ