But ultimately, the Evo VI isn't as fast as the IX in terms of outright speed. The Evo IX makes more power, has more rubber and features a stiffer chassis. But the VI does surpass the final 4G63-equipped Evo in terms of rawness. Its limits are just slightly lower. With the capability of the AYC system, you'll find yourself understeering less and hanging on for dear life more. The Evo IX is calm and quiet at speed, and has the ability to make anyone a WRC superstar without even trying. But because the Evo VI gives more feedback and is so much more mechanical, it turns out to be that much more fun to drive.
With the entrance to Willow Springs International Raceway looming, we prep our camera equipment for our suicide spy shot run. We're in luck, the track hasn't been fully rented out, which means we can camp out and grab our shots from afar with a massive and expensively rented telephoto lens. Mere moments of silence pass before the whine of a car being driven full throttle echoes throughout the track. At The Streets Of Willow course, a gray camouflaged Evo X appears, chased by an Evo IX MR. Victory at last.
Although the Evo X wears black camo covers on its front and rear, the distinct shape of the Prototype X shows through. Very, very close in appearance to our April 2007 issue cover car, the Evo X wears different wheels, different seats and a slightly different face. During its passes, the Evo X shows off its massive intercooler and brakes-with two-piece rotors, no less. Later, back in the office, we're able to coerce Mitsubishi to cough up details on the latest additions to the Evo X, namely the Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) and Twin-Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TCSST).
The TCSST six-speed transmission (think VW DSG) will feature three different shift modes and ultra-quick shift action. The only issue to consider here is the fact that the pre-programming of the transmission is based on engine configuration-you'll have to wait for somebody to crack the TCSST's ECU coding before you can throw exhausts and downpipes at your Evo X. We hear rumors that a regular five-speed manual transmission will also be offered, which would be the more appealing choice for would-be tuners. S-AWC, two generations ahead of what came with the USDM Evo IX, uses a combination of Active Stability Control (ASC), ACD, Sport ABS, and AYC to distribute power as efficiently as possible through all four wheels.
The Evo X we spy running around Willow Springs shows large amounts of suspension travel and significant body roll, like most all Lancer Evolutions, but also incredible speed. We clock the Evo X test mule at roughly two seconds per lap faster than the Evo IX MR on track at the same time (average times for fast street cars at Streets ring in around the 1:30s), and the car isn't even being pushed to its fullest. Judging by the amount of time it spends on and off the track, it's still undergoing testing and calibration.
Whereas the Evo IX is faster than the Evo VI, the Evo X appears to be the king of them all. Incredible poise, outright speed and loads of technological advancements have found their way into the upcoming Lancer Evolution. But with purists already crying foul on the Evo IX's ability to mask a driver's true talent with its high limits and outrageous stability, will the Evo X only go further down that path?
The Evo VI has shown us here at SCC how a few choice compromises can make a car that much more fun to motor around in. But then again, that's what the aftermarket is for. A new suspension, exhaust system and alignment can do wonders for the rawness of an Evo IX. We can't wait to see what will become of the Evo X once the 'other' tuners get their hands on it.