Joyride: Mitsubishi Evolution X

"X" is a ten in Roman Numerals, for those who aren't aware.

The Evolution X is the latest installment is the latest generation Evo, having launched in the 2008 model year. The Evo X creates a much less jarring ride that it's predecessors, while still managing to obtain startling numbers on the road. It's 0-60 time is in the 4 second range, which is dominated by supercars and beastly V-10s like the Viper. Those supercars, with prices three or four times as expensive, have a hard time beating this $35,000 sport sedan on the track.

Weight distribution in the Evo is a perfect 50-50 split, 50% of the balance to the front of the car, and 50% of the weight on the rear wheels. Things like the battery and fluids are placed in the trunk in order to help with that perfect balance ratio. Powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine, the Evo boasts 291+ horsepower which powers all four wheels using the most advanced all wheel drive technology on the market, known as Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC). Such technology exisits only in the Evo X and the show-stopping, heart pumping Nissan GT-R.

I had the privilege of driving one of these monsters after a guy traded it in for a minivan (poor fella). Just once around a half-mile loop was enough to prove that this was no ordinary car. I sat in the driver's seat, keys in hand, while I waited for the paperwork to be signed. As soon as he rolled of the lot, I started it up and took off, knowing that it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.

I was impressed how easy it was to drive, and how empowering I felt at the helm. The all wheel drive gave me the comfort of complete control, as I could feel the wheels gripping and pulling me easily around corners. I dropped it to second gear at 30 mph and shot off along a short stretch, easily reaching 80+mph at third gear in a flash.

Needless to say, this was a wild ride that I won't likely forget. I asked my wife that night if I could buy it, and sadly, she talked some sense into me. But if I had the money and the means, there are few cars that I like more, and none that hand you that much performance for the price.

Thanks for reading.
-Biggs