Mitsubishi «

New research suggests that the all-new Lancer Evolution X is drawing new customers into the brand from premium German and other Japanese marques. A strong value proposition and excellent driving characteristics are just two of the key drivers behind customer decisions.

Part Exchange Analysis

A comprehensive study of customers buying the Lancer Evolution X since it was launched in March 2008 has shown that 38% of the part exchanges offered against the cutting edge Twin Clutch SST (Sports Shift Transmission) have been from premium German brands, while 31% have been from other Japanese competitor brands.

Sales of the manual transmission have been dominated by the FQ-360 variant, with the majority (40%) coming from existing Evo owners. A further 19% of part exchanges came from premium German marques and 20% from other Japanese manufacturers.

Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi UK’s Sales and Marketing Director asserted that, “this shows that the new Evolution X is certainly attracting people out of German cars, especially into the SST, and that the manual gearbox car is not only attracting traditional Evo customers, but also customers of other Japanese marques.”

Furthermore, several super cars have been traded in against new Lancer Evolution Xs, with one dealer handing over a Lancer Evolution X FQ-300 SST and a check for £90,000 against a Ferrari F430.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart Unveiled
AMS Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII 1130 hp
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution-X UK on Sale Date

Today Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) announced a new global tagline in order to clarify across all markets its direction for the future. The tagline, “Drive@earth,” will be launched first in Japan during the summer of 2008, and is intended to convey two major themes:

First, Drive@earth means that automobiles connect us to the world. Mitsubishi’s 4WD legacy has catapulted a generation of drivers to every corner of the earth, from desert dunes to city streets. Rally-tested toughness, performance and reliability make Mitsubishi Motors a trusted name on five continents. Through this trust, Mitsubishi vehicles forge a connection to customers, to communities, and ultimately to the natural world around us.

Second, Drive@earth means a new emphasis on environmental issues. It is the simple recognition that no enterprise — automotive or otherwise — makes sense without the context of a healthy planet. With climate change and dwindling oil reserves on the minds of drivers around the world, automakers have a special responsibility. MMC sets as its ideal the synergy between dynamic and environmental performance, and will continue to develop technologies — such as the zero-emissions i MiEV electric vehicle — that show as much care for the environment outside as for the occupants within.

The new tagline acts as a bridge between the company’s heritage and its future. Launched in this, the first year of MMC’s post-revitalization business plan, Drive@earth is an announcement of the company’s renewed focus, and a symbol of its intention to build a new era of sustainable partnership.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l’Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi’s Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

*1 Named the Galant Fortis in Japan

With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Lancer Sportback offers an “auto-folding function” which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors’ new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*2 engine [maximum output 177 kW (240PS), maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi’s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

*2 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control system

AMS Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII 1130 hp
Mitsubishi Lancer RalliArt Is Unveiled

AMS Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII 1130 hp

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and its motor sports unit MMSP have established the team’s objectives for the coming season, as well as for the 2009 ‘Dakar’, which breaks new ground with a start and finish in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a rest-day in Valparaiso on Chile’s Pacific coast.

New High-Performance V6 Diesel Power Unit
Meanwhile, the major new feature of the team’s 2008 programme is the introduction of a turbo-diesel version of the highly successful Pajero Evolution, cross-country rallying’s most successful car with a record 12 Dakar wins to its name since 1985. The new 2,997cc V6 powerplant benefits from Mitsubishi’s longstanding expertise in the field of advanced diesel technologies, ranging from low compression ratios to high-pressure fuel injection.

Development of the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Evolution MPR14 started with bench testing of a new three-litre 260bhp diesel derivative of the MPR13′s existing petrol engine in Japan. The capacity of three litres was chosen since it offered the best compromise between performance and weight. The new block was then grafted into an MPR13 chassis to form the first MPR14 which underwent extensive testing in France and North Africa. This program was aimed at building on the proven strengths of the MPR13 and validating work done on the dyno to produce a competitive, reliable package with the new V6 diesel mated to a five-speed gearbox.

While the engine itself was essentially developed in Japan, MMSP was responsible for its integration in the chassis, with specialist of Valeo tasked with a bespoke cooling system. The MPR14 made its debut in the hands of Hiroshi Masuoka/Pascal Maimon (Japan/France) on Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s first outing of the 2008 season, April’s Central Europe Rally which took in Hungary and Romania.

Mitsubishi Tops Rallying’s ‘Green’ Initiatives
Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart has also decided to take a lead by enhancing its environmentally responsible approach to its competition activities in association with its key partners, Repsol, Valeo and BFGoodrich, all of whom stand out as pioneers in their specific domains when it comes to protecting the planet. “Now, our motor sports activity has taken a step up to establish the environmentally-friendly engineering strategy of Mitsubishi Motors” underlines MMSP SAS’s new president, Osamu Nakayama.

