The Evo gets muddy

The return of Mitsubishi may actually be faster than what we hoped for. In the upcoming Japanese round of the FIA WRC, the brand new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X will be testing the track as a Course Car.








A course car runs though the route and all the demanding stages of the event ahead of the competitors to check track conditions making sure that everything is ready for the 14th round of the WRC.

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20071009122549006.jpg[/IMG]

And what a fitting way for Mitsubishi to test the Evo X (and its components) in the field before they officially return to compete in the WRC. The Evo X Course Car (otherwise known as a Zero-Zero or Zero car) will include various new features like an integrated roll cage with extensive reinforcements, RalliArt purpose-built components for the running gear, brakes and a RalliArt constant-mesh close ratio gearbox. On the exterior, the usual race components can be found including sump-guard, floor guard with fuel tank protection and mud flaps.

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20071009122529289.jpg[/IMG]

Mitsubishi is expecting to be approved for Group N homologation from the Federation International de L'Automobile (FIA) next summer which would allow a return to WRC half-way 2008 or early 2009.

Credits: Jarvis