10 things that make Mitsu's Evo X special [ See related stories ] February 19, 2008 Lights that point around corners, energy-saving glass, no reverse gear and micro-spoilers in the wheel arches are a few of the details that make up the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X that's due in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2008. The Evo X is a known a supercar-slayer and carries an alphabet soup of acronyms such as S-AYC (super-active yaw control), ACD (active centre differential), (ACD) and SST (twin-clutch sports shift transmission). But even more details have been thought through to make the Evo X stand out from its "Fast and Furious" competitors. Such as these To save weight the five speed manual transmission has no reverse gear... No reverse gear: To save weight, the five speed manual transmission has no reverse gear. Instead, first and third gears engage with an idler gear on a separate shaft to reverse the direction of rotation. Wheel-arch spoilers: Each wheel arch has tiny spoiler lip around the curve of the wheel to prevent the wind from swirling behind the wheel and spoiling the car's aerodynamics. Energy-saving glass: The glass in the Lancer Evo X uses material in its intermediate layer that absorbs infra-red light to reduce the transmission of solar heat by more than two-thirds. It also filters out ultra-violet light yet transmits visible light to keep the interior airy and light. Stainless-steel engine manifold: The exhaust system uses a welded, stainless-steel manifold – it's smoother inside than a conventional cast-iron one so maximises gas flow You decide how long the interior light stays on after the doors are closed - if at all. Your car, the way you want it: Mitsubishi's ETAC (electronic total automobile control) allows the driver to set up the car. He or she decides how long the interior light remains after the doors close (if at all), or when the wing mirrors fold in or out – at the touch of a button or automatically when the door is closed and ignition switched on or off. Your choice. Acoustic engineering: The Evo X has light and strategically placed acoustic and anti-vibration material, including foam in the pillars, to provide a classy ride with minimal weight increase. Lights that point around corners: The AFS (adaptive front lighting system) uses (HID) high-intensity discharge headlights to lengthen the driver's field of vision, automatically switching on an additional beam when the driver turns the steering wheel. External vents: A central bonnet air-intake bonnet helps the engine to breathe and increases power. Two more vents and a third behind each front wheel release engine heat. F1 floating-piston technology: The engine has floating pistons made by Mahle originally designed for F1 cars and made of a very hard, strong alloy. Service plan: The Lancer Evolution X, like all SA-market Lancers, comes with a five-years 100 000km service plan. Want to buy anything else, sir or madam?
