We just so happened to get our hands on a brand spanking new ECU out of none other than the new EVO X.

Unlike previous EVO models, Mitsubishi puts the ECU under the hood. Due to the potential exposure to the elements, they use some heavy-duty industrial sealant to keep moisture/dirt/etc out. As such, you can’t just remove a few screws to remove the case halves and see what’s inside. We’ve previously seen that with some Toyota and Mazda ECUs as well. Since we need to see inside to know what processor(s) and related electronics we’re working with, sometimes we have to take ‘extreme’ measures.

Here you’ll see Rob, one of our talented ECU engineers, hacking away at the new EVO X ECU… literally.

Success!! Sorry we can’t show you all the details. We’ve identified the critical components so work will now begin on setting up communications and eventually establishing how to reflash it. All in an effort to get a tuning solution available as soon as possible!

Next week we head to Japan to perform some AccessPORT testing. While I’m there, I’ll have an opportunity to spend some time with both a EVO X and a new STI. We’ll make sure to update the blog with pictures and driving impressions straight from Japan.