CD Article: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

[Mitlov]

This is where we disagree. I think that only a small amount of the 'driving' population can really tell the difference between cars. Maybe the majority of us on here can but in the general population, nope. This is for all the cars abilities.

With the powerband....I'm sure it isn't as bad as you make it out to be. Everybody said the RX8 is horrible, has no torque and you have to wind out every gear just to drive it to the corner store. I drove one for 30 minutes and had none of these issues, very drivable under normal conditions and when you wanted to hit that 9,000 rpm limit it was a joy. Since neither you or me has driven any of these cars you are only going from the media which I find bias to begin with.

(1)  I NEVER said that a nothing-nothing-everything powerband is BAD.  I just said the Scoobie has one relative to the EVO.  Some people like that sudden surge of power partway up the rev range--look at the success of the Civic Si and the Yamaha R6.

(2)  The media is biased against Subaru in a Subaru-versus-Mitsubishi fight?  Haven't heard that one before.  "Biased against domestics" I've heard and "biased for BMW" I've heard, but biased against Subaru?

(3)  People buying $40,000+ rally cars are not the mass market, and pay more attention to how a car drives than most drivers.  I'm not saying that your average rally-car purchaser or potential rally-car purchaser can use even 7/10s of these car's abilities, but that's different than saying that they won't even pay attention to the engine and handling and that they'll just listen to the radio and drive from A to B like a Buick or Camry owner.

Don't for one minute be fooled into thinking this has mellowed the engine: it produces all of its 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque in one huge turbo-lagged explosion.

Because of that, a distracted soccer mom in a pushrod-engine minivan could inadvertently dust the Subie off the line. Under 3000 rpm, there's nobody home, and in first gear, boost doesn't fully build until five grand, at which point it rockets the STI forward - and immediately into its rev limiter. The STI still has one of the narrowest usable powerbands of any production-car engine today.

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/subaru/0802_2008_subaru_impreza_wrx_sti/index.html

The STI’s acceleration is further hampered by a lack of low-end torque. The engine almost bogs below 4000 rpm, but at higher revs and full boost, the thrust is dizzying.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/hatchbacks/subaru_wrx_sti_vs_mitsubishi_evo_gsr_vs_vw_r32_comparison_test+page-2.html

The Subaru's 2.5-liter flat-four engine belts out 305 hp in one huge explosion, pulling so frantically toward its 6700-rpm redline that its engineers wisely installed a beeper to notify the driver that it's time to shift. Still, we hit the rev limiter constantly.While the flat four never creates a symphony like the BMW in-line six, it's smooth and pleasing to the ears, no matter how fast it's turning.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X's raucous in-line four, on the other hand, could wake the dead. Inside the car, it sounds like a blender. Outside, a jet helicopter. It builds power more progressively than the STI - to a peak of 291 hp - and pulls frantically all the way to its rev limiter.

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/0804_2008_mitsubishi_lancer_evo_2008_subaru_wrx_sti_2008_bmw_335xi/index.html

I'd agree that many people cannot differentiate between, say, the subtleties of understeer and oversteer at the limit, or maybe subtle differences in steering precision and feel.  I'm not sure that I'd agree that most people could not tell the difference between the EVO's body control and the STI's superior ride quality (even people who don't drive know what a harsh ride feels like and what body roll feels like).  I certainly don't agree that drivers who would ever even consider test-driving these cars would be unable to differentiate between an engine that builds power progressively and one that makes all of its power "in one huge turbo-lagged explosion."

[quadzilla]

Sorry, I shouldn't have used the word "bias"....I actually mean that when it comes to media I find they sometimes exaggerate things.

Examples from C&D:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/suvs_family_haulers/mazda_6_wagon_road_test+page-2.html

Lob the 6 wagon into a corner, and you know Big Spender and his cohorts are on the job. There's just 0.80 g of grip in the well by our skidpad count, but the steering is fast and direct, and the rear end is impressively responsive to throttle inputs. Dial the wheel for your desired path, anything from a gentle sweep to a Gilles Villeneuve impersonation. If your fingertips detect tire scrub, lift a little, and the back end rotates gently around to help out.

I have driven the sidewalls off my car and not until that point will you ever notice the back end rotating gently around to help you out.

With both the torque and horsepower peaks in the upper stratosphere of the tach (5000 rpm and 6300, respectively), the power has to be mercilessly wrung out of the V-6. The motor's sounds are slightly loud—but good—and the vibes are restrained, but the wagon feels a little labored merging into an expressway stampede until the engine has spun past four grand. The unit should easily handle another 200cc, the chassis another 20 to 40 horsepower, without upending a whole can of torque steer. We're talking a mere dash of power to bring up the car's other subtle flavors.

