Lancer EVO X: more details emerge

Mitsubishi continues the drip-feed campaign in the lead-up to October's international reveal of the eagerly anticipated Lancer Evolution X.

In the latest instalment of the pre-launch publicity build-up, the tri-diamond brand has revealed comprehensive details about the tenth-generation EVO's S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) drivetrain (pictured) and Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission).

S-AWC is touted as "an advanced vehicle dynamics control system that regulates drive torque at each wheel", while SST is described as "an automated manual transmission that delivers slicker shifting through the gears while freeing the driver from the need to operate the clutch."

The S-AWC system adds a more sophisticated ASC (Active Stability Control) feature to the EVO X's ACD (Active Centre Differential) and AYC (Active Yaw Control) electronic chassis-control systems.

Mitsubishi claims S-AWC controls each wheel "under a wide range of driving conditions, thus realising vehicle behaviour that faithfully reflects driver inputs and allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy sporty motoring with confidence."

Read between the lines and what it's really saying is that the EVO X will be a virtually idiot-proof device that'll enable even average steerers to punt it at a great rate of knots without ending up in the scenery. It's a noteworthy claim as the EVO IX is already an admirably user-friendly tool.

The next-generation car should be all the more user-friendly as a result of its new SST twin-clutch sequential gearbox (the current Evo is offered only with a conventional manual gearbox).

Volkswagen was the first manufacturer to bring a dual-clutch transmission -- which it refers to as DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) -- to the market. As per the VW system, Mitsubishi's new six-speed automated manual transmission employs dual clutches to make for seamless, ultra-fast shifts -- or that's what the carmaker claims, anyway.

The SST transmission features three operating modes -- Normal, Sport and S-Sport -- tailored to different situations: "from around-town drivability to instant-response and follow-the-line sporty motoring on the open road."

Stay tuned for the next instalment and read here about the Ralliart Lancer that will be launched alongside the EVO X to help Mitsubishi combat Subaru's two-pronged WRX/WRX STI strategy.

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