Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition, released in 2015, was the emotional and definitive farewell to one of the most celebrated performance car lineages in automotive history. After ten generations of turbocharged, all-wheel-drive rally-bred sedans that had dominated World Rally Championship stages and street racing folklore alike, Mitsubishi announced that the Evo X would be the last of its kind. The Final Edition was created to send the nameplate into history with the honor it deserved.

The Final Edition's 4B11T engine was tuned to produce 303 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque - the most powerful factory specification of any road-going Lancer Evolution. The 2.0-liter turbocharged MIVEC four-cylinder used a larger turbocharger, revised intercooler, and optimized engine management to extract additional performance from the already potent 4B11 block. The engine retained the Evo's characteristic willingness to rev and immediate throttle response.

The Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system was Mitsubishi's signature technology and the Evo X's most sophisticated feature. Combining an active center differential, active yaw control, ABS with sports mode, and active stability control, the S-AWC system could distribute torque individually to each wheel, allowing the Evo X to corner with a precision and agility that seemed to defy physics. The system was continuously refined throughout the Evo X's production life, with the Final Edition receiving the most advanced calibration.

The Final Edition received Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, and BBS 18-inch forged wheels - a combination that improved both handling precision and ride quality over the standard GSR. Brembo two-piece front brake rotors and upgraded brake pads provided exceptional stopping power. The suspension tuning was focused on providing maximum mechanical grip while maintaining enough compliance to keep the car stable over rough surfaces.

The five-speed manual gearbox was the only transmission option for the Final Edition (the twin-clutch SST was not available), reflecting the purist philosophy of this farewell model. The manual's precise, mechanical action was perfectly suited to the car's character, requiring the driver to actively participate in the driving experience rather than delegating to electronics.

Visually, the Final Edition featured unique badging, a numbered build plaque, dark chrome exterior trim, and exclusive color options. The interior received Recaro seats, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, and premium materials that elevated the cabin beyond the Evo's traditionally functional aesthetic. Each car was numbered, and the limited production of approximately 1,600 units worldwide ensured exclusivity.

The Lancer Evolution's significance in automotive culture extends far beyond its specification sheets. From its debut in 1992, the Evo became the car of choice for rally competitors, time attack enthusiasts, and performance driving fans worldwide. Its rivalry with the Subaru Impreza WRX STI defined an era of accessible, high-performance motoring. The Evolution's influence on automotive engineering, motorsport, and popular culture (particularly through video games and cinema) is immeasurable.

The Final Edition was immediately collectible. Every unit sold quickly, many at premiums above MSRP, and values have appreciated steadily since. As the last of a legendary line, the Final Edition represents both the culmination of Mitsubishi's performance engineering and a poignant reminder of what the company chose to leave behind when it pivoted toward crossovers and electric vehicles.