X Works Automotive is using its expertise in modifying Mitsubishi Evos to develop its own sports car that will feature a unique carbon composite passenger cell. Attached to this will be lightweight aluminum and carbon subframes carrying the drivetrain components. Powering the vehicle will be a high-output version of the Evo’s four-cylinder turbo engine developing anywhere from 350 to 500bhp, mated to X Works’ own 4WD system.

The use of lightweight composites has allowed designers to keep the weight of the car low, while maintaining an incredibly stiff platform. Total weight will be just 1180kg with a lithe 1000kg track version also due. Inside, the car will be fitted with Recaro CS seats as standard but the cabin will remain Spartan. The X1 project has been in development for the past 30 months and is set to go on sale soon through the UK’s Xtreme Automobiles dealership for an estimated £45,000.

The car's designers, Andrew Borrowman and Sean Prendergast, have gained extensive knowledge working with the likes of Rover, Panther Cars, Grand Prix Engineering Services and Prodrive. Unfortunately, there are no plans to sell the cars outside of the UK.

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Via: Piston Heads