Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Introduction
It is no secret to the automotive enthusiasts of the United States that the performance car market in other countries varies greatly from that in the US. American performance cars have always been known for their gas guzzling, throaty, super high horsepower eight cylinder engines, packed into rear wheel drive coupes, lumbering down the quarter mile. Names like Mustang and Camaro have been the American norm for street driven 'race cars' since their introduction in the 1960s, and cars of that sort have been the preferred choice for the huge performance market in the US since the dawn of the Muscle Car Era, if not before. On the other hand, another huge performance car market has been almost hidden away from American public over the past fifteen or so years. That market is ruled by vehicles that are about as far from the 'typical American performance car' as you can get. Brute horsepower may still be found, but seldom, if ever, in eight cylinder engines. That market is controlled by names such as Nissan Skyline, Subaru WRX STi, and the Mitsubishi Evolution, to name a very few. They possess similar straight line performance to that of the American favorites, but are often more compact, with smaller, more efficient engines assisted by turbochargers building the power, and drive lines such as all wheel drive giving these cars superior cornering, as well as off road abilities. These cars are often pushed to their limits on courses such as on-road and off-road rally courses, helping to aide in both regular street driving ability and safety measures. Two of these such vehicles which have long been pitted head to head are the aforementioned WRX STi and the Evolution. These all wheel drive, four cylinder turbocharged sedans have been popular for many years among Japanese enthusiasts, and have been popularized by their well known off road rally experience. The growing interest in these smaller engine cars began in the 1980's, and was more of an underground development, but was brought mainstream with the growing amount of media resources that show the vast capabilities of this foreign market. Seeing the growth of this market, Subaru was the first to strike into the American Market with their WRX, which offered buyers a chance to experience the all wheel drive capabilities, and similar performance to the higher end overseas model.

2006 Lancer Evolution

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo

Mitsubishi answered back with the release of the Lancer; a naturally aspirated version of the popular overseas Evolution. Subaru then fired back with the American release of the WRX STi, and shortly after Mitsubishi came right back with the long anticipated American release of the Lancer Evolution VIII. This new "Evo", as it became known, held similar styling to the popular Lancer released a few years prior, but with some suspension upgrades, minor styling changes which actually help to improve performance, and the addition of quite a few more ponies under the hood, these two popular Japanese cars quickly took the American performance market by storm. But, much like the raging horsepower battle between the likes of the Pontiac GTO, the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Corvette, and the Dodge Viper, competition between these two all wheel drive street driven race cars waged on. New additions in aerodynamics, styling and performance have been added yearly, and while not yet available here in the US, Mitsubishi's latest player in the market is likely to be one that will stand proud among the above mentioned V8 legends, and that newest offering of Japanese muscle is the Mitsubishi Evolution IX.

Drivetrain
Like the previous model Evo, this ninth installation of the Evo saga derives its power by means of a two liter iron block engine. Atop that engine sits an aluminum cylinder head carrying separate intake and exhaust camshafts which, with the aid of Mitsubishi's version of variable valve timing, control the movement of air, fuel, and exhaust through the engine. The variable valve timing system which carries the name MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) utilizes a system of electronically controlled gears to automatically adjust the valve timing at various engine speed ranges, thus helping to improve horsepower and torque throughout the RPM range of the Evo IX, thus effectively flattening the power band curve, and giving this car stout performance at any RPM. But the action of the electronically controlled engine internals would do little good without the refined turbocharger which forces air into the engine after making a stop in the front mounted water-to-air intercooler. The exhaust gases exit by means of the high flow turbo manifold, traveling through the turbocharger, then pass through a high performance exhaust system which allows for excellent exhaust movement as well as a great sound. The fuel is introduced to combustion by means of a direct port system, and the forced air enters via the large high performance throttle body. This two liter engine with some additions over the Evo VIII, which produced 276 horsepower at sixty five hundred RPM and 286 pound feet of torque at thirty five hundred RPM, offers an increase in horsepower to 286 and an increase in torque to 289 pound feet. Helping put this 289 horsepower to the wheels is the Evo IX's standard five speed manual transmission which features an altered gear ratio compared to the previous Evo.
This new gearing in the transmission, which is a similar setup to that which is featured in the Mitsubishi competition models, has a close ratio between gears which allows for excellent low end acceleration, without compromising the excellent top speed. For those who want even more off the line acceleration, the Evo IX MR Edition offers a six speed manual close ratio transmission. The addition of the extra gear allows for steeper gearing throughout the different gears, but again without taking away any of the top end capabilities. The power being put to the wheels through this transmission is then put to the ground by Mitsubishi's full time all wheel drive system.
As in previous models, this new Evo features fully independent suspension which is a copy of that found in the race models. This suspension has been tuned continuously over the thirteen plus year life of the Evolution, and allows for a firm footing and excellent steering qualities no matter what the driving surface or condition, as well as the ability to handle high speed turns on the road, or off. The MR edition features an upgraded suspension system equipped with Bilstein monotube shock absorbers all around for added performance abilities. All of the new Evo IX's come equipped with Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential or ACD. This electronically programmable ACD offers three modes; tarmac, gravel, and snow; and senses wheel speed and the need to more or less power at varying wheels, switching power to the correct wheels to boost traction with the help of the front and rear limited slip differential.

In order to slow this new Evo IX down, should the need arise, the entire braking system has been developed specially for the Evo IX by the people at Brembo, and with their long standing tradition of braking excellence, this is just one more feature of the new Evo IX that makes this as much a safe family car as it is a race ready sports car. This braking system helps to control the car in the occasion of a sudden stop with an antilock braking system and the ACD works in conjunction with the ABS to aid in traction control. The last item in this powerful drivetrain is, of course, the wheels. The new Evo IX comes standard with seventeen inch Enkei lightweight cast aluminum alloy wheels, and the MR Edition comes sitting on 17 inch BBS forged aluminum rims. Regardless of the model chosen, all Evolution IX rims come wrapped in 235-45-17 Yokohama ADVAN high performance tires.

