Carscoops: EVO powered Sports Coupe: The 350-500Hp X Works Automotive X1 Sportscar

Now don’t tell me that the front end doesn’t remind you of the latest EVO X concept, the Prototype X. And why shouldn’t it as the X1 Sportscar is not only made by Mitsubishi Lancer Evo tuner specialist, X-Works Automotive (based in the UK) but it’s also fitted with the an EVO derived 2.0-litre turbocharged engine available in various versions producing from 350 to 500Hp.

Unfortunately, like its Subaru-powered, 350Hp Prodrive P2 Coupe stablemate that was unveiled early last year (click here for pictures to refresh your memory ) the X1 looks like it was made by people who’re addicted to LEGOs. Of course that's nothing that a little "EVO" magic can't solve. Via: Jalopnik

PRESS RELEASE: We are delighted to announce that our X Works Automotive Concept X1 Sportscar will be available for viewing in our Xtreme showroom from Friday 19th January 2007 until Sunday 21st January, opeing times will be Friday / Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm. The car has been developed over the last 30 months by X-Works Automotive with Xtreme Automobiles Ltd being the first dealer appointed in the UK. The X1 Concept Car uses a unique carbon composite technology for the manufacture of the cars passenger cell. Attached to this are lightweight aluminium and carbon subframes carrying the drivetrain components.

The composite technology provides an incredibly stiff platform and also helps keep the cars weight down to a lightweight 1180kg. Combined with the race honed chassis and phenomenal 4 cylinder turbo charged 350 bhp engine, this provides truly electrifying performance. Tuning options of up to 500 bhp are of course available, Recaro CS seats are fitted as standard. There is also a 1000 kg competition version planned for those increasingly popular track days or outright competition use. The cars designers, Andrew Borrowman and Sean Prendergast, studied Automotive Design Engineering at the University of Hertfordshire, following which they worked at Rover, Panther Cars and Grand Prix Engineering Services between them. They have also run their own composites company designing and manufacturing for the likes of Prodrive, Alvis and JCB, just to name a few.

Projected retail price for the X1 is £45,000 and i'm sure you must agree, this is tremendous value, given the technology and performance this sportscar offers. For those unable to visit us over the weekend of the 19th January 2007 for a close up and personal viewing, the X1 concept car will be on display on the Recaro stand at the Autosports International Show at the NEC, from the 11th to 14th January 2007.