The Prototype X, due to be unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Auto Show next month is the third show car from Mitsubishi that hints at how the new Lancer Evolution will look when it is finally revealed at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

Mitsubishi claims that the Prototype X is "a clear and accurate design vision for the next generation" of the Evolution. The regular Lancer makes its world debut in Detroit too, styled to attract much more European and American buyers than the outgoing models.

No concrete details have been released yet on the technical side of the new Evolution, though the styling of this concept car hints at a familiar four-wheel drive layout, with power provided by a 2-litre turbocharged engine. We do think that Mitsubishi will offer a clutchless manual gearbox option too.

Following a Tokyo Show debut, the production-ready Evo X will go on sale in the UK early in 2008.

Shane O' Donoghue - 18 Dec 2006