Lancer Evo X exposed

Mitsubishi provided a preview of the eagerly anticipated next-generation Lancer Evo with the Concept-X design study at last October's Tokyo motor show -- and now here's further evidence of how the all-new car will look.

These leaked images of a scale model spied during an open day at Mitsubishi's European Design Centre in Frankfurt indicate the showroom variant will retain the essence of the Tokyo show car (the red one pictured alongside), albeit with a few tweaks.

Look closely and you'll notice the slit-like headlights of the concept are revised and so, too, is the treatment of the grille and front bumper, which now bears the EVOLUTION motif.

The rear view reveals a massive bootlid-mounted wing and a fat pair of exhaust tips protruding from a nicely integrated bumper diffuser.

Overall, though, the proportions have remained faithful to the stunning showcar, which prompted many onlookers to compare it with an Alfa Romeo. That's high praise considering the Lancer has never enjoyed a sexy image -- despite the shattering performance potential of the Evo offshoots.

Mechanical spec of the Evo X remains a closely guarded secret at this stage, but CarPoint believes the next-gen car will retain a 2.0-litre turbo engine, albeit a new design that's not derived from the venerable unit in the Evo IX.

Power output? Anyone's guess, but somewhere between 210kW and 250kW seems entirely feasible. It's believed transmission choices will comprise a conventional six-speed manual and a Volkswagen/Audi-style dual-clutch sequential gearbox.

And you can bet your bottom dollar the raft of electronic driver aids and chassis-control hardware that serves the current car so well will graduate to the next level in the 10th generation model.

The new Lancer is expected to be the same length as the current car but a longer wheelbase promises to liberate more interior room.

Due to launch internationally in 2008, the Evo X has a big role to play as an image leader for a brand that's seen more than its fair share of hardship over the past five or six years.