Mitsubishi reveals 353kW Lancer Evo

Mitsubishi used the 2015 Tokyo auto salon to reveal its most powerful Evo yet, the Evolution 10 Final Concept, as Mazda and Mugen likewise displayed their wares at one of Japan's biggest car shows.

Packing over 800 cars and countless parts makers into the cavernous Makuhari Messe complex situated 20 minutes east of Tokyo, the Tokyo Auto Salon is Japan's biggest customising show and the third biggest in the world behind America's SEMA and Germany's Essen shows.

While the scantily-clad "companions" (models) were the target of hundreds of zoom lenses, those interested in the sheet metal were treated to a mix of new and dressed-up models and concepts from the likes of Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Honda, Nissan, Daihatsu and even Mercedes-Benz and Alfa Romeo.

Swansong concept for Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
To calm the huge Lancer Evolution fan base in Japan that has been suffering withdrawal symptoms ever since Mitsubishi announced it was not building an Evolution 11, the company has struck back with the heavy-hitting Evolution 10 Final Concept.

Incorporating a retuned ECU and new HKS turbo making its 2.0-litre engine good for an eye-watering 353kW, the Final Concept is the most powerful version Mitsubishi has ever made.

The mad Evo is based on a five-speed GSR and generates 135 kilowatts more power than its donor car, with an upgraded cooling system (larger air intakes and intercoolers) designed to improve thermal dynamics. A new exhaust, adjustable suspension from HKS and 19-inch Rays forged wheels are also added.

A Mitsubishi source tells us that when it phases out the six-speed auto 'SST' transmission in March 2015, the limited edition model will be offered to the public with a 6-speed manual. No word on whether it'll be coming to Australia.

The show car is finished in a mix of matte and gloss black, with chrome trim.

Mazda MX-5 World Series race car
Mazda has already announced the new MX-5 Cup one-make race series events that will be launched globally in 2016, but today was the first time we'd seen the fully painted and slick-tyre shod machine in the flesh.

Based on the US-spec Cup Car with six-point roll-cage, bespoke suspension, tyres, brakes, harness and seats, the new MX-5 racer will be the weapon of choice for a brand-new world series that begins in earnest next year.

The annual four-hour MX-5 Media Race at Japan's Tsukuba Circuit in September this year will be the first time to see the car pushed to its limits in competition when 25 examples of the coupe take to the 2km long track. But while the US-spec car will incorporate a 2.0-litre engine, the Japanese version will get the fuel-sipping 1.5-litre SKYACTIV engine that will be offered on the Japan-spec production model, which is due to land in showrooms in June.

Honda's hybrid-Mugen combo
Honda focused heavily on combining its best technologies in a range of hybrid-powered Mugen-tuned production cars. With the Mugen Legend large car leading the way boasting a bespoke Mugen carbon fibre spoiler and rear wing and 20-inch wheels, Honda has also waved its hybrid-Mugen wand to create the Mugen Grace, Mugen HR-V, Mugen Fit RS AutoSalon Special and Mugen Jade.

The zany Honda N-Box Splash Barbie Edition took its inspiration (and pink and white colour scheme) from the famous doll to create an excessively cute car that had every female guest at the Honda stand screaming with joy.

Stay tuned for more on the Tokyo Auto Salon on Monday.