Video highlights of this vehicle

What Is It?
Mitsubishi Concept-X

What's Special About It?
Take a good look at this concept because it won't be long before it goes into production as the next Lancer Evolution. The new wide-mouth grille makes it look like an escapee from the Audi studios, but every other line on the car looks tough. The Concept-X is slightly shorter in length than the current-production Evo IX, but it's nearly an inch taller, 2 inches wider and has a slightly longer wheelbase.

The Concept-X sits on an all-new platform, but uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder like the current Evo. No numbers were discussed, but we hear that 350 horsepower isn't out of the question for the production version. The biggest twist to this concept's drivetrain is the use of a clutchless six-speed automanual transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Mitsubishi claims the setup is faster and more efficient than a typical manual. Yeah, we've heard that one before. Let's hope there's a manual gearbox available.

Another new piece of hardware worth noting is the Concept-X's Super All-Wheel Drive Control (S-AWC) system. In addition to the Evo's all-wheel drive and active yaw control, the S-AWC system adds Active Brake Control, an Active Steering System and Roll Control Suspension technologies to "realize a fully integrated system," according to Mitsubishi. Sounds like more stuff to go wrong at worst, and a seriously sick handling Evo at best. We'll have to wait and see on that one.

The interior layout is sparse for a concept which indicates just how close this car is to the eventual production model. It did have a few toys like LCD video screens for the rear passengers, as well as a monitor for the driver that shows the status of the S-AWC system along with the navigation and DVD controls.

What's Edmunds' Take?
One of the current Evo's few drawbacks is its styling. It has always looked like the dressed-up economy sedan that it is. If the Concept-X gets through the production process unscathed, it could finally turn the Evo into a car that looks as good as it performs. — Ed Hellwig