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September 25, 2007
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
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The all-new 2008 Evo X is finally here. Well, almost. You’ll have to wait a few more months for it to hit dealers. But we recently got a sneak peek and first drive of the revamped speed demon at Mitsubishi’s Tokachi proving ground in Northern Japan, and it definitely lives up to the hype.
Mitsubishi took a big chance rebuilding this very popular sports sedan, as any serious modifications could cause the vehicle’s core customer—the fast and the furious—to get their speed fix elsewhere. No worries, though; the X (“X” stands for 10th generation) definitely embraces its racing roots. It’s sporty, fast and agile. Even so, this definitely isn’t the same adolescent bad boy that many have come to know and love. The X is more refined, more sophisticated—inside and out.
The most notable change is the all-new 2.0-liter intercooled and turbocharged inline Four that replaces the legendary 4G63 engine that served every previous Evo. It’s rated to produce 295 hp (up from 286 ponies) and 300 lb.-ft of torque (up from 289), but many experts believe those numbers are very conservative. To reduce weight, the engine is based on a reinforced aluminum block and is equipped with a direct-acting valvetrain that replaces the roller rocker arm configuration. On the asphalt, the switch translated into quicker throttle response and strong pull, no matter the gear.
You’ll have choice of two gearboxes to mate with the new four-banger: a five-speed manual and new six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The latter is an electrohydraulic manual transmission that’s not unlike VW’s DSG. It can select two gears at once—one engaged, the other all spooled up and ready to go. When the gears are changed, there is no lag time because the clutches are swapped simultaneously. It delivers quicker shifts than most manuals, but with the smoothness of an automatic.
A dynamic handling system, called Super-All Wheel Drive (S-AWC), regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of handling technologies, such as an active center differential 4WD, active yaw control, active stability control and sport ABS. It takes data input from steering wheel, throttle, wheels and the vehicle’s longitudinal and lateral movements to determine the vehicle’s path of travel, and corrects it when needed. Unlike similar systems from Subaru and BMW, S-AWC let’s you push the car harder for longer before pulling you back from the edge. Instead of simply taking control away from the driver at the first hint of trouble, it places control of the car in your hands while still putting power and torque to the wheels that need it. That’s great for people who can actually drive, and for those who aren’t so good.
Mitsu didn’t forget to upgrade the suspension. It provides a more stable ride than the previous model without compromising handling or performance. All Evos sport inverted struts in front and a multi-link configuration in the rear, and are built on a platform that has 56 percent better torsional rigidity and 50 percent better bending rigidity. The MR comes with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs (rumor has it that Mitsu might also offer this as an option on the GSR, but nothing has been announced officially). Though the GSR setup was tight, it was the MR that really shines in the twisties.
In the looks department, the Evo definitely got a major overhaul. The sophisticated design will appeal to those looking for a less edgy, everyday performance sedan—not just a speed racer. The hood has twin air intakes and a NACA duct to provide plenty of oxygen to the turbocharged engine. The front fascia is also optimized to provide the necessary airflow for the radiator and front-mounted intercooler. Mitsubishi calls it a shark-nosed front end, but it looks a bit Volvo-esque to our eyes. In its new guise, the Evo is sure to appeal to more women and guys who want a speedy ride to take out on the town and still be taken seriously.
When all is said and done, it’s hard to compare the old Evo to the new one. They are two very different vehicles. One is more refined and easier to drive fast. The other has similar driving characteristics, but it is much more freewheeling, more drive-by-the-seat-of-your-pants fun. Regardless, the Evo X is one fabulous car. —Chuck Tannert
22. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
to anyone that thinks you are going to beat this car around a track, the little label on the back of your car better say Porsche GT-R. While this car may not look amazingly fast, it does 0-60 in 3.9, and there are so many computer's guiding you through a turn you can practically keep your foot hard down all the way through. This car is amazing, it has 2 clutches, yaw control, center differential. And it costs about 40 grand, but can still out run the Aston's and AMG's. It's outrageous, and it can compete on the dirt and gravel to. Will be sitting in my driveway the day it hits the stores.
21. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Thats a nice car but my Honda Civis si 06 will smoke this Evo cuz i have 580 ponies
20. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
How much is the evo
19. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
how much is it?
18. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Oh Cool, another version of the Evo, so punk high school kids wearing Abercrombie and Fitch Beanies can cruise around and race everything in sight. Seriously,the car does look like it will do great things for the market
17. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
RE: 10) I have had my car pre-ordered, or reserved since September. Many dealerships will let you reserve a car such as this that has such a high demand for a sum of money that will eventually go towards your down payment. The usual cost is between $5k and $10k. On another note the car looks absolutely amazing and I am utterly stoked to get mine here shortly.
16. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
nice car
15. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
FYI for the person who said that the STI will smoke the evo. Do some research buddy. the Evo outperforms the STI any day.
14. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
im trying to find a way i can put this car on reserve... i have a deal with my mom, she will put the down payment on it and i will make monthy payments... i acnt wait this is going to be sweeet
13. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
If you have never owned an Evo, you will never understand. The Evo X looks like it will be an even better religious experience than the VII. I personaly am anticipating the release of the X.
12. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
STI will smoke the evo
11. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Thats an awsome car
10. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Number 7) where did you pre-order yours? I find that highly unlikely since they haven't even hit US shores yet. Just a guess, but I'd say your lying because you can't even build one on Mitsubishicars.com yet. Why do ppl say stupid things like that. I can't wait until January, but hoping it doesn't snow too much, since I don't feel like buying winter rims/tires this year.
9. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Not to many people we'll ever drive EVO X to its' MAX power. Mostly people will drive it for fun driving, cruising, work/grocery run. For time to time, i might drive it for time slip or auto x.
8. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
RE:1 There has never been anything conservative about EVO's nor STi's for that matter. I have been driving them both since 1994. They are extremely competent and safe everyday drives in all weather conditions. It all comes down to the discipline of the driver with his or her right foot on the public high way and their skill off the highway.
7. looks great!
I just pre ordered mine. The base costs 31k and the MR costs 36. I couldn't afford the MR so I ordered the base model.
6. Looks great!
I must admit the previous 3 iterations based off the Cedia sedan design didn't quite grow on me, but I love this iteration of the design; the nose bar reminds me of the Nissan Skyline, and though the headlights didn't turn out quite as aggressive as the concept art appeared to be, it looks much better than the previous design.
5. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Please Show Me Test Drive Of Lancer Evolution 9
4. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
I assuming the first comment is coming from someone who won't ever or has never had a "Sporty" car. It's for the thrill of driving. I'm not talking about illegal street racing, I'm talking about a cruise in a quick and responsive car that looks great! I'm sure some idiot will want to race in such a nice car, I don't understand why, but whatever floats their boat, right? It would be sad if they wrecked it. I think this new Evo is great in every aspect. The best part about it is that its only going to get better. You have to remember that the '08 Evo has a new engine and is starting at 295HP and 300FT lbs of force. The original Evo with the 4G63 engine only made 244HP with 228FT lbs of force in 1992. Three years late with better technology the HP went up to 270HP in the 4G63T. I expect lots from the new Evo and will get mine in a couple of years when more aftermarket parts are available. It gets a 10 in my book... Or an X!
3. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
I love the EVO's, and the power of the turbo in them. My main thing is that this 2008 model drove away from the awesome boxier body style they did have. All the new cars that are coming out look just like each other now. I think that if you where going to upgrade the motor in this EVO you have just did that and then just kept the boxy style of it but just put some body upgrades, not changed the whole shape!!!!!
2. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
I can't wait for this car. Who needs that much power in such a conservative mall car? You are looking at the wrong car you should check out a Toyota Carola or something....
1. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Looks OK. But are they that many people who need that much power in such a conservative small car?
to anyone that thinks you are going to beat this car around a track, the little label on the back of your car better say Porsche GT-R. While this car may not look amazingly fast, it does 0-60 in 3.9, and there are so many computer's guiding you through a turn you can practically keep your foot hard down all the way through. This car is amazing, it has 2 clutches, yaw control, center differential. And it costs about 40 grand, but can still out run the Aston's and AMG's. It's outrageous, and it can compete on the dirt and gravel to. Will be sitting in my driveway the day it hits the stores.
21. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Thats a nice car but my Honda Civis si 06 will smoke this Evo cuz i have 580 ponies
20. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
How much is the evo
19. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
how much is it?
18. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Oh Cool, another version of the Evo, so punk high school kids wearing Abercrombie and Fitch Beanies can cruise around and race everything in sight. Seriously,the car does look like it will do great things for the market
17. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
RE: 10) I have had my car pre-ordered, or reserved since September. Many dealerships will let you reserve a car such as this that has such a high demand for a sum of money that will eventually go towards your down payment. The usual cost is between $5k and $10k. On another note the car looks absolutely amazing and I am utterly stoked to get mine here shortly.
16. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
nice car
15. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
FYI for the person who said that the STI will smoke the evo. Do some research buddy. the Evo outperforms the STI any day.
14. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
im trying to find a way i can put this car on reserve... i have a deal with my mom, she will put the down payment on it and i will make monthy payments... i acnt wait this is going to be sweeet
13. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
If you have never owned an Evo, you will never understand. The Evo X looks like it will be an even better religious experience than the VII. I personaly am anticipating the release of the X.
12. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
STI will smoke the evo
11. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Thats an awsome car
10. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Number 7) where did you pre-order yours? I find that highly unlikely since they haven't even hit US shores yet. Just a guess, but I'd say your lying because you can't even build one on Mitsubishicars.com yet. Why do ppl say stupid things like that. I can't wait until January, but hoping it doesn't snow too much, since I don't feel like buying winter rims/tires this year.
9. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Not to many people we'll ever drive EVO X to its' MAX power. Mostly people will drive it for fun driving, cruising, work/grocery run. For time to time, i might drive it for time slip or auto x.
8. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
RE:1 There has never been anything conservative about EVO's nor STi's for that matter. I have been driving them both since 1994. They are extremely competent and safe everyday drives in all weather conditions. It all comes down to the discipline of the driver with his or her right foot on the public high way and their skill off the highway.
7. looks great!
I just pre ordered mine. The base costs 31k and the MR costs 36. I couldn't afford the MR so I ordered the base model.
6. Looks great!
I must admit the previous 3 iterations based off the Cedia sedan design didn't quite grow on me, but I love this iteration of the design; the nose bar reminds me of the Nissan Skyline, and though the headlights didn't turn out quite as aggressive as the concept art appeared to be, it looks much better than the previous design.
5. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Please Show Me Test Drive Of Lancer Evolution 9
4. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
I assuming the first comment is coming from someone who won't ever or has never had a "Sporty" car. It's for the thrill of driving. I'm not talking about illegal street racing, I'm talking about a cruise in a quick and responsive car that looks great! I'm sure some idiot will want to race in such a nice car, I don't understand why, but whatever floats their boat, right? It would be sad if they wrecked it. I think this new Evo is great in every aspect. The best part about it is that its only going to get better. You have to remember that the '08 Evo has a new engine and is starting at 295HP and 300FT lbs of force. The original Evo with the 4G63 engine only made 244HP with 228FT lbs of force in 1992. Three years late with better technology the HP went up to 270HP in the 4G63T. I expect lots from the new Evo and will get mine in a couple of years when more aftermarket parts are available. It gets a 10 in my book... Or an X!
3. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
I love the EVO's, and the power of the turbo in them. My main thing is that this 2008 model drove away from the awesome boxier body style they did have. All the new cars that are coming out look just like each other now. I think that if you where going to upgrade the motor in this EVO you have just did that and then just kept the boxy style of it but just put some body upgrades, not changed the whole shape!!!!!
2. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
I can't wait for this car. Who needs that much power in such a conservative mall car? You are looking at the wrong car you should check out a Toyota Carola or something....
1. RE: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: First Drive
Looks OK. But are they that many people who need that much power in such a conservative small car?
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