In view of the high level of interest in the vehicle from the Australian public, MMAL management have revealed further information on the local variants, including a full specification listing and details of an optional performance pack for the entry level model.

According to Robert McEniry, President and CEO of MMAL, the Lancer Evolution has captured the imagination of the general public since the first concept vehicle, Concept-X, was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005.

"Enquiry levels on this vehicle have remained consistently high," Mr McEniry said, "with a great deal of interest from both current Evolution IX owners and potential new customers, so we have decided to let everyone know the exact specifications that will be available when production models arrive."

Two variants will be available - the entry level Lancer Evolution or the up-scale Lancer Evolution MR. Both share a powerful new engine, an inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre DOHC in-line four cylinder with reinforced cast-aluminium cylinder bock which generates a blistering 217 kW of power @ 6,500 rpm and 366 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. Both variants will also share the vehicle's outstanding styling and design featuring a shark-nosed front end, a distinct wedge-shaped profile and crisp, taught lines to provide a maximum performance statement that represents the brand's rally heritage.

While the entry-level Lancer Evolution comes with a five-speed manual transmission as standard, Mitsubishi's new six-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is available as an option, or as standard on the up-market MR.

The Lancer Evolution boasts a comprehensive list of standard features to enhance safety and driveability, including driver and front passenger SRS airbags, driver side knee airbag, and side and curtain airbags and Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) incorporating an Active Centre Differential, Super Active Yaw Control, Active Stability Control, and Sports Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce, Limited Slip Differential and a Brembo braking system.

Inside, Recaro bucket seats and a sports-style steering wheel emphasise the Lancer Evolution's performance credentials, while touches such as automatic climate control, Smart key keyless entry, hands free Bluetooth connectivity, dusk sensing headlamps and rain sensing wipers and AM/FM six stacker CD audio with steering wheel audio controls contribute to occupant comfort.

The top level Lancer Evolution MR adds standard TC-SST with steering wheel paddle shifters, upgraded two piece front disc Brembo brakes, Bilstein front and rear shock absorbers, Eibach front and rear springs, HID headlamps, 18 inch BBS forged aluminium wheels and exterior chrome detail.

Premium interior appointments on the MR include leather combination seat trim, heated front seats and a Rockford Fosgate AM/FM six stacker CD sound system with nine speaker including subwoofer.

An optional performance pack is also available for the entry level Lancer Evolution and includes Brembo two piece brakes, Bilstein shock absorbers, Eibach springs and BBS wheels.

"The new Lancer Evolution is like no other vehicle in the Evo range," said MMAL CEO and President Robert McEniry. "It has evolved from being all about raw power into a sleek and sophisticated performance machine."

TC-SST
An automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick gear changes with no discernable drop-off in engine power, the TC-SST features a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters, offering both manual and fully automatic modes.

When driving, the TC-SST engages one gear on one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, while the gears either side of the one in use are pre-selected. When the change is made, the TC-SST selects the appropriate gear and engages it on the second clutch, making the time between gears almost imperceptible.

TC-SST offers three drive modes - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - with the choice between automatic and manual shifting available in each mode. Normal mode suits everyday driving, while the Sport mode uses higher shift points when in automatic and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response. The S-Sport mode is designed for performance situations, such as track events.

S-AWC
Super-All Wheel Control is standard on both the Evolution and the Evolution MR. S-AWC combines an Active Centre Differential, Super Active Yaw Control, Active Stability Control, and Sports Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution to provide a system that provides a significant advance is both dynamic capability and safety.