Mitsubishi Evo IX scorcher here!

As the flagship model in Mitsubishi?s ongoing rally heritage, the Evo IX has evolved into even hotter wheels. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h and it will accelerate from 0-100 km/h of 5.7 seconds.

New on the Evolution IX is the world?s first magnesium compressor turbine and the use of variable valve timing technology in the inlet valvetrain. Mitsubishi calls this technology MIVEC.

This results in a high power output and improved torque in the low and mid r/min range.

The Evo IX is also 3% more fuel efficient than the VIII it replaces, even though it is more powerful. It also emits 3% less harmful emissions.

Power from the turbocharged 2.0-litre DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine has been boosted from 195 kW to 206 kW and torque is a whopping 355 Nm.

Other technical specs include ACD (an Active Centre Differential), Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) and high-performance Sport ABS brakes.

According to Mitsubishi the electronically-controlled 4WD system, which was first introduced on the Evo VIII, has been comprehensively retuned in the IX.

To keep the Evo IX on the safe side of the extreme performance margin, a Brembo brake system is used. Mitsubishi calls it Sports ABS because it was refined to meet the specifications of the FIA?s World Rally Championship series.

It uses four-wheel independent control to optimise the brake force at each wheel, helping to achieve a precise balance of braking force and braking stability. G-force sensors feed info to the electronic control unit (ECU) that assign brake force with instant, precise modulation.

This ECU uses information from a steering angle sensor that detects steering inputs as well as from lateral G and vehicle speed sensors to apportion pressure to each of the four wheels independently. The result is improved steering response under braking.

The car also comes with Mitsubishi's Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system.

Other changes include a 6-speed manual gearbox instead of a 5-speed transmission and the strong roof structure with a special ridge for added rigidity is now made from pressed aluminum, as are the side impact bars in the doors.

In terms of styling there are newly designed front and rear bumpers, dark-clear extensions on the halogen headlamps and restyled taillights.