The new Evolution X has been made official in a new press release from Mitsubishi, with cars hitting dealers in Japan today, October 1st, 2007.

Here’s a quick rundown of the juiciest features on the new Evolution X

• Engine
  • New, completely redesigned aluminium block ‘4B11’ 16-valve, 2.0L DOHC MIVEC intercooled turbocharged engine - 12kg lighter than the outgoing 4G63.
  • Power: 295HP, Torque: 422 Nm @ 3500rpm (300 lb-ft)
• Two trim levels: RS, GSR.

• Transmissions:
  • Twin Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual on the GSR or
  • 5 speed manual also available on the GSR
  • 5 speed manual on the RS only (No SST)

• 4WD S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) on the GSR
  • ACD (Active Center Differential)
  • AYC (Active Yaw Control)
  • Sport ABS (Sport Anti-lock Brake System)
  • Active Stability Control (ASC)
• Suspension/ Tyre / Brakes
  • MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension
  • (GSR) 18-inch Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels. 18-inch BBS lightweight alloy wheels are also available as a factory-fitted option
  • GSR comes standard with Brembo 18-inch front and 17-inch rear ventilated disc brakes. (Unsure if this is a mistake. Though that’s what’s stated on the PR! - ED )
  • Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs

• Interior
  • Premium Rockford Fosgate audio, factory-fitted MMCS option with 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system and 7-inch LCD screen on the GSR.
  • Recaro seats
  • Various interior upgrade option packages, including leather
  • High contrast instrument cluster
  • Leather wrapped steering with audio controls
• Pricing:
  • GSR: 3,750,600 yen with 6speed Twin Clutch SST
  • GSR: 3,495,450 yen 5 speed M/T
  • RS: 2,997,750 yen with 5 speed

And of course, required reading - the Press Release itself . This car has tonnes more features, admittedly more than we expected. The Impreza WRX STi has a battle ahead of it with the new Evo.

Popularity: 35% [?]

The Kizashi appeared at Frankfurt not long ago, and hot on it’s heels comes the Kizashi 2, which looks to be either a crossover or soft roader.

�Kizashi 2.0

The car apparently drops the 2.0L 4cyl TDi expected in the Kizashi 1.0. Instead Kizashi 2.0 gets a 3.6L GM V6 and 6 speed automatic, and may or may not be a hybrid vehicle. It’s unknown at this point wether the Kizashi 2.0 would sport the AWD system slated for the Kizashi 1.0 concept.

It’s also unknown why the two disparate vehicle concepts hold the same name in the first place. It may simply be a ‘style name’ rather than actual vehicle name.

[Source:� Caradisiac]

Popularity: 31% [?]

Bored, a good writer or artist, want to get in on Mazda’s ZOOM ZOOM style, and want to win a prize?

Well here’s just the thing! Mazda have announced (on facebook at least) a design competition for all who are interested in� winning a trip to the L.A Autoshow in November. Enter the MAZDA Design Challenge to win:

• �All expenses paid trip to L.A
• $1000 spending money
• A Mazda 3 for the week of the show (Doesn’t appear you get to keep it. Awww!)

All you need to do is write 150 words or less on what you expect 3 of 2018 will look like - and yes, you can send in a sketch. But you better get moving, submission ends October 12, 2007! Hit facebook for the competition group.

Note: The competition is open to US citizens only. Bugger.

[Source: GrandJDM]

Popularity: 10% [?]

Compliance for the 2002+ ST246W (Gen 3) Caldina Sports wagon has just become available in Australia, a few short months after the second generation became available in August this year. The ST246W runs the same 3S-GTE 2.0L 4 cylinder DOHC turbo and 4WD platform as the previous generation.

Prestige Motorsports prices for the Caldina start at AU$20,000 for a 02/03 model with ~60,000kms. The 2006/2007 will set you back around $30,000. Considerable value for money for this great turbo family wagon.

[Source: Prestige Motorsport]

Popularity: 45% [?]

Subaru continues to whet enthusiast appetites with dark, moody shots of the new STi.

Although not immediately clear in the pics, it seems the STi is going to be designed to stand apart from it’s WRX base with a more masculine, bulked up appearance, with bulging muscular fenders, quad tips, a roof wing, and possibly black versions of the clear tail lights, though it’s hard to tell. It seems Subaru have listened to STi owners classically complaining about the STi looking too similar to the ‘standard’ WRX (Though we’re sure some fans must be wishing Subaru had listened on overall styling, period.).

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STi. These photo’s have been brightened

The STi will be revealed on the 24th of October at the Tokyo Motor Show (write it in your diaries or something, Scooby fans!)

Popularity: 33% [?]