By and large, Mitsubishi->ke58 isn't the first automaker you think of when you're thinking of a high-powered sports car. But they do have one model that's almost always in the discussion: the Lancer Evolution.

Now on its 10th iteration - or "X," as the Japanese automaker prefers to call it - the Evo has always been one of the most popular models in Mitsubishi's lineup, so much so that circuit racer, Ryan Gates, decided to build an ultra-limited edition model of the Evo X.

He calls it the 311RS and it has a load of aftermarket goodies in it, something Evo X fans will come to appreciate.

Gates only has 11 models of the 311RS at his disposal with one already headed to the White Bear Mitsubishi dealership in White Bear Lake, MN. Should you be interested in taking a good look at the car, you can also go to the 2013 Minneapolis Auto Show where the car will be prominently displayed.

Find out more about the Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X after the jump

2013 Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 353
  • Torque: 359
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Mitsubishi 311RS Evo X doesn't look too different from the "standard" Evo X, which is a good thing because the Evo X looks pretty sweet in its own right. Having said that, there are some add-ons installed, including a JDP front lip that not only makes for a cleaner-looking body, but also provides aerodynamic enhancements to the car. Additionally, a carbon-fiber Voltex rear wing was also installed, replacing the OEM version and provides the kind of aero balance that the 311RS needs to keep itself coordinated.

The 311RS also gets a new livery, one designed by Jon Sibal, with a simplicity that's been designed to keep the focus on the car's performance. Rounding out the exterior modifications is a set of 18-inch Volk CE28 wheels wrapped in Nitto NT05 tires.

Interior

Not a whole lot of modifications on this end, except for the use of Etnies E-suede, which is supposedly three times more durable than traditional suede.

Engine

For the seeming lack of overwhelming upgrades done on the Evo X's exterior and interior, Ryan Gates did do some wonders on the car's performance credentials, thanks to a number of AMS components, including a new intake that increases air flow to the turbocharger for increased horsepower. The program also has lightweight, polished-aluminum intercooler piping that provides less turbulent and freer-flowing air flow for maximum efficiency.

A new intercooler, a wide-mouth downpipe, a new cat pipe, and a new racing series cat-back exhaust system were also installed.

Finally, an engine tune was also made to the Evo X, increasing the output of the car to 353 horsepower and 359 pound-feet of torque.

Suspension

With an engine tune as extensive as the one done on the 311RS Evo X, Gates also took up the task of improving the car's suspension and he certainly spared no expense putting in the best components. One of the items is the RS1 suspension from JRZ, whose valving was designed to be adjusted from street comfort to racing damping characteristics in seconds. In addition, the kit also comes with customized spring rates and adjustment range. Aircraft aluminum suspension top mounts from - again - JRZ were also used to transmit suspension loads directly to the chassis, giving unparalleled response and driver feel.

Likewise, Gates also went about the business of improving the braking dynamics of the Evo X, doing so by replacing the OEM models with Girodisc two-piece rotors that not only reduce unsprung and overall vehicle weight but also increases the ventilation and cooling capacity of the brake discs, while retaining its original dimensions. Stainless lines, heat shield and new brake pads were also installed, rounding out the dynamic braking package befitting a car of the Evo X's stature.

Pricing

Reportedly, only 11 models of the 311RS Evo X will go on sale, each costing $49,000.

Competition

The ultra-limited status of the 311RS Evo X makes it a must-have for any fan of Mitsubishi's rowdy sports car. But in the event that you're in the market for options, Subaru's Impreza WRX STI is a pretty good alternative. Performance numbers certainly point to the side of the 311RS Evo X but the good thing about the Impreza WRX STI is that it's completely aftermarket worthy. What that means is that even if you do get a stock Impreza, there are plenty of options moving forward on how you can exceed the technical upgrades done on the 311RS Evo X.

Conclusion

We'll give Ryan Gates some serious props for being able to build an impressive performance package for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X. But ultimately, the Evo is really a niche model that was built for a niche clientele. Even if we did have some strong interest on the car, we doubt we can beat 11 Evo X nuts who have probably placed their orders already. It's a great program, but it's not something that we'd run to the dealership to grab a hold of.