2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: When the Shark Bites
Written by Leon L. Brittain
Four doors, a spacious trunk and a roomy interior; not exactly your typical description of a world-renowned sports car, but that’s exactly what the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, aka the “Evo,” provides while it brings uncompromised performance to the table.
For those unfamiliar with the Evo’s history and reputation, it arrived on US soil in 2003 as a means to thwart Subaru’s attempt to corner the compact sports sedan market with their Impreza WRX STI. The first generation Evo cranked out a very respectable and formidable 271 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder and since then it has gone on to create a following that would rival some of today’s most astute world leaders. Not quite at the Oprah level, but getting there.
Fast forward four years and we now find that the 2008 Evo rocks an aggressive new appearance with styling cues mimicking a menacing predator from the deep blue sea, with its shark-like nose and fighter-jet air intakes. The Evo attacks the roads with swift and stealthy precision in two models: the GSR - with a new 5-speed manual transmission, or the MR - with a new 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The MR also features BBS forged-alloy wheels, magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and Bluetooth capability. To defend its rally performance reputation this compact “Great White” is now fitted with an improved DOHC 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled 4 cylinder engine, chomping out 291-horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 300 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 RPM. The revised turbocharger has a 20% faster response at lower engine speeds over the previous models. Push the pedal down on this engine coupled with Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system and hold on!
Actually Sharky (as I affectionately named it) will be doing all the holding with its 18” cast alloy Enkie (GSR) or forged-alloy BBS (MR) rims wrapped in Yokohama ADVAN performance rubber. And, let’s not forget the additional handling provided by the Active Center Differential, the Active Stability Control and Active Yaw Control rear differential and Sport ABS brakes. Simply put, this technologically advanced compact ride has the right spirit and engineering to aptly handle a variety of situations from inviting stretches of open roadway to whipping in, through and out of corners aggressively.
To prove the capabilities of this reenergized predator, we headed out west to Arizona’s Firebird International Raceway where we spent time on both a short, but extremely effective, rally course and the track itself. The day also consisted of street rides, providing a real-world experience.
On the track, both Evo models performed effortlessly. So much so that I was comfortably racing around the smaller rally course snuggly held in place by the Recaro sport seat envisioning myself in the World Rally Championship. That is, until I went beyond the course cones and created my own circuit! Snapping back into reality, I moved onto the actual track with renewed respect and confidence, having just experienced its gripping braking power provided by two-piece brake rotors and calipers from Brembo. Back on the track, I had the opportunity to fully engage the manual transmission, the TC-SST and to experiment with the three driver-selectable traction modes: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow as well as with and without the S-AWC activated. All of the technologies come together harmoniously in a well-orchestrated ride that will keep you planted firmly in your seat. For an interactive experience disengage the S-AWC to put your driving skills to the test. For a more controlled experience engage the S-AWC and the mighty Mitsubishi takes out the guesswork as if to say, “sit back and relax. I got this.”
Inside, the Evo is sporty and has a relatively "purist" feel. Although the steering wheel felt overly complicated with the various cruise, audio, Bluetooth, and All-Wheel Control buttons, it’s advantageous to have these options quickly accessible, yet, gadgetry comes at a cost to interior aesthetics. A six speaker, 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system is standard. The GSR model offers an optional 650-watt Rockford Fostgate Premium Sound System with a 10” subwoofer, 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability and a six-month subscription to SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The MR model gives you a Technology Package with the aforementioned sound system including a 30GB hard disk drive and navigation system with a 7.5” touch screen.
The GSR model is expected in dealers by February 2008 with an estimated price of less than $34,000. The MR model arrives in the spring of 2008 at a cost of approximately $39,000. With either model, when the Shark bites you’ll know Mitsubishi is back in town!
