2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Production EVO XWhat has it been? Months? Years? Decades? We're so used to speculation and rumors about the upcoming Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X that it's hard to remember a time when we were actually satisfied with mere Evo VIIs, VIIIs, and IXs. But finally, here it is, the production 2008 Evo X, albeit in JDM right-hand-drive spec.

As predicted back before man first landed on the moon, the new Evo X is based on the latest iteration of the Lancer platform and it's vastly more stylish than any of its glorious ancestors. Take a look at the hood, with cooling vents cut into it and that NACA duct just behind them. Or how about the vents built into the front fenders? Tasty beyond tastiness. Naturally, the fenders are blistered to cover oversize tires, the front air dam drops down to accommodate a huge intercooler, and the rear wing is big enough to double as a buffet table at a Kiwanis picnic. And out back are two tail pipes. It's still kind of stubby looking, but stubby never looked this good before.

Having gushed so far, let's point out that the standard 18-inch alloy wheels aren't exactly thrilling. The 12-spoke wheels would be better with seven fewer spokes sunk deeper into each wheel. But, hey, nothing is easier to change than wheels.

There's no reason to think the Evo X won't be exactly what we've been expecting, with power coming from the all-new, all-aluminum but-still-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4B11 four. While the 4B11 continues such 4G63 (God rest its soul) traditions as twin overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, it adds MIVEC variable valve control to the mix and weighs about 50 pounds less. Output should come in at just about 300hp and supporting that will be either a standard five-speed manual or optional twin-clutch paddle-shifted six-speed. The transmission is similar in concept and construction to VW's DSG gearbox and the power-shifting technology is likely to be named SST.

Of course, all-wheel drive is also returning and Active Yaw Control (AYC), Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), Anti-Skid Control (ASC), and an Active Center Differential (ACD) will all be part of the package. That much technology should mean this car will stay upright and on course under virtually any conditions, short of a Sidewinder missile detonating beneath it while cornering at triple-digit speeds along a cow path.

There are all sorts of other promises: more aluminum in the all-independent suspension to cut unsprung weight, a much stiffer structure and even something called comfort. But everyone at SCC is still frustrated. Because, dammit, no one here has driven the real Evo X yet.

The next revolution in the Evolution saga should hit our fair shores this fall. Frankly, we'd vote to cancel summer if that meant driving this car three months earlier.

Rumors&Lies* VW has introduced a seven-speed version of its DSG gearbox. It could migrate to vehicles like the GTI by as early as next year.

* According to KTVK-TV in Phoenix, two Scottsdale, Arizona residents have had their licenses suspended after they were involved in an illegal street race last April, during their off-hours, using personal vehicles.