2007 Tokyo Auto Show: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

Or maybe it's the Mitsubishi Evolution X. Or it could be the Mitsubishi Evo. Or it could be the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X. But it's not the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis, even though that is actually a Lancer... Why, pray tell, would Mitsubishi ever make such a confused mess of its car names? Just to give themselves a little extra challenge in the marketplace?

While Mitsubishi has shown a willingness and real aptitude at presenting itself with challenges, it turns out that the Lancer Evo name game nonsense is largely the fault of America. Harley-Davidson owns the names "Evolution" and its nickname "Evo," which it uses for a line of engines. And, in the great outlaw tradition, Harley allegedly maintains a team of fierce lawyers intent on protecting the company's rights to the moniker. And the "X" isn't any part of the name in the U.S. as it is in Japan since Mitsubishi believes there would be confusion in the market because this new version is only the third here, not the tenth.

But Mitsu can call the 2008 Evo whatever it wants. Everyone will just call it the "Evo" anyway and no one is likely to confuse it with a V-twin. -- Daniel Pund, Senior Editor, Detroit, Inside Line

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• Posted by: Daniel Pund October 24, 2007, 7:28 PM
• Categories: Mitsubishi, Sedans, Tokyo Motor Show