It doesn’t get any more resolute than this – the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Final Edition will close off 10 generations and 23 years of rally-bred sports sedan.

It also doesn’t get any more powerful and torquey, because the Lancer Evo X Final Edition arrives with 226kW and 414Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

Increases of 9kW/48Nm are partially down to sodium-filled valves that increase cooling efficiency, permitting higher outputs. We’ve achieved a 5.59-second 0-100km/h in the Evo X manual that launched locally in 2008, so expect a low-five-sec time for the Evo X FE.

Mitsubishi has taken its time boosting the performance of the Evo X, saving the gruntiest-ever version right until the fat lady warbled out a tune. With an old-school five-speed manual transmission the only choice, the $53,700 Evo X FE costs $710 more than the regular version.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Final Edition lands rear

Equipment that seven years ago was reserved for the $72,000 Evo X MR variant is now standard on the Evo X FE, including 18-inch BBS wheels, Brembo brakes, Bilstein shocks with Eibach springs and leather-trimmed Recaro buckets.

Seven years is a long time for even a fine sporting player like the Lancer Evo X to compete, however, and the fresh Ford Focus RS and new-ish Subaru WRX STi means this Mitsubishi is leaving the game under duress.

For fans of the Lancer Evo X that won’t matter, and the powered-up Final Edition is likely to boost an already brilliant corner-carver. Mitsubishi says its all-wheel drive technology will live on in future sporty SUV models, but it’s unlikely to be the same for the die-hards.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Final Edition lands front

“The Lancer Evolution is integral to Mitsubishi’s notable motoring heritage and we are proud to round off this chapter with such a fitting tribute”.