The
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has long stood for total dominance in the World Rally Championship. Since the early 1990’s,
Mitsubishi has been producing versions of this highly sought after 4 cylinder turbocharged sedan, and its reputation as a lightweight world-beater was cemented early on. With each succeeding generation, (9 in total), the Evolution has gradually improved more and more on its rallying roots. Power has increased, and technological marvels such as computerized drive train controls and aerodynamic enhancements have become standard equipment. The Evolution has largely remained a rocket, a small economy car with a bad attitude and a huge amount of horsepower. Unlike other small performance sedans,
Mitsubishi has resisted the temptation to load the car up with leather, DVD screens or other accoutrements. In fact, the emphasis went quite far in the other direction, with stripped versions of the car available for those who truly wanted to go racing.
That is, until now. It seems as though the market segment so well cultivated by
BMW and
Audi has caught the eye of
Mitsubishi, and with the tenth edition of the Evolution, the Evo X, changes are afoot. While the Lancer still fires an atomic blast of 291 horsepower and 300 lb-feet of torque from its turbo 4 power plant, concessions have been made to offer a more ‘civilized’ driving experience. The most noticeable change has to do with the gearbox. A semi-automatic 6 speed transmission is a first ever for the Evolution, and some feel that this has shifted the car away from the purity of its rally history. A 5 speed manual can still be had, however, for anyone who wants to satisfy their WRC fantasies.
The new Evo is also larger and wider than the outgoing model, and while the Lancer has historically grown in stature with each generational change, the use of the new Project Global platform from
Mitsubishi has created one of the most dramatic changes in proportion to date. Gone too is the box-like styling of past Evos, and in its place is an aggressive, swoopy design that looks more Eclipse than Evolution. The muscled flanks of the new exterior are a far cry from the 4 door economy sedan look of the 1990’s era Lancer.
In some instances, though, it is a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same.
Mitsubishi has not forgotten about the performance of their latest barnburner, and the Evo X has more than its fair share of improvements. The all-wheel drive system is a thing of wonder, and it employs a sophisticated system of computer controls which monitor a number of factors in order to maintain constant power delivery to the ground. Active yaw control and the anti-lock braking system work together with a computer-controlled center differential to keep traction at its peak. From the cockpit, drivers can even select which type of terrain they are traveling over – snow, gravel, or tarmac – and the system can make adjustments to ensure that power delivery remains smooth.
Is a Lancer which has gained 200 pounds of luxury gear over the previous model a better Lancer? It all depends upon your perspective.
Mitsubishi will definitely sell far more versions of their new Evo than they would have if they had continued to exclusively market the more hardcore model. If you are interested in fielding a competitive rally racing team, you might want to look into the Evolution’s past instead of its present. If you are looking for a vehicle which will cut through winter mountain switchbacks with ease and still win the stoplight grand prix, then the 2009
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X definitely fits the bill.
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July 7, 2008, 9:16 am
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