"Manual windows and no audio system?! What is Mitsubishi thinking?"
An easy question to ask, and even easier to answer. The Evolution RS is simply the best performance bargain on the planet. For less than $30,000 you get a vehicle that can chase down (and likely beat, considering the typical owner profile) Lamborghini Gallardos and...well, sure I'll say it...Ford GTs (note I said typical owner profile). This car screams, even with "only" 286 horsepower (remember, it weighs just over 3,000 lbs). The last one we tested, which was actually the heavier, more "luxurious" version, ran to 60 in under five seconds and slithered through the slalom at over 70 mph. Those are supercar numbers for $28,000.
When I worked at Super Street magazine in the mid-1990s I drove many reader/project cars that had similar traits. A loud turbo whine with on/off switch responsiveness, paint mixer ride quality, short-throw shifter and Recaro seats. But those cars didn't come with a factory warranty, they weren't as well sorted, and they probably cost far more to build (though much of that money went into pearl paint jobs and useless body kits). I can deal with roll down windows and even manual locks and manual mirrors, but I'd have to put a sound system in this car. Otherwise it's perfect. No wings to attract Johnny Law and no fat cat options to dilute the car's purpose. The $28,000 Ferrari versus $28,000 Camry seems like an easy choice. But putting that old exotic up against this $28,000 car? Answer isn't quite as obvious, is it?
If you want to spend as little as possible to P-off playboys with more money than brains, this is your ride.
By miniharryc
on June 22, 2007
07:58 AM
Nice...it's even in "don't-arrest-me" white instead of the requisite Red.
Quite a nice way to send off the old platform before the next Evo bows.
By iskch
on June 22, 2007
08:59 AM
Karl, this is one of the best cars out there that will put many high horsepower cars to shame. Now for this year only they have the SE version and looks nice too. Road & Track had a comparo of the best sports cars and the EVO was included. The EVO finished the comparation in third place I think bellow such heavy weights like the Porsche GT3.
By rick8365
on June 22, 2007
09:23 AM
Nice. Is this car fwd or awd? I like the whole "sleeper" look except I wouldn't mind seeing a small, discreet spoiler on the lip of the trunk. It does have nice somewhat subtle cues nose to almost the tail and then it gets too generic for me. I also agree that it could / should have an audio system and I think mirrors, windows and locks too. How much weight and expense would these things add vs everyday functionality / comfort? In the muscle car days, deleting this stuff would save both (as well as give the owner something to brag about) but I would think this car should have them.
By SubyTrojan
on June 22, 2007
09:27 AM
No wonder I saw this down on P3 last night! Was the car provided by Mitsubishi, a staff member's car, or a friend's? You're definitely right in that it's the best performing car under $30k (even with my affinity for Scoobies, I will not dispute this fact). It'll be exciting to see how the next-gen STI vs. Evo match-up shakes out! The WRX vs. Lancer Ralliart match-up should also be quite interesting as well.
rick8365, it's all-wheel drive (and not a lame FWD-based AWD system to boot!). It's not an "ideal" commuter/daily driver car (no cruise control, stiffly sprung suspension (which makes it handle so well!) in addition to the things Karl mentioned), but it still would give its driver quite a few "smiles per mile" if daily driven.
Edmunds' Sport Compact Comparison Test - http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/Comparos/articleId=117762 - has five excellent cars that are almost as fun to drive, yet also have a few more amenities to make them easier to "live" with. Despite its age (debuting in 2001 as a MY2002 vehicle), the Subaru WRX is a great deal and is the only one that has all-wheel drive for those who would like a good "back for the buck" car in all seasons.
By flicmod
on June 22, 2007
09:43 AM
I'd gut it completely, throw some dirt tires on it and take it to the next SCCA rally event :-)
By SubyTrojan
on June 22, 2007
10:05 AM
I don't know about that, Wes. Subaru Imprezas use struts all the way around which are generally better for rallying becauase they have long(er) travel and are easier to service vs. a rear multi-link suspension setup.
