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Mitsubishi Prototype X concept

Business Materials 10 January 2007 13:18 (UTC +04:00)
Mitsubishi Prototype X concept

(autoinsidenews) - Mitsubishi unveiled the highly anticipated Prototype X concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. While still a concept, the Prototype X is expected to be a fairly accurate preview of the production version of the tenth-generation of Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution.

While design is important, what makes an Evolution what it is is under the sheetmetal, and the Prototype X is no different. The Prototype X вЂ" and the next Lancer Evolution вЂ" is powered by a turbocharged version of the new aluminum 4B11 2.0L DOHC MIVEC engine used in the 2008 Lancer, reports Trend.

While final output figures aren't yet known, Mitsubishi says is will have the highest power rating ever in an Evolution model. With an aluminum block, the new engine will be lighter than previous models, but will be stronger by the over-engineering of the open deck block. Prototype X is equipped with the automated manual transmission with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters that will be available on the next Lancer Evolution. It will offer lightning fast, paddle-shift actuated shifting when desired, along with offering a fully automatic mode. The next Lancer Evolution will still offer a conventional 5-speed manual transmission.

The next Lancer Evolution will feature the new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, which combines intelligent full-time four-wheel drive with stability control. In Prototype X this next-generation system combines an Active Center Differential (ACD) with an Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential and Active Skid Control (ASC).

While sharing the shark-nose grille and aggressive wedge-like profile with the Lancer, the Prototype X features a unique front end, rear fenders and decklid. The Prototype X's unique front fascia features a deep air dam, and a new hood with air vents and hood scoop. Out back, the Prototype X gets a large rear wing and faux diffuser. Inside, the minimalist interior features an electronic lap counter that is controlled by steering wheel buttons and deeply contoured bucket seats upholstered in high-grip Alcantara.

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