Repsol sees the arrival of diesel power for the Pajero Evolution MPR14 as an ideal opportunity to bring its latest research developments into efficient fuels in general and non-food sourced biodiesel in particular to the table. Indeed, the Spanish-based oil and gas firm’s efforts in this field contributed to its recent nomination as a ‘Gold Class’ company in the Sustainability Yearbook 2008 compiled by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and Sustainable Asset Management (SAM), an independent company tasked with conducting the annual assessments for the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. And the Michelin Group – which owns the BFGoodrich brand – has always stressed that the transfer of technology between its motor sports activities and road tires is by no means unilateral, and cites its ongoing research into low rolling resistance as one area in which production tires have benefited the competition programmes of partners such as Mitsubishi.

The 1990s saw the Michelin Group take a valuable lead in this domain with the launch of the first green car and truck tire range which has gone on to see the advent of products such as the current award-winning Michelin Energy Saver tire.

Last but by no means least, Valeo’s long experience of automotive systems and electronics proved invaluable during the development of the new diesel-powered Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution MPR14. Its contribution essentially concerned the specific cooling system using the UltimateCooling™ architecture. Valeo’s input also concerns the advanced low energy LED front and rear lighting systems used on the car and which further contribute to achieving appreciable fuel savings.

Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart’s 2008 Programme
In addition to its ongoing testing and development activities, Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart is pleased to confirm its intention to contest three events during the first half of 2008.

The first will see a four-car entry for the inaugural Central Europe Rally with a line-up of four Mitsubishi Pajero Evolutions, including one MPR14 powered by the latest V6 diesel engine and crewed by Hiroshi Masuoka/Pascal Maimon (Japan/France), plus three MPR13s for Luc Alphand/Gilles Picard (France), Stéphane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret (France), and Joan Nani Roma/Lucas Cruz (Spain).

“Our 2008 programme has been tailored to prepare for our new challenge which is to contest the 2009 Dakar with our new diesel-engined car,” says Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart Director Dominique Serieys. “Our schedule will initially take us to three events: the inaugural Central Europe Rally [Hungary and Romania], the Transiberico [Portugal] and the Baja Espana [Spain].

Exact driver line-ups for the Portuguese and Spanish fixtures will be announced shortly, as will the team’s programme for the second half of the season.

Mitsubishi Outlander Service Car
A European-specification Outlander will serve as support vehicle carrying spares and tools on the Central Europe Rally for the four Pajero Evolutions. It will form part of a total fleet of 13 service vehicles, which include five trucks, Pajeros, L200 pick-ups, and Outlanders.

The first Outlander to serve as support vehicle on a cross-country rally is a SUV aimed at urban motoring. It nonetheless profits from the same three-mode electronically controlled 4WD transmission system as the Pajero and the four-wheel drive L200, and has been specially prepared to take on the punishing conditions associated with rallies like the Dakar.

The Outlander which has been prepared for the Central Europe Rally is a European-spec model powered by a four-cylinder 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel engine mated to a manual six-speed gearbox. It features the same livery as the competing cars and incorporates specific rally equipment such as roll cage, bucket seats, competition suspension and tires, and guards. Neither the engine, the gearbox nor the electronically-controlled 4WD transmission system have been modified, although their calibration has been tuned to meet the needs of the demanding conditions it will face. Last but not least, a bigger fuel tank has been fitted to ensure the sort of range required for the long distances involved.

2008 Central Europe Rally Itinerary
The Central Europe Rally is the first event to qualify for the newly-created Dakar Series and starts in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday April 20. It features about 2,600km route, including about 1,100km divided into seven special stages in Hungary and Romania. The stages range in length from 100 to 320km, the longest test taking the form of a loop around the reputed Romanian spa town, BaiaI Mare.

The seven-day rally finishes on the shores of Hungary’s Lake Balaton on Saturday April 26.