In the city my car hardly ever sees anything over 3G....merging onto the hwy it hardly ever gets over 4G. Of course both of those are void when I'm driving aggressively. I'm wondering where they tested this car? Was it at 9,000 ft?

I let my Uncle drive my car (he drives a Altima 3.5 w/stick) and he said he couldn't believe all the 'slow' comments he has heard about the Mz6. This was with three 200 pound guys in the car.

Back to the cars at hand.

The Mits put out 10lbs more of tq at the peak of 4,000 rpm yet the Subie has a greater rush of power. Sure they can have different power deliveries but to say "The engine almost bogs below 4000 rpm" get real. I'm sure this car has more tq on tap at 2K than my car does at 5K. Again, if you are racing on a track I will buy these statements but for real world driving?

I did love this quote though:

"The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X's raucous in-line four, on the other hand, could wake the dead. Inside the car, it sounds like a blender. Outside, a jet helicopter."

Who would want a car like that? It sounds like a BLENDER?

I really wish I could drive both of these cars to see how anemic the STI is.

[The Mighty Duck]

Who would want a car like that? It sounds like a BLENDER?

 

I agree with you, though.  The EVO and STI are so close in performance and lap times that it makes no difference.  I'm not convinced that the way the power comes on will be the defining characteristic for buyers...  when Top Gear tested the EVO VIII against the STI, Clarkson and Hammond both preferred the STI, but it wasn't because of power delivery.  The new STI uses the same engine, and I believe the EVO X's engine is very similar to the old one?

[dave]

Does anyone know why they chose to go with a 5MT instead of a 6MT?  Seems out of place nowadays...

I read somewhere that the 5-speed is more robust than the 6-speed they had in some of the Evo IX and this is why they choose it.

As for trunk space, it is much needed. Since Mitsu doesn't have the best of reliability, and with so much electronic  driving-aid gadgets, gotta have the space for a Trunk Monkey.

Back to the Evo. I don't think that any real Evo buyer (not talking about posers) would look at the trunk space or interior plastics as a deal breaker. People would pay the $40K-$50K for the 4.9s to 60 mph and 0.99g – BTW: can anyone name any other car under 50K CAD capable to post 0.99g? I guess the STi would be the only close contender, but it can only do 0.90g. Source: Edmunds.com.

Well a BMW 135i comes in under $50k does 0-60 in 4.7 (the Evo MR actually over 5 seconds) and holds 0.94gs.  Not 1.0g like the Evo...but it's still comparable considering it'll take the Evo to 60, the 1/4 mile, and braking.

Here's an interesting comparison of the 2 in Motor Trend: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0806_bmw_135_mitsubishi_evo_mr_comparison/index.html

Highlights (for me at least):
"Maybe this was a mistake," come the murmurs from the test track. Part of the rationale behind this odd pairing was the BMW claim that the 135i sprints to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, just a tick under what we've seen out of the manual Evo GSR. How do we explain our 135i consistently ripping off 4.7-second runs to 60, a full half-second faster than our Evo MR's fancy launch controlled sprint? We can't.

On the skidpad, the Evo tilts the world back on axis-easily besting the 135i on the figure-eight course and breaking the 1.0g barrier for lateral acceleration. Under braking, the 135i's 183-pound weight advantage, six-piston front brakes, and wide, sticky tires haul it to rest in an impressive 102 feet. The Evo stops only two feet behind, so we call it a tie before moving on to Reno Fernley Raceway.

Though it weighs considerably less, the 135i feels like it carries more mass and grip out here. In high-g corners, the car leans, but returns stunning traction and a balanced, weighty feel. This is the most surprising revelation about the 135i: Despite the rear-drive layout and 300 pound-feet on tap, it resists all manner of sliding shenanigans.

Over potholes and expansion joints, the Evo crashes like an empty Danish cookie tin. On long hauls, the stiff chassis tuning and lack of sound-deadening lay siege to the senses. After a freeway stint in both, technical editor Kim Reynolds opines, "The Evo is just like a 135i with less sound-deadening material and its suspension completely welded together."

In contrast, the 135i delivers fine motoring without compromise. BMW says the torque sweet spot range is 1400-5500 rpm, but in real driving situations, it feels even broader than that. The 135i's interior and ride quality are miles ahead of the Evo, though space is definitely at a premium.

1st Place: BMW 135i
Jaw-dropping drag racer in an Armani firesuit. It's one you want to live with, just not pay for month to month.


