2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR - Track star, rain or shine

Mitsubishi has stepped up its game with the Lancer Evolution MR. Fans of the Lancer Evo and new followers will appreciate the 291 hp turbocharged, 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder mated to a new Getrag six-speed twin-clutch “TC-SST” transmission that delivers power to all four wheels. Managing the power distribution is the Super All-Wheel Control system that encompasses an Active Center Differential, stability control, Sport ABS, and AYC (Active Yaw Control), which apportions torque between the rear wheels.

The beauty of running a technologically advanced car, such as the Evo X, anyone can shift smoothly and quickly with the skill and finesse of a Formula 1 racer. With magnesium paddle shifters underneath your fingertips and a twin-clutch transmission that practically thinks for you, gear changes take place in a fraction of a second. In the Lancer Evolution MR, the new TC-SST provides the engaging driving experience and engine-control benefits of a manual transmission, but without the need to use a clutch pedal. For three-pedal purists, the Lancer Evo GSR comes with a 5-speed manual and Teflon coated sift-cables for smoother gear changes.
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Jaybrn - 12/29/2008 5:00:56 PM

+2 Boost

I have a EVO IX, its a great driving experience in terms of it being very pure, very connected to the road. Its also a tuning bargain, with not much money, I have the power to weight ratio similar to a 993 turbo. That's the EVO's problem as well because beyond the driving experience, the ergonomics, interior tech was bad even by econo-car standards although the EVO X addresses this with more tech albeit more weight. Many say the raw edge has been dulled. Have you driven one and did not like it? If not give a spin, you may be suprised. Its also been very reliable with no issues since new in 2006. My next car will be an RS Audi tho!

Htay7500 - 12/29/2008 10:01:02 PM

+1 Boost

If rally was the case, I'd trust the subaru for that :). Other than that, the evo is cool. What are the mods on your evo?

Jaybrn - 12/29/2008 6:22:12 PM

+1 Boost

Im definitely looking forward to next RS4 or 5 series which coming from the EVO will be like dying and going to heaven in terms of performance and comfort!

AutoEng - 12/30/2008 9:04:22 PM

+1 Boost

I wouldnt be so sure about that. Don't get me wrong, the RS4/RS5 cars are fantastic for their class, but they are not competing with Evos (8/9) when it comes to all out performance.

The Audi's are much more luxury touring cars. For all that luxury and beuatiful interior, you give up all the raw connected violence that a well tuned Evo can deliver for less than half the money.

How do I know? Well:

1) I worked as an engineer for Audi and have driven and/or helped develop everything in their lineup. We used to have S and RS cars, GTI's, A8s, Phaetons, even a couple Bentley GT's and a Gallardo as company pool cars.

2) After owning 1 GTI, 3 Audi's, and a Porsche, my current daily driver is a fully built 2.3L stroker motor Evo 8. In daily driver mode it pushes abotu 500hp and it has been absolutely reliable with nothing (even stock clutch!) going strong at 78k miles.

In terms of all out performance it is so far above Audi or BMW can deliver all of those cars feel numb, soft and slow to me now.

Where the Audi wins is in interior, luxury, fit and finish, toys, and comfort. But Performance? no chance at all, especially once you begin massaging the Evo. Modding a RS car is stupidly expensive and the engines are so high strung reliability become a concern.

I could see myself downgrading back into a RS/M car when I'm old and my back is sore and my neck can't hold the G-forces the Evo can generate, but until then, find me another car that will reliably hold 500-700hp, put the power on the road in any condition, can seat 5 people in a pinch, hold a trunk full of luggage, chase down and crush just about any street legal super car on a windy backroad or any real world road especially where the surface is not track smooth, and as a final plus get 30mpg on the freeway?

The Evo 8/9 is the only car sold that can fulfill all those requirements. And no, the Sti will not hold 500-700hp reliably/cheaply.