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution (MPR14) Technical Specification

(T1 Modified Cross-Country Cars)

OVERALL LENGTH 4195mm
OVERALL WIDTH 1990mm
WHEEL BASE 2775mm
FRONT TRACK 1750mm
REAR TRACK 1750mm

ENGINE MODEL 6 cylinder, 24-Valve, DOHC, dry-sump oil system
FUEL SYSTEM common rail
DISPLACEMENT 2997cc
MAXIMUM OUTPUT 190kW (260 PS) 650Nm (66.3 kgfm)
TRANSMISSION 5-speed Ricardo-type, sequential shift gearbox and mechanical gear selection 4WD system full time, mechanical centre diff lock; Front diff Xtrac self-locking differential; Rear diff Xtrac self-locking differential

SUSPENSION Front Independent, double wishbones, coil spring; Rear Independent, double wishbones, coil spring; Dampers 2 shocks per wheel, fully-adjustable damping and anti-roll bar system

STEERING Power-assisted rack and pinion
WHEEL STROKE 250 mm front and rear
BRAKES Front and rear: Ventilated Brembo discs with 6-piston Brembo calipers
WHEELS aluminium 7×16
TYRES BF Goodrich 235/85 – 16
MINIMUM WEIGHT 1900 kg

OTHERS Aeronautic steel multi-tubular frame, Honeycomb body floor and carbon fibre body
FUEL TANK CAPACITY 500 litres

Mitsubishi’s cutting edge twin-clutch Sports Shift Transmission (SST) ready for the UK’s SUV market.

Outlander shifts up seamlessly with cutting edge sports transmission.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has revealed that the all-new Outlander will now seamlessly step up a gear with the introduction of the Lancer Evolution X’s Twin Clutch SST.

As exemplified in the Lancer Evolution X, the Twin Clutch SST’s benefits include:
-lightning quick shifting versus normal manual transmissions
-almost no power loss when shifting versus traditional automatic transmissions
-lower fuel consumption & emissions versus automatics due to the inherent efficiency of the system’s gear changes.

This will be the first SUV to be equipped with cutting-edge twin clutch technology and will certainly add to Outlander’s excellent driving dynamics. The latest innovation comes from Mitsubishi’s “Project Global” architecture and helps to further validate the decision to roll out this technology beyond the legendary Lancer Evolution X hero model.

Further specification details are still to be announced, but the UK models will come complete with paddle shifters, dual mode (Normal/Sport) and Hill Start Assist functions.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has announced the production of the final 380 sedan at its Tonsley Park, South Australia plant, following the company’s decision in February to cease local manufacture of the large passenger vehicle and pursue a full-line importing strategy in the Australian market.

At a media presentation at the Tonsley Park site today, the last consignment of production vehicles received comprehensive quality evaluations and final certification.

Robert McEniry, Mitsubishi’s President and Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the company’s heritage of manufacturing excellence and paid tribute to loyal employees.
“There is no doubt that today is a very solemn day, but it is also a celebration of the long and proud history of an exceptional manufacturing facility, and an exceptional group of people.
“Since my arrival at Mitsubishi, I have been deeply impressed and heartened by the tenacity, resilience and sheer determination of all our employees. My thanks, and the thanks of the entire Mitsubishi management team go to this wonderful group for their continued commitment.” Mr McEniry said.

In his speech, Mr McEniry also acknowledged the support of the 200-strong Mitsubishi dealer network and the response from the business community and government bodies. “The Mitsubishi dealer network is a strong and committed body and they are steadfast in their efforts to consolidate and grow the Mitsubishi brand in the Australian market, and I thank them for their support, particularly during the last few weeks.

“In addition, we have received unprecedented support from both the Australian and South Australian business communities, and local, state and federal bodies to assist our employees through this transition process. An amazing number of companies have come forward with offers of over 700 full-time, long term positions for our highly trained personnel.“ Mr McEniry said.

The Tonsley Park Plant was originally opened by Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies on 2nd October, 1964 by Chrysler Australia. Following a change of ownership, the first Mitsubishi rolled off the production line in 1980 and since then the Tonsley Park plant has manufactured more than 1.1 million vehicles, including the Sigma, Colt, Magna and 380 Sedan.

Decommissioning of the Tonsley Park site has commenced and Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, in conjunction with its parent company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation of Tokyo, is currently considering appropriate applications and expressions of interest for the future disposal of the site.

Mitsubishi’s Final 380 Sedans Find Good Homes
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has announced final destinations for four vehicles from the last consignment of locally produced 380 sedans, and two prominent South Australian and National charities and one museum – including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Vision Australia and the National Motor Museum at Birdwood – will benefit from the company’s decision.
Following Mitsubishi’s decision to cease local production of the large passenger vehicle and pursue a full-line importing strategy in the Australian market, interest from media, the 200-strong Mitsubishi dealer network and the general public has been running high regarding the final destinations of the last few vehicles.

In a decision designed to echo the strong sense of citizenship and support the South Australian company has nurtured in the Australian market, Mitsubishi has announced the final four vehicles will be donated to not-for-profit organisations with profiles in both the South Australian and national Australian communities.

The company announced the bequests at a media presentation to mark the production of the final consignment of 380 sedans at the Tonsley Park site today.

