Automotive media and car enthusiasts the world over have long considered the Lancer Evolution to be one of the best - if not the greatest - 4-door sports sedan of all time. Landing at dealer showrooms in Fall of 2010, the motoring masses will be able to welcome a new member to Mitsubishi Motor's awe-inspiring family.
Slotting between the Lancer Evolution GSR and the top-flight MR Touring models is the exciting all-new limited edition 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE - the SE standing for "Special Edition," which borrows many of the best features from both models to create what may be the ultimate Evolution.
Key performance components carried over from the top-of-the-line MR edition to the SE version include the ultra-high performance suspension package that employs Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, two-piece Brembo front brake rotors with remarkable stopping power and Mitsubishi's lightning-fast Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) that allows for split-second gear shifts via either steering wheel paddle shifters or the shift lever without a clutch pedal.
Gone are the small (GSR) and large (MR) wings atop the rear deck lid; like the MR touring model, the new Evo SE makes use of a small, less conspicuous lip spoiler. Other highlights include brightly illuminating HID headlights and a choice of four colors - Graphite Gray, Wicked White, Phantom Black and Octane Blue.
Heated cloth RECARO seats and exclusive "SE" badging round out the Lancer Evolution SE's unique packaging, one that provides a very high degree of speed and agility in a visually more discreet and affordable package.
While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation 2010 model offers new premium features and user technology options for a more refined driving experience.
The 2010 Lancer Evolution showcases the latest performance and handling technology, including an all-aluminum 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC regulates the drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of advanced dynamic handling technologies including Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel-drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC) and sport ABS brakes. A helical gear-type limited-slip front differential is used.
The 4B11 DOHC in line 4-cylinder engine, based on a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block, employs a direct-acting valvetrain for reduced weight and MIVEC variable valve timing is used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The rear-located (firewall side) stainless steel exhaust manifold helps improve overall weight distribution.
A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile, and crisp and taut lines highlight the Lancer Evolution's signature face and profile. New for 2010 are updated larger side air dams, tail lamps with black extensions and a short pole 200 mm antenna. Its unique front end, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets, boxed fenders and 18-inch wheels impart the Lancer Evolution with the look of the street-wise sports machine.
The Lancer Evolution features its own distinct suspension system, including inverted struts in front and a rear multi-link configuration, with numerous forged aluminum components to help reduce unsprung weight. The 18 x 8.5-inch wheels (Enkei cast-alloy on the GSR and BBS forged-alloy on the MR) are shod with large (245/40R18) tarmac-grabbing Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires at all four corners.
Adding a dash of even more comfort and civility, the 2010 Lancer Evolution features many new revisions for improved everyday driving. A new high-contrast multi-color LCD instrument meter enhances visibility while a leather-clad parking brake lever with chrome release button adds a premium touch. The MR model receives an additional premium touch - Phantom Black interior accents.
Reflecting the tastes of the ever-broadening Evolution customer base, a hands-free Bluetooth cell phone interface system is now standard as well as an MP3 auxiliary input jack for all models, while available User technologies include a Rockford Fosgate audio and navigation system with music server.
Standard safety features include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver's knee airbag.
Three other Lancer Evolution models will be offered in the U.S. for 2010: the GSR with a five speed manual transmission; the Lancer Evolution MR that is equipped with a 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) - an automated manual transmission with magnesium steering wheel shifter paddles and a console shifter - Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece Brembo front brake rotors, BBS forged-alloy wheels and HID headlamps; and the MR Touring model, more comfortably equipped for everyday use with a power glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, rear lip spoiler, insulated front windshield glass and improved sound insulation.
Key Specifications
| Wheelbase: | 104.3 in. |
| Length: | 177.0 in. |
| Height: | 58.3 in. |
| Width: | 71.3 in. |
| Engine: | DOHC MIVEC 2.0-liter inline 4; intercooled/turbocharged |
| Horsepower: | 291 @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque: | 300 lb.-ft. (est.) @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission: | GSR: 5-speed manual |
| SE & MR: | 6-speed TC-SST with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters |
| Dynamics: | Super-All Wheel Control with Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sports ABS |
| Wheels: | GSR & SE: 18 x 8.5 Enkei cast alloy |
| MR: | 18 x 8.5 BBS forged alloy |
| Tires: | 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires |
Major Standard Features
SE adds over GSR:
MR adds over GSR:
GSR Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package adds: HID headlamps, FAST-Key with panic alarm, large rear spoiler and the Rockford-Fosgate® 710-watt (max.) Premium Sound System with 10-in. subwoofer, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and a 3-month service subscription.
MR Touring Package adds: Leather seating surfaces, heated front seats and side mirrors, rear lip spoiler (replaces large rear spoiler), automatic on/off headlights, rain sensing wipers, insulated front windshield glass and improved sound insulation.
By virtue of starting with a Lancer Evo X
MR, you're treated to a 291-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's
as powerful as it is thirsty, mated to a paddle-shifted six-speed
dual-clutch gear box. Together, they drive Mitsubishi's impressive Super
All Wheel Control AWD system through
18-in BBS wheels and Yokohama Advan tires with a set of Brembo brakes to
keep it all under control.
While the process of modifying an otherwise average car for better performance is commonly associated with car owners and aftermarket parts, manufacturers occasionally dabble with their own such projects. One of the more popular cars of this ilk is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
The Evolution (or "Evo") is based on the Lancer compact sedan. The two cars don't have much in common, however. Whereas the regular Lancer is a perfectly adequate economy car that's easy to lose in a parking lot, the pumped-up, flared-fendered Evo is turbocharged, boisterous and ready to lay down rubber on a racetrack.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was originally developed in the early 1990s to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC) racing series and abide by homologation rules. Packing a powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the Lancer Evolution quickly became a successful rally car. Early road-going versions of the Evo were originally just meant for the Japanese home market, but this didn't stop the car from developing a cultlike following around the world. Finally, for the 2003 model year, Mitsubishi started importing official road-going Lancer Evolutions to the North American market.
A second stateside generation recently debuted, and with it the Evo has become considerably more stylish than its taxi-like predecessor while continuing to offer impressive performance for the buck. Despite its humble beginnings as an average economy car, the Evo can accelerate and corner with all but the fastest production cars on the market.
Current Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Today's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, technically known as the Lancer Evolution X, offers a level of performance typically found in European sports cars and sport sedans that cost considerably more. Only a few cars, in and outside of its class, can provide comparable engine power, precision handling and driving intensity. As a bonus, the Evo looks the part of a legitimate high-performance car as well.
The current Evo is available in two trim levels -- GSR and MR. The GSR is intended to attract traditional driving enthusiasts, as it offers more aggressive suspension settings and a slick five-speed manual transmission. The pricier MR features a marginally softer suspension and Mitsubishi's new automated twin-clutch manual transmission, which is operated via paddle shifters and also functions as a traditional automatic when not in manual mode. Mitsubishi has done its homework with this transmission -- it's one of the quickest in the business when you're firing off full-throttle upshifts.
The sole available power plant is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an advanced all-wheel-drive system.
In reviews, we've been impressed with the Evo X's sports-carlike handling and responsiveness. Its ability to go around tight corners quickly and securely is rivaled by only a handful of cars on the road today. Acceleration, too, is top-notch, as the Evo can give far more expensive cars a run for their money. Hard-core enthusiasts may find that the new car feels a bit blunted compared to the razor's-edge performance of its predecessor. The trade-off, however, is in refinement, as the Evo X is leaps and bounds ahead of the Evo VI by this measure. Yet it remains one of the most capable cars in existence for the money.
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