Mitsubishi Evolution news - Evo goes flappy - 2008

Continuing the Evo's oh-so-coy striptease before the Tokyo unveiling at the end of the year, Mitsubishi today revealed that the 10th-gen lairy Lancer will be launched with a dual-sequential gearbox. 

Yes, the Evo's getting flappy paddles.

A system similar to Volkswagen's DSG 'box sees a six-speed transmission with dual clutches - one for the even gears and one for the odd gears. 

It'll be controlled by steering-wheel paddleshifts, with the option of three modes that will alter the ferocity of changes. 

Mitsubishi is calling the gearbox the Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and says it'll be standard on the more powerful Evo variants. Base models will likely be available with a five-speed manual 'box. 

The Evo's all-wheel-drive control system has also been tweaked for the latest model, with Active Stability Control (ASC) added to the IX's centre diff, yaw control and ABS. 

The ASC includes a brake pressure sensor on each wheel to allow more precise braking, as well as improving grip when accelerating. Not that we noticed too much slipperiness on the old Evo. 

The X also employs yaw rate feedback control, which Mitsubishi promises will give the driver more control through tight bends.

But Mitsubishi promises, despite the technical trickery, that the Evo X will still be a driver's car. 

"The looks are going to change, the interior is going to change, but the driver involvement still remains the primary focus," said our Mitsu source. 

After its unveiling in Tokyo, the Evo X officially goes on sale in Britain in March next year.