Tenth commandment

The wraps are officially off. Here's the latest in the ludicrous line of loony Lancers.

After almost a year's worth of anticipation, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is out. These pictures are of the Japanese market model and there may be fine differences in the cars headed to other markets.

There are two models as usual "" the GSR, the normal one, and the stripped down RS, which loses the gigantic rear airfoil and many "superfluous" features like the radio and power-this-power-that gizmoids.

Now, the outgoing car, as most enthusiasts already know, was a bit of a hot chilli, and this one should be as well. The old engine (officially the 4G63) was a good one, and the new turbocharged 2000cc 4B11 is 12 kg lighter and more powerful.

The new aluminum block inline four manages a tautly strung 295 bhp and a hefty 42 kgm. The same engine does duty in Mitsubishi's Galant Fortis. Reports say the new motor is part of the Global Engine Alliance, which Mitsubishi is a member of, along with Hyundai and DaimlerChrysler.

Mitsubishi's new Twin-Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual transmission is on offer. Not unlike Audi's acclaimed DSG gearbox in intention and operation, it should add to the Evo's legendary ability to lay down power and convert that into lurid slides at will. However, old-fashioned enthusiasts will have the option of making grumbling noises at the new-fangled paddle shifts and ordering a regular 5-speed manual instead.

The manual transmission is standard on the RS. If you're into paddle shifts, the twin clutch technology uses two separate clutch assemblies to handle alternate gearshifts. This allows much faster shifts.

The system will operate in three selectable modes, normal (to the mall and back), sport (late for appointment) and S-Sport (racetrack or rallycross arena), the latter offering full aggro, fast-as-lightning shifts.

Obviously, the car is a four-wheel driver. The Evo features Mitsubishi's other fashionable abbreviation, S-AWC, or Super All Wheel Control. The system integrates a whole building full of other abbreviations and acronyms, including the stability program, an active center diff, active yaw control and an ABS that's been tuned to handle aggressive driving.

Mitsubishi emphasises that the number of yaw sensors has gone up significantly, and the new Evo is more dedicated than ever to its intended path of travel.

All of that dynamic potential is shrink-wrapped in a flashy, aggressive looking style that is easily Mitsubishi's best yet. The car looks intimidating with a plethora of aerodynamic bits tattooed all over the exterior.

The interior, appropriately, is spartan, with Mitsubishi having paid more attention to the bolsters on the Recaro seats than the plastics' colours. The message is clear "" this one, like all the Evos that have preceded it, is a drivers' car, and nothing inside or outside should take away from that.

The car is based on the new Lancer platform, and features McPherson struts at the front, and multi-link rear suspension at the rear, just like previous Evos.

The layout is revamped with a wider track and standard 18-inch tyres. The GSR model comes with 18-inch front and 17-inch rear ventilated disc brakes from Brembo for extra power, and more fade resistance.

But all of that performance talk should not hide the fact that the Evo, despite its rather over the top appearance and performance, has always been an easy car to live with on a daily basis.

So the Evo X also features a proper safety spec, including dual-stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, and knee airbags. Side and curtain airbags are options. And of course, there is a hard disk based navigation system, an in-car infotainment system and yes, an anti-theft alarm and engine immobiliser too.

Here we go again. The Impreza WRX STi will be out soon, both will begin duelling from the upcoming Tokyo Motor Show. And in time, there will be even more highly strung 360 bhp versions of the Evo X. Oh, we just can't wait for the Evo X story to unfold!