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Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Final Edition gets official for Japan only

It'll be the end of an era when Mitsubishi discontinues the Lancer Evolution, putting to rest a dynasty that challenged the Subauru WRX STI for decades. But before it does, the Diamond-Star automaker is sending off its most celebrated model with the Final Edition you see here. Unfortunately, it's nowhere near as cool as the concept. While the showcar pumped the output from its 2.0-liter turbo four to 473 horsepower thanks to a remapped ECU and a fresh HKS turbocharger, the production version is sticking with the stock 296 hp. It's otherwise based on the GSR model, so it's got a five-speed gearbox, but packs a long list of top-shelf equipment: BBS alloys, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, Brembo brakes, Recaro seats... the works. Mitsubishi will only offer 1,000 examples of the Evo X Final Edition in Japan, where buyers will be able to choose between five exterior colors and a contrasting roof in black or white. We don't know at this point whether a similar special will be offered Stateside, but if it is, we hope it'll pack at least some of the concept's power upgrades (we can dream, right?).

Mitsubishi showing off 473-hp Lancer Evo X Concept Final at Tokyo Auto Salon

We know from the head of Mitsubishi USA that the special edition Lancer Evo X coming next June will be a five-speed GSR model with more horsepower, a tweaked suspension and some additional fancy "bits and pieces." We didn't expect to be this, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Concept with an ECU tune and new HKS turbo making its 2.0-liter engine good for 473 horsepower. That's 183 more ponies than the stock model. Based on a five-speed GSR, on top of that power boost it gets larger intakes and intercoolers, an upgraded cooling system and exhaust, an adjustable suspension from HKS and 19-inch Rays forged wheels. The finish is a mix of matte and gloss black, and chrome trim. Actually, we still don't expect the special edition we'll get to mimic the Evo X Final Concept; rather, we think this black beauty is a full-fat showcase for the Tokyo Auto Salon, where the Evo X Final Concept will be shown. It's a tantalizing could-have-been, and now that we've seen what Mitsu can do with the Lancer Evo when it cares just a little, we hope our that end-of-series special isn't too disappointing by comparison.

EPA, CARB want Mitsubishi to retest US fuel economy figures

The Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board are the latest government bodies to request details from Mitsubishi in connection with the company's fuel economy cheating, Automotive News reports. The company will also have to reevaluate the mileage for some models here. "The agency will be directing the company to conduct additional coast down testing for vehicles sold in the US," an EPA spokesperson told Reuters. The EPA, 'will be directing the company to conduct additional coast down testing for vehicles sold in the US.' The EPA's coast down test requires vehicles to roll from 80 miles per hour to a stop. Automakers' engineers collect data on the model's drag, rolling resistance, and drivetrain friction. The information then goes into a dynamometer for the mandated fuel economy test. The EPA set stricter guidelines for the test in 2015 starting with 2017 model year vehicles, which might help avoid similar scandals here in the future. Japan has also used a coast down test since 1991, but Mitsubishi recently admitted that it hadn't been following the evaluation's mandated protocols there. Instead, the automaker came up with its own "high-speed coasting test." By selecting favorable values from the results, the company was able to artificially inflate the fuel economy of at least four Japanese minicars. In addition to inquiries from CARB and the EPA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has also requested similar details from Mitsubishi. However, there is no evidence yet of any fuel economy irregularities for vehicles in the US. These agencies are just checking things out in reaction to the massive scandal in Japan. Mitsubishi execs are trying to weather the storm, though. Chief Operating Officer Tetsuro Aikawa and CEO Osamu Masuko have denied rumors about resigning over the scandal, according to Automotive News Europe citing a Reuters report. "It's my responsibility and my mission to put the company on track to recovery," Aikawa said. Their decision came despite the automaker's stock losing half of its value since the fiasco started, and vehicle orders in Japan have dropped significantly, too. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News - sub. req., Reuters, Automotive News Europe - sub. req.Image Credit: Toru Hanai TPX / Reuters Government/Legal Green Mitsubishi Fuel Efficiency mpg vw diesel scandal