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2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR Road Test

The Best Japanese Performance Car Period

Can you guess what question I get asked the most? Its a variation of, "Whats the best car youve ever driven?" or "Which car would you buy if money was no object?" While its fun to contemplate the thought, money is always an object if your chosen profession is automotive journalism, so its a moot point really.

Im also practical, and therefore have to factor in the need to transport my wife and three children in the same vehicle at times. Personally, I would also budget for fuel economy, as recent experiences filling up mid- and full-size SUVs, and even "minivans" (as if theyre mini anymore, have turned me off the segment. Lastly, for me to come to the table with real money a car needs to

Whenever Im asked which car I would buy if money was no object, its tough to answer because so many variables come into play. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

drive extremely well.

So what car fulfills all these needs? Mitsubishis Lancer Evolution. Actually, in my not so humble opinion the upgraded 2005 EVO VIII MR is the best Japanese performance car, period. Whoa, what a bold claim! Yeah, I know. I dont usually state something so black and white, but its just that good.

Is it better than a

In my not so humble opinion the upgraded 2005 EVO VIII MR is the best Japanese performance car, period. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

Honda S2000? Without question. An Acura NS-X? Yup. A Mazda RX-8? Destroys it. How about a Nissan 350Z? That too. A Skyline GT-R? Cant say, never driven one. Lets just say that the new EVO performs better than any Japanese vehicle currently exported to North America.

What do I mean by performs better? Im talking about all-round performance, which includes acceleration, at the limit handling, braking, etal. Really, its a question of balance, and the new EVO

Mitsubishi held a global launch in Vancouver, Canada, an odd location considering the car wont be sold north of the 49th parallel. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

VIII MR is perfectly poised no matter the situation.

To state its case, Mitsubishi held a global launch in Vancouver, Canada, an odd location being that the EVO is one of the only Mitsu models not available north of the 49th parallel due to that countrys 5 mph bumper restrictions and a certain low-hanging oil cooler that sustains too much damage at that speed to qualify. Nevertheless, legions of eager American, European and a sprinkle of Asian auto journalists descended on the town to discover,

The EVO is easier to drive fast than a BMW M3, especially on rough terrain and even more when road surfaces are slippery. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

or rediscover just how far Mitsubishi had developed its latest EVO.

Its a Japanese BMW M3, with easier access to the rear seats, more interior room, a larger trunk, a more compliant suspension (the M3 is punishing) and a much lower price. Whats more, the EVO is easier to drive fast than an M3, especially on rough terrain and even more when road surfaces are slippery. I bet that side by side it would be a close race through the slalom.

I like the M3 comparo as both vehicles are loosely based on FIA-sanctioned race cars. One fights it out in the top levels of sports

Its a shame, but Mitsubishi will only build 6,500 EVOs for 2005 and even fewer MRs. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

car racing, which includes such notable events as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona, while the EVO regularly runs through dirt, mud, snow and occasionally pavement in the World Rally Championship. Totally different missions for sure, but in the end two seriously competent passenger cars.

The Mitsu is more of a "race replica," however, or at least it looks more like all it needs are some sponsorship stickers and a number attached to each door in order to enter it in the Monte Carlo rally. Obviously the differences between an actual rally equipped car and the made-for-consumption version are great, benefiting the latter in most cases.

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