 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR. Click image to enlarge |
Review and photos by Paul Williams
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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Evolution of the Evolution
Willow Springs, California – When Mitsubishi arrived in Canada in 2003, fans of the brand were all asking the same question: “Where’s the Lancer Evolution?”
Not here, it turned out. Due to special Canadian bumper requirements, the Lancer “Evo,” as it’s affectionately called – Mitsubishi’s rally-winning, high performance extreme machine – would remain a promise for the distant future.
The good news is that Mitsubishi has kept its promise. The 2008 Lancer Evolution is more sophisticated, more powerful, better handling and better looking than ever before, and now Canadians can get behind the wheel.
For those unfamiliar with the Lancer Evolution story, the first generation was introduced in 1992 (Evolution I-III), the second generation in 1996 (IV-VI), and the third generation in 2003 (VII-IX). The 2008 Lancer Evolution X is the first version of the fourth generation. It’s all-new, with no carry-over panels or components from the outgoing model. Its natural competition is the Subaru WRX STI.
 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR. Click image to enlarge |
What makes the Lancer Evolution so special? In just about every other country except Canada, this is the car that defines the Mitsubishi brand. Packed with performance technology, the all-wheel drive, multiple-World Rally Championship winning Evo is the stuff of legend on the international rally circuit. From Mitsubishi’s point of view, merely having the Evo in its vehicle line-up can influence a purchasing decision.
“It’s our halo car,” explained Larry Futers, Mitsubishi Canada’s Director, National Marketing. “It epitomizes the Mitsubishi brand, and reflects the performance in all Mitsubishi vehicles.”
In Canada, we’ll see three Evolution trim levels, starting with the $41,498 GSR, (for the “purist” driver, according to Mitsubishi Canada), moving to the $47,498 MR and the fully-equipped $51,498 MR Premium (MR models are available in May). The three trim levels share the same engine, but differ significantly in transmission, wheels, suspension, brakes and convenience features.
  2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR. Click image to enlarge |
Three GSRs were available for testing at the Evolution launch in California, and the 400-kilometre round trip to Willow Springs Raceway, along with track time, gave invited journalists a good introduction to the vehicle. Under the hood, and mated to a heavy-duty, close ratio five-speed manual transmission, is a 2.0-litre, all-aluminum, turbocharged and intercooled engine making 291 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, and 300 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 r.p.m. The Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system features anti-yaw control on the rear differential to manage side-to-side torque shifts, and an Active Centre Differential (ACD) to handle the movement of torque front-to-rear. The system also features active stability control that can be disabled if desired, and a helical limited slip front differential. Standard wheels are 18 x 8.5-inch cast alloy from Enkei, with 245/40-18 Yokohama Advan A13C tires that are specifically designed for the 2008 Lancer Evolution.
The Evolution GSR features an aluminum hood, roof and front fenders, and extensive use of aluminum in the front and rear suspensions, and weighs 1595 kilograms (3517 pounds) Four-piston 350-millimetre, one-piece Brembo brakes are fitted in the front; complemented by two-piston 330 mm Brembos at the rear.
Since the launch of the latest Mitsubishi Lancer, I’ve been a big fan of its exterior design; “One of the nicest designs of the past few years,” I wrote after the Lancer’s introduction. The Lancer Evolution builds on that design to create one of the best looking hot-compacts you can buy. From the technical grille to the racing-style wheels to the rear spoiler and twin exhausts, this is a deftly chiseled piece with great presence and dramatic curb appeal.
  2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR; bottom photo courtesy Mitsubishi. Click image to enlarge |
Inside, the Recaro cloth seats could be described as racing seats for a passenger sedan – same with the model-specific steering wheel. The seats employ anti-whiplash construction, a side airbag, and aggressive bolstering to keep the driver in place. Seating for rear-seat passengers is more conventional, easily accommodating two adults. Trunk space is limited (the windshield washer container is situated behind a panel back there, along with drive-train hydraulics).
Safety features include anti-lock brakes, the previously mentioned electronic stability systems, seven airbags and Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body structure which is designed to enhance occupant protection by dispersing energy loads during side and rear crashes.
On the road, the Lancer Evolution GSR is by no means unrefined or harsh, but it does not drive like a typical, family-oriented, compact car. The Evolution GSR has a very firm suspension that directly communicates road surface variations to the driver (maybe a little too much in some situations). Engine noise is evident, even in fifth gear at highway speeds, and steering is very sharp and precise (not darty, but instantly responsive). Getting in and out of the driver’s seat is a minor chore, as the side bolsters protrude from them (but once in position, the seat fits like a glove). While the steering column tilts, it does not telescope (too bad).
   2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR; top two photos courtesy Mitsubishi. Click image to enlarge |
Acceleration is as brisk as you want; the Lancer Evolution will pull strongly in any gear, but comes alive at anything over 2,500 r.p.m. Although the car redlines at 7,000 rpm, its low-end has real grunt, which differentiates it from high-revving, low torque competitors.
But its true home is on the track, or competing in autocross events, I should think. On the short track at Willow Springs Raceway, and on the bespoke autocross course next to it, the Lancer Evolution exhibited a rare combination of muscle and poise. On the track the car was balanced and quick, rewarding a smooth driving style and correct placement with progressively faster lap times. It makes even average drivers look pretty good. On the autocross course, changing direction like an all-star punt returner, the Lancer Evolution simply goes where you point it, at whatever pace you require.
The MR versions will arrive with a twin clutch Sportronic six-speed transmission, two-piece front rotors, forged BBS wheels, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, bright exterior trim, optional leather interior and navigation system, and the full range of luxury appointments. The GSR, while guilty of some cheap-looking hard plastic interior panels, lack of driver’s seat height adjustment, no heated seats, no telescoping steering, and the small trunk, provides more than enough entertainment to compensate, and will suit its intended buyer just fine.
The 2008 Lancer Evolution GSR: definitely built to boogie!
Manufacturer’s web sites
- Mitubishi Lancer Evolution
- Mitubishi Motors Canada