Warranty
Mitsubishi prices themselves on their Best-Backed Car Program, and the Evo IX, like all new Mitsubishi's are back by a warranty that covers any non-abuse product failure for five years, or sixty thousand miles. This ultra high performance drivetrain is also covered by a standard warranty, but that one last for an amazing ten year, one hundred thousand mile warranty. The paint and body panels are also covered, with a seven year, one hundred thousand mile anti-corrosion and perforation warranty. Their Best-Backed Car Program also includes twenty four hour roadside assistance with towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi repair location, free of charge, with this service lasting for five years and unlimited miles.

Exterior
Most people will question the validity of a four door sports car, but this is not your grandma's old broken down LeSabre Custom. The new Evo IX may be a sedan in the fact that it has four doors, but the short wheelbase is similar to that of many modern coupes, and with the styling of the entire car having had eight generations to perfect, this little four door looks as sinister as any car on the road. Every inch of the exterior is sculpted to yield complete functionality without losing an aesthetically pleasing quality. This new Evo, while looking relatively the same to the previous model has some new curves that help to improve the already excellent aerodynamics and cooling capabilities.
The front fascia has been redesigned to improve front end air flow, with as few openings as possible. The few openings in the fascia are the upper and lower grille which help to cool the power plant and allow for proper funneling through the intercooler, and outwardly mounted brake cooling ducts to keep those huge Brembo rotors as cool as possible and the tiny almost centrally mounted fog lights. The hood is shaped to aid aerodynamics, with a large front mounted vent to help funnel engine compartment heat out as quickly as possible. Along the back of the roofline, even the radio antenna is incorporated into the aerodynamic theme, as it is centrally mounted, and almost a match to the like-mounted fins that run from one side of the rear roof line to the other, directing the flow of air along the top of the car. That air then passes down the rear glass to the hollow carbon fiber rear spoiler. Those who are especially concerned with high speed handling and down force may opt to order the factory rear lower air diffuser, which is built around the large 3 inch polished exhaust tip which really gets the word out at high RPM that the Evo is coming, or in most cases, going away, quickly. The under carriage has even been worked for aerodynamics to smooth the air traveling under the car at speed, which reduces turbulence and helps to eliminate any lifting from air pressure. One more subtle added stylish item is the front and rear lightly tinted light assembly lenses.

Interior
The interior has not been excluded from the race car feel. Every new Evo IX comes fitted with Recaro racing bucket seats with center sections lined with Alcantara upholstery and on the side, leather gives this performance car a little touch of luxury. These seats help keep the driver and passenger snug in place under hard cornering, but comfortable on long trips, and to keep everyone safe inside, three point safety belts are mounted at every seating position in the new Evo IX. Also helping to ensure that everyone is safe in the occasion of an accident, the Evo IX is equipped with driver and passenger side air bags, as well as a cage style passenger compartment which holds is shape well in the event of a rollover.

2006 Lancer Evo

2006 Lancer Evolution

The steering wheel has been changed from the previous generation Evolution, with this Evo IX sporting a Momo race inspired dark titanium three spoke steering wheel with adjustable height to accommodate drivers of different heights. The accelerator, brake and clutch pedals are a bright aluminum provide excellent grip, and add to the sporty feel. The carbon fiber look gauge cluster keeps the driver informed as to the goings-on of the engine, while the lower center stack mounted three gauge cluster adds what the driver information center did not have room for, which includes a boost gauge. The tachometer and speedometer take center stage, and are easy to read at a glance under high speed conditions. The dash, door liners, carpet, and seats are all finished in black, with silver accents added to the carbon fiber gauge panels. While any driving enthusiast will never be bored regardless of the length of a trip, the new Evo IX comes with a sound system to keep everyone else entertained on long trips thanks to the 140 watt six speakers Mitsubishi CD audio system. But, for those who want to feel the music as well as hear it, a 315 watt Premium Mitsubishi Infinity CD audio system featuring seven speakers, which includes a subwoofer, is offered on the Evolution IX.

Summary
This car is perfect for just about anyone who wants to go fast, yet still have room to take the family out for a night at the movies. The compact one hundred and three inch wheel base keeps the car compact for city driving and for tight turns. The 286 horsepower engine yields a comfortable 19 miles per gallon, yet will still yank the Evo IX from a stop to sixty miles per hour in 4.6 seconds, and to one hundred miles per hour in 11.9 seconds. And for those who want to take the Evo IX to the drag strip on a Friday night to hurt the feelings of the American V8 drivers, the Evo IX turns in an impressive 13.4 at 104mph stock quarter mile time. What do all of those numbers mean? They mean that for about thirty five thousand dollars, a younger driver can have high performance while still having room to take out some friends for a night on the town, and an older driver can keep up with that mouthy neighbor with a new Mustang (if not make him look silly), and still have a car that has the room for a wintry trip to grandmas house with the wife and kids, that will get there safely, and will leave some money in the old pocket book as compared to a large four wheel drive truck. In short, this 2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX is just what it is marketed as; as race car in affordable daily driven sedans clothing, and like the wolf in sheep's clothing, there will be some unsuspecting victims along that way that will be painfully shocked to learn that this new Evo IX's bark is every bit as bad, if not worse, than it's bite. From the drag strip to the circle track; from the parking garage at work to the parking garage at the mall, this new Mitsubishi is quick, and quick to turn heads. American car enthusiasts beware: the Mitsubishi Evolution IX is the real deal.