Lancer Evo X revealed in showroom trim

Mitsubishi continues the tantalising drip-feed campaign with its eagerly awaited next-generation Lancer Evolution all-wheel drive turbo rocketship.

We've already seen the Concept-SportBack, Concept-X and Prototype X design studies and now, finally, the tri-diamond brand has issued the first official images of the final production variant.

However, little in the way of technical specs has been revealed at this point. That'll happen when the car makes its global debut at September's Frankfurt motor show.

For now, the company has only announced that the Evo X will gain a new "lightweight and high-performance" 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC3 engine featuring an aluminium cylinder block (in contrast to the iron-block 4G63 engine that powers the existing Evo IX).

Expect power and torque to rise from the current quotas of 206kW and 355Nm respectively, but what remains uncertain is by how much -- outputs of 235kW and 440Nm have been speculated by some sources. Fuel economy and emission levels should also benefit.

Another major technical breakthrough is the introduction of a six-speed sequential manual gearbox that uses a dual-clutch set-up, as per Volkswagen's excellent DSG transmission.

Also new is Mitsubishi's latest-generation S-AWC2 traction and handling system, which integrates the control of engine and braking management with the four-wheel drive system "to help realise highly responsive and intuitive handling in addition to outstanding vehicle attitude stability."

That last bit is PR bumpf, but it's reasonable to expect that the Evo X will offer cornering capabilities to eclipse those of the already accomplished Evo IX.

In the quest to keep weight down, the bonnet, roof and the distinctive front guards are all fabricated from aluminium.

Visually, the car is little changed from the Prototype-X (more here) that aroused interest at January's Detroit motor show. The NACA duct in the bonnet is still there, as is the gaping front air intake, blistered guards and large rear wing. Peeping through the carbonfibre rear diffuser is a pair of chunky tailpipes.

However, the showroom variant's wheel-tyre combination doesn't appear to be as radical as the combo worn by the concept. Expect it to retain the Brembo brakes, though.

Stand by for the next instalment in the Evo X saga when the Frankfurt show rolls around.

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