Evolution gathers pace

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII, unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show, will go on sale in New Zealand in May priced at $74,500. It is the eighth generation of the rally-bred four-wheel-drive road car. The first Lancer Evolution was launched in Japan in October 1992.

But the Los Angeles show car, pictured above, is an American-only model, a five-speed manual based on the domestic Japanese Evo VII GSR. It is the first Lancer Evolution to be sold in America. Previous models were unavailable.

It shares major parts and components with the new international Evo VIII, but has been developed for the US to meet crashworthiness and emissions requirements.

It uses a mechanical rear differential and viscous centre differential instead of the higher-series cars' yaw-sensing active rear differential and electronic centre differential. It misses out on the new six-speed gearbox, too.

The American model shares the same boosted 4G63 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 206kW at 6500rpm, but peak torque of 373Nm at 3500rpm is down on the New Zealand model's improved 392Nm at 3500rpm.

Mitsubishi says the new car stays true to company policy of upgrading the performance and handling characteristics of successive models.

Increased torque, the six-speed gearbox, an anti-theft engine immobiliser, a more rigid body, better aerodynamics and better engine cooling are features of the new model, says Mitsubishi.

The Evo VIII's body has been made stiffer and stronger to improve handling and stability.

Body panel joins have been reinforced and suspension mounting stiffness intensified, says Mitsubishi.

A new front bumper with integral grille is said to mark the new Mitsubishi Motors Corporation design identity with a raised triangular base with chromed triple diamond logo in the grille centre.

A 10 per cent bigger air intake below the grille improves the airflow around the intercooler, and air outlets in the aluminium bonnet are bigger than the Evo VII and have been shifted to further improve engine cooling.

A new-design engine cover generates significant downforce and features a diffuser that directs cooling air over the drivetrain. Brake cooling ducts are retained from the old model. So, too, are the Brembo brakes and MacPherson front strut and multi-link rear suspensions.

Mitsubishi says the suspension has been lower-slung to improve the car's centre of gravity.

In what is claimed to be a first for a four-door sedan, the rear spoiler employs weight-saving carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in both the horizontal and vertical wings.

The shape of the wing has also been modified to generate greater downforce without increasing drag.

Other significant exterior changes are new front driving lights and a new tail-light cluster.

The vehicle will run on Enekei 17-inch alloy wheels with Advan 235/45ZR 17-inch tyres. The weight of a full set of wheels has been reduced by 3.2kg.

Mitsubishi says the new super active yaw control system (AYC), working in conjunction with the active centre differential (ACD), anti-lock brakes and the helical-geared front limited slip diff, delivers significant improvements in cornering and traction.

It says the new integrated control system provides better stability and performance compared with systems that operate ACD and AYC independently.

The new AYC system doubles the amount of torque that can be transferred between the rear wheels to improve cornering performance and stability. ACD improves acceleration and straight line stability and helps to maintain the car's 50:50 front/rear drive force.

In addition, the driver can switch between three modes - tarmac, gravel, or snow - while moving, to optimise control and to match road conditions.

Fuel tank capacity is up by 7 litres on the new car to 55 litres, providing extended cruising range.

The Evo VIII is the first of the series to be fitted with an engine immobiliser.

A chip in the head of the key communicates with the engine management computer, effectively unlocking the computer. After each use the key head code is reset automatically and randomly to a new sequence.

Inside, the car comes with wrap-around Recaro front seats upholstered in a blue knit fabric. Leather is used on the Momo metal-spoked height adjustable steering wheel, the gear shift knob and hand brake.

A race-style instrument panel with white-backed meters has the tachometer located in the centre with the 270km/h speedo on one side and the rest of the gauges ranged on the other.

Other features include tinted glass all-round, dual airbags, air conditioning, central locking, power windows and a centre armrest with cup holders.

Surround sound comes from a six-speaker Kenwood stereo system with MP3 CD player.