The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (or Evo as it is often known) was originally introduced in 1992 to compete in the World Rally Championship. Continually developing its position over the years since, the Evolution series has, as its name suggests, evolved into a serious performance motor vehicle.

The Evo X is the current model and currently completing its Worldwide release which included Australia in late July 2008 after being released in Japan in October 2007.

Originally introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show as Concept-X has developed 3 years later into the Evo X and includes a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine. The Evo X GSR has a 5-speed manual transmission system while the Evo X MR comes with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles.

Jeremy Clarkson in a recent article in The Sunday Times said that the Evo X was “Eye-wateringly brilliant” and “the heart and soul in question was its ability to remain composed and absolutely controllable in a lairy, tyre-smoking four-wheel drift. No other car I’d driven was able to do this, even slightly. It was exquisite.”

I found the following short video on YouTube that looks at the 2008 Evo X:

Mitsubishi themselves say that the 2008 Lancer Evo X “has the heart, soul and yes, DNA of Mitsubishi’s racing heritage”

So all reports are positive so far on the Evo X and it will be interesting to see what they do when they start hitting the rally circuit.