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By
JOHN CRAWFORD
14 July 2008
It’s grey and gloomy, the winter chill pervades our parkas, and
ahead of us are 200 km of slippery, rain-sodden roads through
misty valleys and majestic mountains. The conditions couldn’t be
better!
Because
we’re driving Mitsubishi’s latest rally-bred sedan. The
Evolution X (which is based on the Lancer sedan) revels in these
conditions and will brighten our day. We can hardly wait to get
started.
The
attraction of this sports Mitsubishi is more than skin deep.
Whilst the styling comes from the Concept-X show car of a year or
so ago, it’s under the sculptured panels that the Evolution
shows its motor sport heritage. Incidentally, the ‘X’
doesn’t hint at the unknown, but rather that it’s the tenth
evolution of the product.
Specifications
set the tone – an intercooled, turbocharged 2.0-litre engine
producing a huge 217 kW, 290 horsepower in muscle-car terms; a new
twin-clutch automated manual transmission (TC-SST); all wheel
drive; active centre differential; huge Brembo disc brakes, and
Recaro seats. This is a car that’s designed for very serious
motoring.
So,
don’t consider the Evolution if you want a car mostly for street
use. For that you can choose one of Mitsubishi’s current
Lancers, preferably the VRX if you have a sporting bent. You’ll
buy the Evolution X because you want a car in which you can
compete, very effectively, and still use it on the road.
The
wedge styling, shark-like grille and air intakes, inspired by jet
fighters, and the BBS alloy wheels gives the Evolution a look that
promises excitement and it delivers, on every level. Before you
even crank the engine, there’s evidence the Evo has been
well-designed, well thought out and well-equipped for its purpose.
Mitsubishi
hopes to sell about 60 per month, and it has a fair idea who’ll
be buying it, thanks to the phenomenal success of the
Evolution’s predecessor, the Evo 9. Whether it’s on a race
track, a tarmac rally or any other form of motor sport, the Evo 9
has been flavour of the month. Mitsubishi forecasts the new car
will continue this domination.
The
Evolution seems set to feed the incredible growth of low cost,
amateur motor sport events, and it has the credentials to create
winning performances. Pricing is sharp, with the entry model
coming in at $59,490.
The
entry level car comes standard with a slick five-speed manual, but
for $5,000 you can choose Mitsubishi’s outstanding twin-clutch
transmission developed in partnership with Getrag.
Like
the similar gearbox fitted to the several Audi and Volkswagen
models, as well as to the latest BMW M3, this twin-clutch system
is the way of the future. Lightening fast, adaptive and
intelligent, the TC-SST box brings together computer science and
performance. On the race track the Evolution with TC-SST is
amazing.
As
a road car the Evolution impresses with its refinement and
surprising comfort for a car in this class. The secondary ride is
compliant and the handling superb. Turn-in is beautifully linear,
with very well designed steering which does not load up as you
drive faster, and yet delivers great precision.
Mitsubishi's
latest Evolution has a lot of integrity, enormous performance and
great specifications. Overall it’s very good value. It has no
bad habits, and doesn’t bite back if you make a mistake. This is
a civilised racer, with very good breeding.
PRICING:
Mitsubishi Evolution 5-speed manual:
$59,490**
Mitsubishi Evolution TC-SST: $64,990**
Mitsubishi Evolution MR: $71,690*
* Includes standard TC-SST with steering wheel paddle shifters,
upgraded two piece front disc Brembo brakes, Bilstein front and
rear shock absorbers, Eibach front and rear springs, high
intensity definition (HID) headlamps with adaptive front-lighting
system (AFS) with headlamp washers and auto headlamp levelling,
18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels, leather combination seat trim,
heated front seats and a Rockford Fosgate AM/FM CD sound system
with nine speaker including subwoofer.
**
Performance Pack includes Brembo two-piece brakes, Bilstein front
and rear shock absorbers, Eibach front and rear springs and
18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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