Mitsubishi Prototype X

• Looks like: The Lancer's devilish twin
• Defining characteristics: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, all-wheel drive, sequential manual transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters
• Ridiculous features: Gaping grille, rear wing
• Chance of being mass-produced: We'll see the production version of this concept when the Lancer Evolution arrives in 2008

Mitsubishi's Prototype X is the precursor to the redesigned Lancer Evolution X that's supposed to show up in the first quarter of 2008. The concept shares its platform with the 2008 Lancer compact sedan that also debuted at the 2007 Detroit auto show, but it's powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and has all-wheel drive. The new Lancer is pretty aggressive-looking in its own right, but the Prototype X has pushed the limits even more. The front grille opening is more pronounced and it has three separate hood vents. The front and rear fenders are flared more and there's a rear diffuser under the bumper. The concept's Brembo brakes are surrounded by 20-inch BBS wheels. The Prototype X's cabin features highly bolstered Recaro front seats covered in suede-like Alcantara, and there's a stopwatch on top of the dash. The concept has a sequential manual transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel, but a traditional five-speed manual will be available in the production Lancer Evolution.

— Reported by Mike Hanley, Cars.com; photographed by Chase Agnello-Dean, Cars.com