Brit firm unveils two-door 'super Evo'

The body of a coupé with the heart of a rally car - could this be the ultimate performance car?

Auto Express Car Reviews

Angular looking Mitsubishi Evo-based X1 coupé is the product of Midlands firm X Works Automotive

29th January 2007

Take a look at the latest in a long line of British-designed bespoke sports cars, the X1. Penned by Birmingham engineering firm X Works Automotive, the new model follows on from a similar project from specialist tuning company Prodrive, the Subaru Impreza-based P2.

The X1 is modelled on a race-developed chassis and uses a 350bhp version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the Mitsubishi Evo performance saloon. Engineers have also developed an advanced carbon fibre construction for the passenger compartment, which makes the car as light as possible. Tipping the scales at only 1,180kg, the angular two-door weighs the same as a Volkswagen Polo.

As a result, straight-line performance will be staggering. Thrilling handling will also come as standard, with aluminium subframes used to ensure the X1 has a stiff suspension set-up. And if you want even more pace, there's a trackday conversion available, too.

This includes a 500bhp power upgrade and a stripped-out interior, which shaves a further 200kg from the X1's weight. To make the most of all that power, both variants come with four-wheel drive.

The company hopes production of the new model will begin before the end of the year, with a suggested target price of £45,000.