Speaking at the presentation, Mitsubishi’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert McEniry, said the organisations had made real contributions to the lives of normal Australians.
“The Royal Flying Doctor Service is an iconic Australian institution, based in South Australia, and is responsible for saving thousands of lives throughout the country every year.

“Vision Australia is another iconic Australian organisation which brings assistance, education and care to visually impaired people and their families right across Australia.

“The National Motor Museum at Birdwood maintains an extensive array of historical vehicles for posterity, and we feel these final 380 vehicles, as representatives of the strong manufacturing heritage at Tonsley Park, have earned their place in history.

“The final Mitsubishi 380 sedan has been very keenly sought, with enquiries from all over Australia, so it was decided the only fair and equitable way to dispose of the vehicle was through our dealer auctions, to allow interested parties an opportunity to secure the vehicle. All proceeds from the auction will also be donated to charity.

“We believe these bequests, together with our five-year sponsorship of the Australian Olympic Committee, genuinely reflect the Mitsubishi family’s true sense of community and citizenship both nationally and in South Australia, and are closely aligned with our long-term commitment to the Australian market,” Mr McEniry said.

Ahead of its official global unveiling on 4th March at the Geneva Motor Show, Mitsubishi Motors now reveals further images of the Prototype-S – born from the same gene pool as the original 2005 Concept-Sportback.

Jet Fighter Aggression

The prototype remains close to its original inspiration, and closely previews the forthcoming Lancer Sportback.

At the front, it uses a variation of Lancer’s trademark “Jet Fighter” grille featuring a full matt black finish, mesh inserts and chrome surround. Other distinguishing features include a Lancer Evolution X style bonnet, Prototype-S specific headlamps and 19” five-spoke alloy wheels.

At the rear, Prototype-S follows the same design theme explored with Concept-Sportback with a very fast lift gate finished by Sportback’s trademark colour-keyed roof spoiler. Its elongated rear combination lamps widen the stance of the car as they wrap around the rear wings.

Interior Flair

Inside, Prototype-S displays a very continental flair with its twin-hood meters, the black suede finish of the upper dashboard & door panels and the light brown-coloured leather selected for its upholstery, in a mix of plain, perforated and weaved finish.

When launched later in the year, this 5-door hatchback variant of the new Lancer family will be the most important of all in Europe, representing 80% of the forecasted Lancer volume in the UK.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Prototype-S sport hatchback concept its global debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 4 through March 16 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 6). Also included in Mitsubishi Motors’ 16-model stand (13 on Press Days) are: the i MiEV (dubbed the i-EV in Europe) and the Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X on the Japanese market). The i MiEV is a new-generation electric vehicle under evaluation for export to international markets and currently undergoing fleet monitoring in Japan; Lancer Evolution is a new-generation high-performance 4WD sedan that allows all drivers to experience enjoy the highest levels of fun-to-drive performance safely and with confidence.

Making its global debut at the Geneva Show, the Prototype-S is derived from the Lancer sports sedan (Galant Fortis on the Japanese market) currently on sale in most Mitsubishi Motors markets worldwide.

Distinguished by the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille front fascia that comprise the Mitsubishi Motors new design identity, and with purposeful, wide-and-low proportions; Prototype-S uses exterior lines to craft a shape that is powerful and sporty. The use of 215/45R19 tires on 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels adds to the tautly muscular and road-hugging image the styling projects.

Prototype-S uses a new 2.0-liter MIVEC*1 4-cylinder DOHC intercooled / turbocharged engine, developing maxima of 240 PS and 35 kg-m that will also power the Lancer Ralliart due to go on sale in North America in the summer of 2008. The power unit is mated to Mitsubishi Motors’s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST*2 automated manual transmission that gives the driver simple control of and feel-good access to the car’s exhilaratingly sporty performance. The full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential (ACD) that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor front / rear drive torque vectoring to different driving conditions and deliver the best balance between steering response and traction.

*1 MIVEC : Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system
*2 SST : Sport Shift Transmission

Prototype-S specification

Length (mm) 4,585
Width (mm) 1,760
Height (mm) 1,480
Wheelbase (mm) 2,635
F/R track (mm) 1,530/1,530
Occupants 5
Engine 2L MIVEC 4-cylinder DOHC with intercooler/turbocharger
Max. output 177 kW (240ps)
Max. toque 343 Nm (35kgm)
Driveline Full-time 4WD (with ACD)
Transmission Twin Clutch SST
Tires 215/45R19

Just as Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) and then Prototype-X (2007 Detroit) announced the new Lancer and Lancer Evolution X (ten), Mitsubishi Prototype S will follow in the footsteps of the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback show car (2005 Frankfurt) to preview the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback.

