Some EVO Xs at TAS 2009

Unfortunately for Mitsubishi the R35 GT-R pretty much stole the show at TAS. Personally I think the EVO X is a bit more exciting for a couple reasons. 1) It is within reach of the masses, 2) I believe it has the potential for better than stock R35 like performance when properly modified/built, 3) it is more nimble (-300 pounds and the laws of physics: try it, you'll like it). The styling of the EVO X is very aggressive too. It looks mean. In many ways it's like a baby R35 with it's aggressive stance, lighter curb weight, lower cost, turbo AWD, gaping mouth front bumper opening, and questionable strength twin clutch transmission. Anyhow, I didn't take shots of all the EVO Xs at TAS, but here are some of them.


The Ralliart EVO X was mostly a sticker tuned car with some minor enhancements. Notice the carbon rear wing and sports exhaust.


I thought the wheels were pretty weak, but the car is clean overall.


You EVO X owners need to black out the 3 diamond badge; I know I will. It's too tacky chrome. The carbon lip spoiler is clean, but will would be quickly destroyed on the driveways of Los Angeles.


I dig the carbon ducts though. They are functional and clean. I would probably spray them body color though in my old age.


This is the Cockpit EVO X with the factory aero kit. The car was primarily showcasing the forged 19" Prodrive GC-014i wheels being mostly stock.




Not sure if this carbon balloon intake does anything, but these carbon balloons intakes seem to be a trend now that the cost of carbon manufacturing is coming down. When you're shopping for carbon parts, look at the weave pattern carefully and see how consistent the weave is. If it's not consistent chances are its made in China (for an example check out a Seibon hood). If it's weave is very consistent then chances are the part is made in the USA or Japan. This one was perfect so I'm going to assume it was made in Japan.


I don't remember which company's car this was, but it was primarily showcasing the Prodrive GC-014i wheels again. Notice the Ralliart mud flaps. There are actually people who have those types of mud flaps on their Imprezas and Lancers in Japan. If you live in a muddy or snowy climate I guess that would be ok. If you live in LA, you're just fucking lame.



These two pics are of the Colt Speed EVO X. The front isn't for me though.



This is the HKS CT200S which is a clean looking car. The Advan RZ wheels are nice and light and the diffuser, gaynards, and the ducts all look functional. I believe HKS will be selling these as turn key cars in Japan.


Psyche, this was from SEMA. I threw this in there because if you're checking out EVO Xs, the ARK Design EVO X deserves another look. It's a bit unconventional, but it's original in its own way.

I'm starting to like EVO Xs more and more. As we dig into the 4B11T engine further at Cosworth, we are discovering how good the engine is. I have only used the Ecutek software to program the ECU to date (which is excellent software btw). Despite the long flashing time of the stock Mitsu ECU, the engine is easy to tune otherwise and it's BSFC blows away the 4G63's. Just make sure you aren't smoking ECUs with the bullshit open source software (dumb asses are smoking ecus using cheap ass free software). Roland and Ben brought over the first working prototype Cosworth EC Pro ECU so that will give everybody full control over the engine (with internal datalogging and a bunch of other cool features). Garrett is coming out with their bolt on GT3071/76, Cosworth is working on an intercooler, stroker kit, more cams, short/long blocks and big valve CNC head, ARK Design is working on a twin scroll turbo also (something in between GT30 and GT35), brakes, and other electronics and parts. Between these companies I could build a pretty bad ass EVO X in no time. I just need to create one more parking space and I'll have no further excuses: I'll have to get one.