Review: Mitsubishi C4ZA Lancer Evolution X (2007-15)

Overview

The Mitsubishi CZ4A Lancer Evolution X was officially imported by Mitsubishi Australia from August 2008, though some models were privately imported between this date and when production commenced in October 2007.

4B11T engine

The Lancer Evolution X introduced a newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine (Mitsubishi’s 4B11T) which had an aluminium cylinder block and head, fully floating pistons, double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable intake and exhaust valve timing, and a compression ratio of 9.0:1.

The 4B11T engine had a semi-closed deck structure, an integrated ladder frame and four-bolt main bearing caps for greater strength and durability. Compared to the Lancer Evolution IX, the Mitsubishi TD05 turbocharger for the 4B11T was revised to reduce lag times by 20 per cent at lower engine speeds and to provide a broader torque spread. It is understood that the TD05 turbocharger provided peak boost pressure was around 21 psi, though this reduced to around 13 psi at the engine’s redline.

Transmission

Transmission choices for the Lancer Evolution X consisted of either a five-speed manual or six-speed semi-automatic transmission (Mitsubishi’s ‘Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission’, or TC-SST. The TC-SST was an automated manual transmission with a console-mounted shifter and steering wheel gearshift paddles. The TC-SST also had three driving modes – Normal, Sport and S-Sport – and a choice between automatic and manual shifting in each mode.

Dimensions

Compared to the Lancer Evolution IX , the Evolution X was 20 mm longer (at 4510 mm), 40 mm wider (1810 mm), 30 mm taller (1480 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2650 mm). Furthermore, Evolution IX chassis achieved a 40 per cent increase in torsional stiffness and a 60 per cent increase in flexural stiffness relative to the Evolution IX MR.

Suspension

The Lancer Evolution X was fitted with MacPherson strut front suspension (inverted) and multi-link rear suspension with mono-tube shock absorbers. The Evolution X MR, however, was fitted with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs.

4WD system

The Lancer Evolution X had a permanent four-wheel drive system which included an Active Centre Differential (ACD). In normal conditions, the system provided a 50:50 front/rear torque split. However, the ACD regulated the limiting force of the differential to match driver operation of the vehicle and driving conditions. Under hard acceleration, the ACD reduced slippages and approaches a locked state to transfer more torque to the road surface. Under rapid steering inputs, however, the ACD operated virtually as an open differential for improved steering response. The ACD also enabled the driver to select from three drive modes – Tarmac, Gravel and Snow – for optimum traction.

The Super Active Yaw Control system used a computer to regulate torque transfer in the rear differential. When accelerating through a corner, S-ATC would reduce understeer by transferring torque to the outer wheel. Conversely, when decelerating in a corner, torque would be applied to the inner wheel.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X included dual front airbags, driver’s knee airbag, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. From August 2010, the Evolution X was further equipped with brake assist.

Brakes

The Lancer Evolution X was fitted with a Brembo braking system consisting of 18-inch ventilated front brake discs with four-piston callipers (two-piece callipers for MR variants) and 17-inch ventilated rear discs with two-piston callipers.

Features: Evolution X

Standard features for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X included 18-inch alloy wheels, six speaker sound system with six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, Recaro bucket seats, front and rear fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, remote central locking with proximity key, power mirrors and windows, rear privacy glass, an alarm and immobiliser.

Features: Evolution X MR

Compared to the Evolution X, the Lancer Evolution X MR was further equipped with 18-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels, a nine speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system including subwoofer, single CD player, satellite navigation, voice recognition, combination cloth/leather seat trim, heated front seats and high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with adaptive front lighting (AFS) and washers. Visually, the MR could be identified by its colour-coded hood and fender air outlets and chrome belt line moulding and grille surround.

Lancer Evolution X updates: MY10, MY11 and MY13

From August 2009, the Evolution X was fitted with ‘see me home’ headlights and the MR received leather seats. From August 2010, the Evolution X was fitted with power folding door mirrors and a motion-sensing alarm; the MR also received USB and iPod connections.

In August 2012, the Evolution X was updated for the 2013 model year –

• The standard Lancer Evolution X received a new audio system with a 6.1-inch colour display, iPod connectivity and a rear view camera interface; and,
• The Evolution X MR was further equipped with the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) which included satellite navigation with 3D mapping, a seven-inch touch screen, iPod connectivity and voice-activated Bluetooth and navigation control.

2010 Lancer Evolution X TMR Bathurst edition

In February 2010, a limited-run TMR Bathurst Edition was released. The Lancer Evolution X TMR Bathurst Edition was distinguished by its upgraded engine producing peak power and torque of 247 kW and 436 Nm, TMR exhaust and TMR progressive rate springs. Visually, the TMR Bathurst Edition could be identified by its powder-coated wheels with TMR centre caps and TMR badges. The TMR Bathurst edition was available with both the manual and semi-automatic transmission.

2015 Lancer Evolution X Final Edition

The Lancer Evolution X Final Edition was released in Australia in November 2015 with local deliveries limited to 150 vehicles. For the Evolution X Final Edition, engine outputs were increased to 226 kW at 6500 rpm and 414 Nm at 3500 rpm. According to Mitsubishi, engine modifications for the Final Edition included sodium-filled exhaust valves for greater cooling efficiency and a revised ECU. Like the Lancer Evolution X MR, the Evolution X Final Edition had two-piece front Brembo brake discs, Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs.

The Evolution X Final Edition could be identified by its 18-inch BBS ‘satin platinum’ alloy wheels with gold centre wheel ornaments, gloss black bonnet air outlets and front bumper centre, radiator grille with dark chrome surround, and ‘Final Edition’ bootlid badge. The Evolution X Final Edition was available in Starlight White, Tungsten Grey and Red paint finishes, all with a contrasting black-painted roof. For the Phantom Black paint finish, the roof was finished in gloss black.

Inside, the Lancer Evolution X featured:

• Recaro partial leather bucket seats with contrasting red stitching;
• Leather trim with red stitching for the steering wheel, park brake and gearshift knob;
• Black pillars and headlining;
• A ‘leather look’ floor console with red stitching; and,
• ‘Final Edition’ carpet mats.

Brochures

• Brochure: Mitsubishi C4ZA Lancer Evolution X (September 2008)
• Brochure (four pages): Mitsubishi C4ZA Lancer Evolution X (September 2008)
• Brochure: Mitsubishi C4ZA Lancer Evolution X (July 2013)

Related links

• Mitsubishi News: 2014 Evolution – Affordable Rally-Bred Performance (August 2013)
• Mitsubishi Australia: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
• Wikipedia.org: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X