The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution long has had an outlaw street racer image, but the 2009 version is significantly refined and turns even short errand hops into driving adventures. And the addition of a new six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature should broaden this unique car's market.
The larger new Evolution compact sedan has a truly scary looking front end that resembles the front of an attacking shark. It also features a hood scoop, flared fenders, all sorts of air intakes, dual exhausts and a tall rear spoiler that keeps the car stable at its 155-mph top speed. It's derived from Mitsubishi's much tamer Lancer model but has features of the automaker's world-class race/rally cars and can stay with Porsches on tracks.
The sophisticated new, turbocharged 2-liter, 291-horsepower, four-cylinder engine delivers an impressive 300-pound-feet of torque for quick response, although it's rather noisy during hard acceleration.
Estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg in the city and 22 on highways with an improved five-speed manual gearbox and 17 and 22 with the new advanced dual-clutch automatic transmission, which actually might be called an "automatic/manual" unit. Premium fuel is required.
The larger, quieter "Evo" has blazing acceleration (0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds), with an aluminum roof panel, front fenders and hood to lower performance-stifling weight. It's a blast to drive even at lower speeds because it has quick, firm telepathic steering response and superb handling, with added grip from an advanced all-wheel-drive system. Powerful competition-style Brembo ventilated disc brakes are controlled by an easily modulated pedal.
Ride quality is much smoother and high-speed stability is improved. But the ride still is too firm for most average drivers, and sharp bumps can be felt. However, the stronger, more rigidly built new "Evo" is more comfortable than its starker predecessors and has such things as an upgraded interior. However, it's still meant for serious driving, with race-style Recaro front bucket seats. Rear door openings are a bit narrow.
The base Evolution GSR costs $32,990 and comes with the manual gearbox, and the higher-line MR is $38,290 with the automatic. That transmission delivers ultra-quick shifts if left in automatic mode and lighting-fast manual shifts if the steering wheel paddles or console shifter lever are used.
The sophisticated automatic is called the Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST to its fans). It can be set to Normal, Sport or S-sport modes to let drivers choose their desired shift behavior. The sixth gear allows easier cruising than with the five-speed manual.
The Evolution has features of Mitsubishi's world-class race-rally car. Car buffs who no longer can own two-seaters because of a growing family can have their cake and eat it too because the Evo easily seats four tall adults and has a decent-sized trunk -- although it lacks sufficient height for tall cargo. Rear seatbacks don't flip forward for added cargo room.
Mitsubishi didn't miss a trick in giving the Evolution a high-performance design. For example, the trunk contains the battery and washer fluid to improve weight distribution for optimum handing. Wide 40-series tires on large forged light alloy 18-inch wheels also help handling, as do an anti-skid system and limited-slip differentials.
Shorter drivers sit low and high window sills will make even tall ones feel a little closed-in. Missing is a height-adjustable driver's seat, although a tilt steering (but not telescoping) wheel can help accommodate those of various heights. Rear visibility isn't good to the right because of the trunk-mounted spoiler and roof design.
Backlit gauges can be easily read once a driver gets used to the fact that the "0" mark on the speedometer and tachometer are put lower (race-style) than normal and that there are no numbers for the "30," "50" and "70" (etc.) mph speedometer readings.
Climate controls are large and easy to use, but dashboard audio controls are small. Front console cupholders are nicely located to prevent spills, and cabin storage is adequate, with front door pockets, console storage bin and fairly large glove compartment. Rear power windows lower all the way.
Besides the new automatic transmission, Mitsubishi hopes to attract more buyers to the Evo with such features as standard automatic climate control, upgraded sound system, leather/suede upholstery (for the MR) and power windows, mirrors and door locks with remote keyless entry. (The MR has keyless access and starting.) A thick, competition-style leather-wrapped steering wheel has handy audio and cruise controls.
A costly option for the MR is a $2,550 Technology Package, which contains a navigation system, higher-line sound system, digital music hard drive and satellite radio.
Safety features include front-side and side curtain air bags and a driver-side knee air bag.
The hood prop comes as a bit of a surprise because one expects the heavy hood to raise smoothly and stay open via hydraulic struts, as does the trunk lid. But the neatly designed engine compartment has easily reached fluid-filler areas.
The new Lancer Evolution has lost some of the bad boy image of its predecessors, but still has a definite wild side.
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