Mitsubishi pulled the covers off the US-spec 2008 Lancer Evolution X, and the differences between your red, white, and blue steed and the one from its homeland are: the steering wheel is on the left, versions with the 6-speed SST auto 'box are called the MR (the 5-speed manual is the GSR), and the seat cushions are longer in order to fit longer American bodies.

The stripper RS model is not on offer here -- that's the one without a radio and power options. The differences between our GSR and the MR aren't many, but depending on your preferences they might not be minor. The standard GSR has a radio and power accessories, but does not come with a wing -- that would get added in the Sight, Sound, and Spoiler package, which throws in HID headlamps and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate system. The optional package for the MR is the Technology Package, which adds goodies to the stereo system (like a subwoofer and hard drive), Bluetooth, navigation, and the Fast Key entry system.

When it comes to inner workings, the GS rides on 18-inch Enkeis. The MR gets 18-inch BBS forged alloys, as well as Bilstein shock absorbers, Eibach springs, and 2-piece rotors. Voila. Lancer Evo X pricing according to one source will be around $30,000 for the GSR, and $36,000 for the MR. Follow the jump to read the full press release and options, and check out our live shots of the car's reveal in the gallery below. Video of the live introduction is also available after the jump.

The 2008 Lancer Evolution's 4B11 engine is an intercooled-turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder. Beyond that description, it differs greatly from the legendary 4G63 it replaces. The 4B11 is built with a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block versus the cast-iron block used in the 4G63, and aluminum is also used for the cylinder head and cover and the timing chain case. Unlike the 4G63, the 4B11 does not use a balancer shaft, made possible by the new engine's inherently lower noise and vibration and use of hydraulic engine mounts.

The new 4B11 T/C produces more power than its predecessor: 291 hp at 6,500 rpm (vs. 286 hp at 6,500 rpm) and 300 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm (vs. 289 lb.-ft. at 3,500 rpm). The 4B11 T/C provides a broader torque curve, as well. A revised turbocharger yields up to 20-percent quicker response at lower engine speeds versus the 2006 engine's turbocharger.

A major divergence from the previous engine architecture is in the use of a direct-acting valvetrain in place of the roller rocker arm configuration for reduced weight. A timing chain replaces the belt, and MIVEC variable valve timing us used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (the most recent 4G63 had MIVEC on the intake only). The rear-located (firewall side) stainless steel exhaust manifold helps improve weight distribution, and the freer-breathing exhaust system features a larger-volume main muffler with dual tailpipe outlets.

New TC-SST Automated Manual Transmission
Exclusive to the Evolution MR model for 2008, the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.

Essentially, the TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, awaiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made – either manually or automatically depending on mode selected – when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are "swapped," which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.
The TC-SST offers three drive modes – Normal, Sport and S-Sport – and within each, the driver may choose automatic or manual shifting. Sport mode uses higher shift points (in Automatic) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required. The S-Sport mode can be selected for performance driving situations, such as track events.

Key Specifications
Wheelbase: 104.3 in.
Length: 177.0 in.
Height: 58.3 in.
Width: 71.3 in.
Engine: DOHC MIVEC 2.0-liter inline 4; intercooled/turbocharged
Horsepower: 291 @ 6,500 rpm
Torque: 300 lb.-ft. (est.) @ 4,400 rpm
Transmission: GSR: 5-speed manual
MR: 6-speed TC-SST with magnesium steering wheel shifter paddles
Dynamics: Super-All Wheel Control with Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sports ABS
Wheels: GSR: 18 x 8.5 Enkei cast alloy
MR: 18 x 8.5 BBS forged alloy
Tires: 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires

Major Standard Features

• 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with digital signal processing, MP3 playback capability and six speakers
• Anti-theft engine immobilizer and security alarm
• Automatic climate control system
• Center floor console box with armrest
• Color-keyed outer door handles and side view mirrors
• Cruise control
• Dual-stage front air bag SRS with front passenger occupant sensors, curtain side air bags, driver's knee air bag, and front seat mounted side-impact air bags
• Floor mats
• Fog lights
• Folding side view mirrors
• Front map lamps
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift ****
• Power door locks
• Power windows with driver's one-touch up/down
• Rear seat heater floor ducts
• Rear spoiler
• Recaro bucket seats (front)
• Remote keyless entry system
• Side marker lamps
• Tilt-adjustable steering column

MR Adds:

• Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) with magnesium steering wheel shifter paddles
• BBS forged alloy wheels
• Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs
• Two-piece brake rotors
• Hands-free Bluetooth cellular phone interface system with voice recognition
• HID headlamps
• Large type rear wing
• Steering wheel audio controls

GSR Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package adds: HID headlamps, large rear spoiler and the Rockford-Fosgateฎ 650-watt (max.) Premium Sound System with 10-in. subwoofer, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, and SIRIUSฎ Satellite Radio and a six-month service subscription.

MR Technology Package adds: Rockford-Fosgate audio system with subwoofer and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six-month service subscription; 30-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system with 7.5-inch touch screen and music server function; Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System, and the FAST Key™ entry system