Car Auto Magazine

The software on the dual-clutch transmission wasn’t fully finished before our preview of Japanese-market prototypes, so we were only able to test the five-speed. The 100 or so pounds it gained means the Evo X is slower than its predecessor, but not by much. The 5.0-second 0-to-60-mph time we recorded is 0.4 second slower than the Evo MR we tested in May 2005 but quicker than the last Evolution Special Edition we tested for CARandDRIVER.com.

The dual-clutch model won't be quicker off the line than the manual car because the launch control doesn't use all the available power in the interest of safeguarding the driveline. But don't judge the MR strictly by its straight-line numbers—the Evo X is much faster along a curving road than the old car. Contemplate the staggering skidpad number of 0.97 g from 245/40R-18 tires while we explain all the abbreviations that make it happen.

They start with S-AWC, or Super-All-Wheel Control. S-AWC consists of ACD (active center differential), AYC (active yaw control), ASC (active stability control), and Sport ABS (anti-lock braking system). The center differential is an electronically controlled multiplate clutch. The normalpower split is 50/50 front to rear, but the system can send up to 80 percent to either end.