I rolled in the Evo MR last night for the first time. Unlike most of the people in our shop, I'm not smitten. Even though I drove it only briefly, my impressions go even beyond Brent's. You see, driving the MR is just like playing a video game. And for you Gen-Zed kids out there, I mean that in a non-flattering way. Although the steering is very accurate, it feels completely disconnected. The force-stroke feeling of the paddles shifters is also near non-existent - it's not really a cheap feeling, it's almost no feeling. Like the paddle controllers for your Xbox. And when you turn the ignition off, a full second elapses before the engine is killed. Weird. Like our STI, I suspect you have to wring this pup's neck before you derive any enjoyment from it. I'll give it another chance and be more brutal next time. Who knows, I may end up liking it.
Albert Austria, Sr Vehicle Eval Engineer @ 3076 mi
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Go Lions!
I guess now in days most car-makers who slap a auto-tiptronic-semi-auto-dual-clutch-paddle-whoknows-whatsnext tranny to their sports car are mostly aiming at game-like drivability, am i right?
Didn't you also complain that the 2002 M3's driving experience was overrated? If you don't like the mechanical masterpiece that is the M3 or the electronic masterpiece that is the Evo X, well, what do you like? It seems like almost every other post about these two cars is generally positive.
That's not to detract from your point, though. I think I'd find the Evo a little too computerized for my taste. It's more that I'm still miffed at the knock on the M3.
rtharak -
I call 'em like I see 'em. I don't like a car because I'm "supposed to" or if everyone else does. (I have 8 years of tech vehicle eval experience.)
With the E46 M3 - I say the Emporer has no clothes. 300 hp used to give wood, but today many sedans have that much. It's just OK.
I'll give the Evo another chance - I only drove it briefly.
Others:
Loved the R8 - but it has its faults. I'd get the manual trans. I'd buy this and don't care about the attention it gets - it's almost all positive except for Haters.
Loved the SL63 - incredible engine and trans! - but no blog - it wasn't a long termer.
Loved the Mustang Bullitt (no blog) - one of the best cars for the dough - can't wait to try the Camaro.
(As you can see - I love the V8)
Really like the CTS and think it's near the top of class. I would recommend it - but it's a bit expensive.
Haven't driven the GT-R yet. Unfortunately, we have had a lot of boring long-term cars.
Regards,
Snake Doc
This takes me back - LMU 1982 - 1986. Cars have come a long way!
Damn - you LMU grads are sharp! The new library will be beautiful and will be finished by early next year - check it out!
Regards,
Snake Doc
Aside from the larger spoiler and differen't rims, I keep fotgetting that this is an evo... Oh well I'll miss the lancer.
Does this one have the rear wiper or different interior? There should be a post on that stuff... Maybe the EVO should have been a different color...
-Cj
CJ -
No rear wiper.
I'll take a pic of the interior with racy Recaros next time.
Regards,
Snake Doc