By flicmod
on June 22, 2007
10:21 AM
Nothing a few mods and fabrication won't fix :-) Brings the total to what? 30, 31K?
I think I'm safe in SCCA events... at least the low end ones for a n00b racer like me :-)
By rick8365
on June 22, 2007
10:37 AM
Thanks for the info, Suby!
By SubyTrojan
on June 22, 2007
10:37 AM
Mods and fabrication won't help ya there, bud. :o) With a cheaper car, a WRX (not STi), a person can go almost as fast in a straight line on the stages and driver skill and suspension setup should overcome the lack of power. In the last Rally America ('tis a shame the SCCA ProRally series went the way of the dodo) rally (Susquehannock Trail), look at how many Imprezas make up the list of rally finishers. http://rally.subaru.com/event_2007_stpr_results.html
The Impreza provides rally participants with a lower barrier to entry, is easier to service, and increased part availability with Subaru's support truck(s) full of parts being at the events.
Let's get this train back on to the tracks here. Enough about why the Impreza is better for rallying (hehehe), and back to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS being the best bang for the buck performance vehicle.
By flicmod
on June 22, 2007
10:43 AM
Ok, ok... you win.
So I just wanna have some fun in the dirt... so shoot me :-P
By sddoc07
on June 22, 2007
01:07 PM
The next evolution will be terrific b/c it won't look like it's glued together, the design is much more cohesive and hopefully they'll maintain the driving lunacy.
By scott65
on June 22, 2007
02:55 PM
IT may indeed be a great performance bargain but I find the look of the last-gen Lancers to be very ....ugly. Yeah the car could smoke anything but it has no curves or attractive shape at all.
"Yeah my girlfriend is great in bed...see her? She's that troll standing over in the corner with the cold sores and lazy eye"
By blackadder5639
on June 22, 2007
04:52 PM
Great ride! It's worth every penny as it is if it is a second car, but if it's my only car I'd rather pay $35k and a good or great audio system, power windows and door locks and electric windows......I consider these as necessities these days.
By hondacura4
on June 23, 2007
07:11 PM
The only weak spot of a stock Evolution is the clutch which is utter GARBAGE!
A friend of mine has a 03 Evolution that has some serious upgrades. Fully built motor, AMS GT35R turbo kit (AMS has, I believe the worlds fastest Evolution), full suspension, fuel cell, roll cage, basically the works. Its a great all around package that can be set up for road or drag racing, and probably anything other kind of racing. On a AWD dyno the car made 636hp to the wheels WITHOUT the nitrous!
The power is amazing as I couldnt lift my head off the Recaros but it all works together. His car was really thought out and he didnt focus one just one aspect of performance.
So yes I agree. The Evolution is the best bang for the buck without question.
By kurtamaxxxguy
on June 24, 2007
10:51 AM
I wonder how popular the upcoming Evo 10's sequential dual-clutch (no pedal) option will prove to be?
And let's hope 10's offering some options that make it less paint mixer without diluting the handling joy.
By hondacura4
on June 24, 2007
01:51 PM
The only possible things I see that Mitsu fans wont embrace are the aforementioned sequential manual and the "weaker" engine as Mitsu has already stated that this motor isnt as internally strong as the legendary 4G63. I guess they spent the money elsewhere.
By blackadder5639
on June 24, 2007
07:46 PM
The traditional manual transmission will still be available as an option, right?
By SubyTrojan
on June 25, 2007
09:57 AM
Yes it will, blackadder5639.
We'll see how the next "round" of STI vs. Evo will shake out. The Evo IX will be heavier and stiffer (money spent elsewhere, hondacura4?). I think it will be making 320 hp at the crank. Not too much solid info is running around yet. It may be safe to assume (for now) that the 2008 STI will have the same powertrain as the current one with "upgraded" ECU programming.