frankfurt motor show press release, predstavili ga bodo v zacetku oktobra, ko bo tudi v salonih na japonskem...
MITSUBISHI PROTOTYPE-X
- (R)Evolution -
When Prototype-X was unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show, Mitsubishi Motors hinted at the next generation of its iconic supercar, the much anticipated and all-new Lancer Evolution.
Previewed on April 26th 2007 at the occasion of the announcement of MMC’s excellent FY2006 financial results, the latest generation Lancer Evolution will be officially launched at the Tokyo Motor Show, on October 24th.
All new from the ground up, Lancer Evolution will for the first time become a full-fledged member of the (completely) renewed Lancer range and as such developed alongside the all-new 4-door Lancer Sports Sedan and 5-door Lancer Sportback.
Consistent with MMC’s impeccable 45-year sporting credentials, its high performance engine, outstanding dynamics and sharp design will appeal to enthusiasts worldwide. While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution series synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation – previewed as Prototype-X - will offer all-around capability and user technology that distinguish the world’s best performance models.
As such, Prototype-X also demonstrates the depth and breadth of MMC’s new “Project Global” platform, its first ever global platform: an intelligent and very unique architecture able to cover a very wide spectrum of products - beyond traditional segmentation - from the SUV+MPV crossover Delica D:5 all the way to Lancer Evolution.
Next-Gen Lancer
Heir of the Lancer 1600 GSR of the 70’s or the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo of the 80’s, the Lancer Evolution has lived up to its namesake by greatly improving with each successive generation since 1992. (Lancer Evolution VIII was the first to be officially offered in the European market).
As Prototype-X demonstrates, the Lancer Evolution will soon make perhaps the largest leap in overall capability seen between two generations of this model. The next Lancer Evolution will offer major gains in handling dynamics and technology while maintaining the kind of thrilling turbo engine performance that has made the model a legend around the world.
Both unveiled a few weeks ago at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the forthcoming 2008 Lancer sports sedan and Prototype-X convey a shared lineage with the Mitsubishi Concept-X that was first shown at Tokyo Motor Show in 2005.
A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, long hood / short deck proportions, wide track, trademark “shark nose”, distinctively deep set “eyes”, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the exciting new design shared by Lancer Sports Sedan and Prototype-X.
Beyond these similarities, Prototype-X features a unique front grille, rear fenders and decklid. Making a maximum-performance statement, Prototype-X looks the part with its boxed fenders, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop, 20-inch alloy wheels with massive brakes and the high-tech LED turn signals in the side view mirrors.
Inside, the deeply contoured bucket seats are upholstered in high-grip suede-like material A dash top-mounted electronic lap counter hints at the car’s weekend club racer capability, while the red LED light band that spans the doors and the dash surface might suggest a customizing idea to future customers.
The technology used for Prototype-X previews what will be available for the next Lancer Evolution. While not all design features and content seen on the show car will make it to the production vehicle, the overall design will be carried through.
Next-Gen Power
Under this suggestive shape, the engine powering Prototype-X – and the next Lancer Evolution – is just as new: a turbocharged version of the all-new aluminum 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine used in the 2008 Lancer Sports Sedan.
This mighty powerplant will yield the highest power rating ever in a Lancer Evolution*. Tellingly for a global project, the newest Lancer Evolution will have less differentiation from market to market ( Japan vs. Europe vs. North America) than the previous generations.
The new model’s aluminum engine block is a significant 20 kg lighter than the iron-block 4G63 engine used in all previous models, which aids weight distribution. In addition, its orientation (exhaust located on bulkhead side) allows for improved placement that helps to lower the center of gravity.
Although the new Lancer Evolution engine block is lighter, it was designed from the outset for high-performance turbocharged applications. High inherent strength has been achieved partly through over-engineering of the open deck block, and the use of large water jackets and metal areas around each siamesed cylinder bore. The reciprocating assembly of the turbocharged 4B11 is capable of withstanding high levels of boost.
* Since development continues, EU-spec. final engine output figures will be revealed at a later date.
Next-Gen Gearbox*
Prototype-X is equipped with the automated manual transmission with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters that will be available on the next Lancer Evolution, under the name “Twin Clutch SST “. The (“Sport Shift Transmission”).
This all-new MMC automated manual transmission employs dual clutches to realize power transmission efficiencies on a par with a normal manual gearbox while also allowing slick and swift shifting. Allowing drivers of all abilities to shift rapidly up and down through the gears, Twin Clutch SST delivers satisfying acceleration while also returning superior fuel mileage thanks to its high-efficiency power transmission mechanism. The new transmission also features three operating modes tailored to different situations: from around-town drivability to instant-response and follow-the-line sporty motoring on the open road.
For stick shift purists, the next Lancer Evolution will still offer a conventional 5-speed manual transmission*. With the 4B11 turbo engine’s stronger torque performance, a 5-speed will provide optimal acceleration response.
Next-Gen “All Wheel Control” system
The next Lancer Evolution, while still providing the levels of engine performance that appeal to this model’s loyal core customers, will expand dynamic capability with the new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system.
Combining intelligent full-time four-wheel drive with stability control, S-AWC is a further development of the advanced full-time 4WD technology first introduced on the new Outlander.
In Prototype-X – and the upcoming Lancer Evolution – this next-generation system now adds an ASC (Active Stability Control) feature to the ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control)* and Sport ABS (Sport Antilock Brake System) components that have proven themselves in the Lancer Evolution series. Integrated system management of these four components allows regulation of torque and braking force at each wheel. S-AWC also now employs yaw rate feedback control. This allows the system to control each wheel under a wide range of driving conditions, thus realizing vehicle behavior that faithfully reflects driver inputs and allows drivers of all abilities to enjoy sporty motoring with confidence**.
* The AYC rear differential has never been offered on a Lancer Evolution sold in the U.S. market.
** Where legal.
The combination of all these technologies will help the Lancer Evolution make optimal use of its considerable torque and also ensure the highest level of dynamic capability and stability ever in this model. At the same time, the new technology will further enhance the exhilarating driving performance character that customers have come to expect from this model.
The next Lancer Evolution once again features its own suspension system, replacing steel stampings of the standard Lancer sports sedan with race-proven forged aluminum components.
* Availability according to markets. To be specified at the time of introduction.
Due to the high rigidity of MMC’s new “Project Global” platform, the Lancer Evolution’s suspension can be tuned to provide a more compliant and stable ride than before without compromising handling performance – a trait that is expected from a true world-class performance sedan.
With exciting performance* assured Mitsubishi Motors will be able to equip the upcoming Lancer Evolution to be a markedly better car for everyday driving. Using the advanced electronic architecture introduced in the new Outlander and Lancer family, the next Lancer Evolution** will also be offered sophisticated comfort features such as a premium Rockford-Fosgate® 650 W (max.) audio system, HDD navigation system with music server, Bluetooth®, steering wheel audio controls or an automatic climate control system.
* Within legal limits
** Availability according to markets. To be specified at the time of introduction.