2nd Place: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR
Stunning dual transmission and track performance offset by everyday liveability woes. The more things change...

I think the RFTs on the 135i hurt it's lap times.  The Evo practically has R-comps!

The Evo (GSR) was high on my list BECAUSE of how practical it is (4 doors, AWD) in comparison to the 135i.  Trunk space obviously wasn't considered...but interior quality and ride definitely were.

~ BMW fan-boy   

[Giant Dwarf]

Back to the Evo. I don't think that any real Evo buyer (not talking about posers) would look at the trunk space or interior plastics as a deal breaker. People would pay the $40K-$50K for the 4.9s to 60 mph and 0.99g – BTW: can anyone name any other car under 50K CAD capable to post 0.99g? I guess the STi would be the only close contender, but it can only do 0.90g.

Any Miata with R-compound tires for one...  and then it'd be half the cost of the EVO.

***

Mitlov, the incredible performance goes without saying here.  As others have said, it doesn't warrant a zillion posts because a) we've not experienced it for ourselves and b) it damned-well BETTER perform in a mind-blowing fashion.  The reason this car has registered as a blip on any of our car-enthusiast radar screens is because of its legendary performance.  However, as Quadzilla has mentioned, some of us like a car that can do many things -- not simply serve as a single-purpose track or rally machine. 

Personally, the Evo is on my hit list for MX5 replacement because of its performance capabilities... but also because it serves as a semi-practical-in-a-pinch car that I can use every day.  I'm a die-hard enthusiast (it's why I currently use a small, low 2-seat roadster all -year round).  I don't mind a bumpy ride.  I don't mind a bit of extra noise.  I don't mind a few practical concessions because when the time comes, my daily driver also excites me in a way that a Camry never could.  But this doesn't mean I don't have a need for cargo capacity on occasion too.

The way I see it, if other direct competitors to the Evo can offer nearly-equal-or-better performance in every objective category, the Evo should also live up to those standards too.  A 135i or STI could be used to take me, two buddies and the dog for a guy's get away weekend to the cottage.  An Evo could do the same, but only one of us would get to bring a sweater or change of underwear.

Part of my issue with the Evo is that the lack of space in the trunk is so unncessary.  A big-ass subwoofer?  I really don't need that ("...and I don't think any real Evo buyer [not talking poseurs here] would care if there was no sub").  Even the way Mitsubishi handled the relocation of the battery and washer fluid jug to the trunk -- these two relatively small items take up far more space behind a bulkhead than they need to. 

[Snowman]

Back to the Evo. I don't think that any real Evo buyer (not talking about posers) would look at the trunk space or interior plastics as a deal breaker. People would pay the $40K-$50K for the 4.9s to 60 mph and 0.99g – BTW: can anyone name any other car under 50K CAD capable to post 0.99g? I guess the STi would be the only close contender, but it can only do 0.90g.

Any Miata with R-compound tires for one...  and then it'd be half the cost of the EVO.

***

Mitlov, the incredible performance goes without saying here.  As others have said, it doesn't warrant a zillion posts because a) we've not experienced it for ourselves and b) it damned-well BETTER perform in a mind-blowing fashion.  The reason this car has registered as a blip on any of our car-enthusiast radar screens is because of its legendary performance.  However, as Quadzilla has mentioned, some of us like a car that can do many things -- not simply serve as a single-purpose track or rally machine. 

Personally, the Evo is on my hit list for MX5 replacement because of its performance capabilities... but also because it serves as a semi-practical-in-a-pinch car that I can use every day.  I'm a die-hard enthusiast (it's why I currently use a small, low 2-seat roadster all -year round).  I don't mind a bumpy ride.  I don't mind a bit of extra noise.  I don't mind a few practical concessions because when the time comes, my daily driver also excites me in a way that a Camry never could.  But this doesn't mean I don't have a need for cargo capacity on occasion too.

The way I see it, if other direct competitors to the Evo can offer nearly-equal-or-better performance in every objective category, the Evo should also live up to those standards too.  A 135i or STI could be used to take me, two buddies and the dog for a guy's get away weekend to the cottage.  An Evo could do the same, but only one of us would get to bring a sweater or change of underwear.

Part of my issue with the Evo is that the lack of space in the trunk is so unncessary.  A big-ass subwoofer?  I really don't need that ("...and I don't think any real Evo buyer [not talking poseurs here] would care if there was no sub").  Even the way Mitsubishi handled the relocation of the battery and washer fluid jug to the trunk -- these two relatively small items take up far more space behind a bulkhead than they need to. 

