The Evo X will be unveiled...

The Evo X will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and is set to arrive at dealers in the UK by March of next year

The stunning new rally-inspired model promises to take the famous name to incredible new heights, bettering the performance of all nine of its predecessors.

As you can see, the road version looks exactly the same as the stunning Prototype X concept car, which was revealed at the Detroit Motor Show in January this year.

The only real difference is the addition of neat circular spotlights in the lower air intakes. Every other detail, from the contrasting graphite-coloured grille to the angular headlamps and huge rear wing, has been carried through to the models which will make it to the showroom.

The Evo X is 1.5cm shorter, but 5.8cm wider than its predecessor, which gives it an even more purposeful look. But it should be more practical, too - a 2.5cm increase in height and a wheelbase that"s 3.5cm longer help boost both head and legroom.

Under the bonnet, Mitsubishi en-gineers have decided that the familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine has now reached the end of its development, so they"ve replaced it with a fresh 2.0-litre MiVEC unit, complete with an aluminium block.

Although official figures haven"t yet been released, it"s expected that the new engine will deliver a healthy 320bhp, with around 440Nm of torque. This should easily be enough power to propel the Evo X from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 160mph.

Even quicker versions could be available if Mitsubishi"s UK importer continues its tradition of offering higher tuned models. The Evo X will also have the very latest development of Mitsubishi"s Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) to ensure none of its performance is wasted.

The electronically controlled four-wheel-drive system incorporates Active Stability Control, Active Yaw Control (AYC) and an Active Centre Differen-tial (ACD), which provides grip and acceleration out of corners.

Active braking, suspension and steering should also all go together to make sure the latest Evo handles better than ever before. Thankfully, it should be much more comfortable, too, as the engineers have worked hard to improve the car"s ride quality. Buyers will get a choice of two transmissions; a conventional six-speed manual and new six-speed semi-automatic gearbox, which comes with Formula One-style steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters.

As well as offering faster changes, Mitsubishi claims that the hi-tech system improves fuel economy. Inside the cabin, quality levels have been improved, and the brittle plastics of the old car are gone.

They have been replaced by soft-touch materials and a stylish dashboard design, with the sat-nav and the MP3-compatible CD stereo integrated into the centre console.

The Evo X will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, and is set to arrive at dealers in the UK by March of next year, carrying a price of around чЈ30,000.