When launched later in the year, this 5-door hatchback variant of the new Lancer family will be the most important of all in Europe, representing 70% of the forecasted Lancer volume in the overall region and 80% in the UK. Sporting a powerful metallic orange – similar to the one selected for Lancer Ralliart at the Detroit Auto Show a few weeks ago – Mitsubishi Prototype S will add the convenience of a lift-gate and flexible rear seating to the driving dynamics of the new Lancer range. It will hit the same unconventional buttons as Lancer Sports Sedan, albeit in a hatchback format, benchmarking the likes of Alfa Romeo with the 156 / 159 Sportwagons (dynamic benchmark) and of Saab with the legendary Saab 900 Turbo Combi-Coupé (aspirational benchmark).

Mirroring this aspiration: a sporty wedge-like profile, sharply chiselled lines, assertive stance born from a long wheelbase and wide track proportions, a high-shouldered rear end and the very expressive rear roof spoiler will embody Mitsubishi’s vision for a flexible sports sedan in the C/D sector, away from the traditional hatchbacks.

Fittingly, Mitsubishi Prototype S will blend elements from Concept-Sportback (the overall concept), Lancer Evolution X (the execution) and Lancer Ralliart (240ps / 343 Nm 2.0 litre turbo engine, Twin Clutch SST gearbox, full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential), as well as proposing a further evolution of Mitsubishi Motors’ Jet Fighter grille.

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is to give the Mitsubishi Prototype S concept for a sports hatchback its global debut at the 78th Geneva International Motor Show which runs from March 4 through March 16 at the Geneva Palexpo exhibition and conference complex (opening to the general public on March 6.)

Deriving from MMC’s sport sedan family, which includes the Lancer (named the Galant Fortis on the Japanese market) launched in 2007 and the Lancer Ralliart announced at the 2008 Detroit Motors Show and the Lancer Evolution (Lancer Evolution X in Japan) premiered at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi Prototype S takes the form of a hatchback — a very popular body type in European markets.

Distinguished by the inverted-slant nose with trapezoidal grille front fascia that marks Mitsubishi Motors new design identity and with wide-and-low proportions that leave no doubt as to the concept underlying its design, Mitsubishi Prototype S uses exterior lines to craft a shape that is powerful and sporty even by European standards, echoing the acclaimed 2005 Concept-Sportback show car.

In its mechanical specification Mitsubishi Prototype S is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*1 intercooler / turbocharger engine [developing maxima of 177 kW (240 PS) and 343 Nm (35 kg-m)] mated to Mitsubishi Motors’s high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission that marries fun-to-drive control with outstanding fuel efficiency. The full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential (ACD) that uses an electronically controlled multi-plate hydraulic clutch to optimally tailor front/rear drive torque split to different driving conditions and deliver the best balance between steering response and traction.

LANCER EVOLUTION X SALES MATCH ON-ROAD PERFORMANCE

Advance sales of the all-new Lancer Evolution X take up 100% of expected stock due in by the end of March, now taking orders for April. Price and specification announcement causes sales acceleration. Crowds swamp the stand at Autosport International Show’s UK unveil.

Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution X (ten) goes on sale in the UK on 1st March, still six weeks away, but the car has already left the grid when it comes to sales performance.

Mitsubishi bosses in the UK are considering extra factory orders for the car following an “overwhelmingly positive reception” at the Autosport International Show 2008 and positive press reviews – even before launch.

Orders have been coming into Mitsubishi’s Head Office and via its dealer network since February 2007. A minimum customer deposit of £1,000 secures one of the first examples of this legendary motoring icon. Sales have accelerated further since pricing and specifications were announced in December. The company has even built a special “micro site“ at www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/evolutionX, where customers can register their interest, access information and leave a deposit to reserve a car.

The Lancer Evolution X already has 400 confirmed orders representing 100% of the total expected stock for March registration. Jim Tyrrell, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK said, “This is a stunning response to this all-new performance car legend and will represent a record month for Lancer Evolution sales. We’re now taking orders for April delivery”.

Both the 5-speed manual and 6-speed Twin Clutch – Sports Shift Transmission (SST) versions of the car received great interest at the Autosport International Show as the Mitsubishi stand was swamped with onlookers. Lance Bradley, Mitsubishi’s Sales and Marketing Director stated that, “The number of people at our stand for the duration of this show is yet further evidence of the broad appeal of this new Evolution. People are excited by even the small details designed into the car – like the tiny spoiler built into the rear wheel arches to maximise brake cooling and manage airflow around the wheel housing – and they are delighted to see that we’ve kept the FQ power upgrades in place.”