Add a young family in the mix and I will be hard pressed to find a replacement for my modded WRX Wagon in 2009. I now find that I can load everybody plus the luggage and leave the SUV at home on weekend get-a-ways.

When I head out golfing with buddies down go the rear seats and we can load bags and carts with room to spare. I can make a run to big box alley and pick up building supplies.

I can perform all these family oriented activities while zipping around in an enthusiast oriented performance car. Practicality plays a big role in my drivers car purchase.

[Rolling]

I think the trunk talk started because of the review saying it is LARGE which it is far from the truth at only 6.9 Cf. Only trying to point out something that needs to be corrected.

Now personally, when I look at a car one of if not the first thing I look at is the trunk. I spend a lot of time going hiking, backpacking, cycling, snowshoeing, well being in the outdoors so I need a trunk to hold my (and those who come with me) stuff. This is probably why I drive a wagon but still crave for some of the sedans on the market. Since this one comes with a DSG (or whatever they call it) it would be something we could look at since my partner can’t drive a manual and I would still be happy. 

Maybe some people have a lot of money to spend on more than one car but we don’t and even if we did,  we only get one parking space so the car we choose has to do everything we need it to. What is wrong with wanting a sports sedan that seats four that can hold their luggage?

Also, who has driven this car or even seen one? I know I haven’t.

Back in 2004 while testing the Endeavor at a local Mitsu dealership I was surprised to see a bright yellow EVO 8 on the lot. I found out later that it belonged to the salesman who was helping us. He was kind enough to let me sit in it, open the hood, but stopped at allowing a test drive.

He told me that he had to import it from the U.S. and that it was costly, but felt that every time he went behind the wheel, all those things didn’t matter. He talked mostly about the absolute joy it was to drive the car, but pointed out that the suspension was not going to be for everyone. He didn’t seem to care though, and didn’t care if Mitsubishi Canada would eventually offer the EVO or not. He seemed to like his exclusivity.

Four years later the EVO is now here for everyone to test drive and take home. I too am in the market for an AWD vehicle to replace my Forester. Sure I’m looking at all the logical, sensible replacements like the Tiguan, RAV4, Outlander, and even maybe the new Forester. With gas prices going nowhere but up, I ‘m even seriously looking at Diesel options.

Something tells me to test drive the new EVO first!! Maybe after a test drive, and some time behind the wheel all those things won’t matter to me also.

  I thought the previous Evos were inadmissible in Canada, because of bumper safety regulations..

I phoned the Mitsubishi dealership today to inquire about the salesman with the 2004 EVO, and after talking with a few people who didn’t know who he was, I finally found some one who did, and confirmed and verified the car does exist. You are correct about the regulation Canada had then about the car, but they said it was mainly to do with were the intercooler was mounted in the front bumper assembly. The salesman doesn’t work for the dealership anymore, but must have been ingenious with his paperwork as his EVO arrived into Canada with a regular order of “Lancers”

Anyways it show just how passionate some people can get about this car, and the steps they’re willing to take to acquire one. I’m just glad that Mitsubishi has simplified the acquisition of the EVO now for all to have.

 Interestingly enough the last time I looked at Mitsubishi’s U.S. web site they don’t list the MR model being available just yet. While the Mitsubishi Canada web site has the MR as an available model. Maybe it pay back, for all those years we here in Canada were deprived of the EVO.

[Arctic_White]

I will continue to cross-shop against comparably-priced BMWs instead.  I'm sure I'm not the only one looking for the most performance for year-round duty at a certain pricepoint, am I?  Doesn't matter if it's a 135i or an Evo or G35S, I'm looking for relative bang-for-the-buck.

How about a used 911?  A nice one for $40,000 and set aside $10,000 for maintenance/repair.

[The Mighty Duck]

I wonder about that EVO the guy imported...  if he brought it in as a "Lancer", then if it ever gets in an accident he won't be covered.

I'm blown away by the 135's performance...  very impressive numbers, and it'll be a much nicer vehicle to spend some time in, too.  Too bad they don't offer it with AWD.

[Snowman]

I wonder about that EVO the guy imported...  if he brought it in as a "Lancer", then if it ever gets in an accident he won't be covered.

I'm blown away by the 135's performance...  very impressive numbers, and it'll be a much nicer vehicle to spend some time in, too.  Too bad they don't offer it with AWD.

I can live without AWD but the lack of a hatch model is a problem.

[Mitlov]

I wonder about that EVO the guy imported...  if he brought it in as a "Lancer", then if it ever gets in an accident he won't be covered.

I'm blown away by the 135's performance...  very impressive numbers, and it'll be a much nicer vehicle to spend some time in, too.  Too bad they don't offer it with AWD.

