2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X

Castrol Syntec has long since thrown the gauntlet to their Top Car Challenge--the Battle Royale among major automotive enthusiast magazines that pits their readers' most potent rides amongst each others' in performance competitions, to ultimately determine which one, well . . . stands at the top of the pack. As the months unfold, you'll hear tales of 900whp S4s, blown 5.0 Mustangs, time-attack winning 350Zs, and probably even a bagged '68 Caprice (don't ask) that all the other mags are betting will take home the gold. We wish them good luck. Because to do it, they'll have to take it from us--more specifically, from Ryan Gates and his '08 EVO X.

We introduced you to Ryan last month, and as much of a likeable guy as he is, this month we're showing you the real reason he's gracing our pages: the sharply dualistic time attack machine/daily driven street car he's built his EVO X to be. This month, we disclose exactly what heat this beast is packing, and the advantages its major modifications bring. As always, visit SyntecTopCarChallenge.com to see all the specifics . . . right down to its titanium lug nuts.

'08 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Output 500whp

Engine Mitsubishi 4B11; AMS Intake, front-mount intercooler and piping, surge tank, exhaust; Forced Performance FP Red Turbo; EcuTek-reflashed ECU, tuned by AMS

Drivetrain Carbonetic Triple Carbon clutch; Cusco 1.5-way Rear limited slip differential (LSD)

Suspension JRZ Race TA three-way adjustable coilovers; AMS toe links; Whiteline Roll Center adjusters, 27mm rear sway bar

Wheels/Tires 18x10.5 +15 offset Volk TE37 wheels; 275/35-18 Nitto NT01 tires

Brakes Girodisc two-piece front and rear rotors; AMS stainless steel-braided brake lines;

Exterior AMS front lip splitter, wickerbill, carbon/Kevlar roof; Seibon dry carbon hood trunk, carbon fiber doors

Interior Recaro Pro Racer HANS seat; Takata five-point harness, AMS custom roll bar; race day weight reduction

Electronics AEM & Stri Gauges