The Evo has landed, reports Nick Dalton.

PEOPLE attending this week's Cairns Show which ended yesterday were among the first general public to see the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

The car, a red $59,490 base model, is now on display at Ireland Mitsubishi's showroom on Mulgrave Rd. Mitsubishi Australia president Robert McEniry said the Lancer Evolution had created a storm of interest in the Mitsubishi brand.

"As head of the Lancer sedan family, and halo vehicle for the Mitsubishi brand, the 2008 Lancer Evolution has captured the imagination of the general public since the first concept vehicle, Concept-X, was shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show," he said.

"Following its recent overseas release, the 2008 Lancer Evolution has been the recipient of rave reviews from international motoring journalists and this has set the scene for the Australian public's high anticipation of the vehicle's imminent arrival."

A shark nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the new generation Lancer design.

The Evo X has a powerful new engine, an intercooled and turbocharged 2.0-litre DOHC inline four cylinder with reinforced cast-aluminium cylinder block which generates 217kW of power at 6500rpm and 366Nm of torque at 3500rpm.

Mitsubishi's all-new Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick gear changes with no discernable drop-off in engine power, and featuring a console-mounted shifter and steering wheel paddle shifters, will be available on all models.

TC-SST offers three drive modes, Normal, Sport and S-Sport, with the choice between automatic and manual shifting available in each mode.

Normal mode suits everyday driving, while the Sport mode uses higher shift points when in automatic and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response. The S-Sport mode is designed for performance situations, such as track events.

Other high-tech aspects include the next generation of Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) incorporating an Active Centre Differential, Super Active Yaw Control (SAYC), Active Stability Control and Sports Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and a Limited Slip Differential supplying a significant advance in dynamic capability.

The S-AWC offers the driver three traction modes of Tarmac, Gravel and Snow to optimise vehicle performance and safety.

Braking performance is enhanced with a Brembo system comprising 18in ventilated four pot front brakes (two-piece type on up-spec models) and 17in ventilated two pot rear brakes.

The Evolution has a comprehensive list of standard features to enhance safety and driveability. There are two variants: the entry level Lancer Evolution or the up-scale Lancer Evolution MR, with an optional Performance Package available on the base model.

The entry-level Evolution comes with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, with the option of Mitsubishi's new six-speed Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST). TC-SST is standard on the Lancer Evolution MR.

The optional performance pack available for the entry level Lancer includes Brembo two piece brakes, Bilstein front and rear shock absorbers, Eibach front and rear springs and 18 inch BBS forged aluminium wheels.

The range of colours include Solid White, Cool Silver, Red Metallic, Lightning Blue and Phantom Black.

Pricing starts at $59,490 with the Lancer Evolution with TC-SST from $64,490 and the top level MR from $71,690. The optional Performance Pack is $5500.

FAST FACTS
Make: Mitsubishi
Model: Lancer Evolution X
Body: Four door sedan
Price: From $59,490
Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo
Power: 217kW of power @ 6500rpm
Torque: 366Nm of torque @ 3500rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual or twin clutch auto
Fuel consumption: N/A
Performance: 240km/h top speed
Standard features: Driver and front passenger airbags, driver side knee airbag and side and curtain airbags to the vehicle's Active Centre Differential, Active Stability Control and Sports Anti-lock Braking System, Brembo brakes, Recaro bucket seats, sports-style steering wheel, automatic climate control airconditioning, Smart key keyless entry, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, dusk sensing headlamps and rain sensing wipers, cruise control and AM/FM six stacker CD audio with steering wheel audio controls
Warranty: Five-year/130,000km
Rivals: Audi S3 $65,900, Subaru WRX STI $59,990, Volkswagen Golf R32 $54,990
Availability: Check with dealer
Dealer: Ireland Mitsubishi, Mulgrave Rd, ph: 4052 3666
Website: www.irelands.com.au

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