I can live without AWD but the lack of a hatch model is a problem.

  Sure, the coupe looks brilliant, but it basically eliminates all buyers who have had kids but haven't sent them off to university yet.  A 1-series five-door (or even three-door) obviously isn't an ideal family vehicle, but it gets the job done while putting a smile on the driver's face.  The 1-series coupe is a non-starter for anyone who knows how to hook up a carseat.

[dave]

I agree.  A 135i three (or five door) would be a sweet plum.  Either way, I plan on putting a baby seat in the 135i when the time comes.

If my bros (different bros, not evil_twin) can make it work in a 350Z and 335i coupe...I can do it in a 135i.    Remember MDXtasy and his 911 with twin baby buckets?

[safristi]

Don't buy a car to please the offspring.......BUY IT FER YERSELF.....they have 10..20...40...50..YEARS to GET Back -@_YA..@!!!!

[evil_twin]

I agree.  A 135i three (or five door) would be a sweet plum.  Either way, I plan on putting a baby seat in the 135i when the time comes.

If my bros (different bros, not evil_twin) can make it work in a 350Z and 335i coupe...I can do it in a 135i.    Remember MDXtasy and his 911 with twin baby buckets?

Definitely NOT evil_twin...


(Fires up Borla exhaust..and embraces sweet sweet pre-marital life)

[Snowman]

I agree.  A 135i three (or five door) would be a sweet plum.  Either way, I plan on putting a baby seat in the 135i when the time comes.

If my bros (different bros, not evil_twin) can make it work in a 350Z and 335i coupe...I can do it in a 135i.    Remember MDXtasy and his 911 with twin baby buckets?

Definitely NOT evil_twin...


(Fires up Borla exhaust..and embraces sweet sweet pre-marital life)

 Pre-marital dewd in his Mustang GT was not smiling when he could not pass me on Highway 55 West yesterday on the afternoon commute  . Wagons…Ho!

[evil_twin]

Possibly...

But he probably had a case of beer in the trunk and was on his way to golf. 

[Turbo Bob]

The way I see it, if other direct competitors to the Evo can offer nearly-equal-or-better performance in every objective category, the Evo should also live up to those standards too.  A 135i or STI could be used to take me, two buddies and the dog for a guy's get away weekend to the cottage.  An Evo could do the same, but only one of us would get to bring a sweater or change of underwear.

Jeffy what are you on about? You and the guys wouldn't need underwear! 

No seriously, if I can take the Lotus (with my bro too) to France and back with camping equipment, I'm sure you can fit your weekend luggage in the boot of an Evo...  I even did a tour of Ireland with the missus in my old Mk3 MR2, and that luggage space was even smaller than the Exige!

The Evo is the sort of car that if you drove it, you would buy it, full stop. You probably wouldn't even look in the boot.

[safristi]

...so U were the bastard that stole My Guinness............ ...............





 

[carcrazy]

Does anyone know why they chose to go with a 5MT instead of a 6MT?  Seems out of place nowadays...

I read somewhere that the 5-speed is more robust than the 6-speed they had in some of the Evo IX and this is why they choose it.

As for trunk space, it is much needed. Since Mitsu doesn't have the best of reliability, and with so much electronic  driving-aid gadgets, gotta have the space for a Trunk Monkey.

Back to the Evo. I don't think that any real Evo buyer (not talking about posers) would look at the trunk space or interior plastics as a deal breaker. People would pay the $40K-$50K for the 4.9s to 60 mph and 0.99g – BTW: can anyone name any other car under 50K CAD capable to post 0.99g? I guess the STi would be the only close contender, but it can only do 0.90g. Source: Edmunds.com.

Well a BMW 135i comes in under $50k does 0-60 in 4.7 (the Evo MR actually over 5 seconds) and holds 0.94gs.  Not 1.0g like the Evo...but it's still comparable considering it'll take the Evo to 60, the 1/4 mile, and braking.

Here's an interesting comparison of the 2 in Motor Trend: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/112_0806_bmw_135_mitsubishi_evo_mr_comparison/index.html

Don't forget that Evo beat the 135i on the track by a good margin (3.42 sec.) and the 135i actually won the MT comparison based on its road manners and vastly superior refinement, quality and luxury not necessarily because it's a better drag racer. Regardless, both cars are great for what they are designed for.

Probably I should've been more specific asking for stock cars under $50K that can beat the Evo on the track.

[Snowman]

Possibly...

But he probably had a case of beer in the trunk and was on his way to golf. 

 And a pack of smokes! He had a smoke hanging out of his mouth while we were racing….how unsafe