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Mitsubishi Bringing Even Hotter EVO to U.S. Market

Subaru Impreza WRX STi Drivers Had Better Watch Their Rearview Mirrors

Subarus announcement of a 300-hp WRX STi probably took Mitsubishi by surprise when introduced at the Detroit auto show last year. While a more powerful version of the rally bred economy car was expected for the North American market, the event was abuzz with the new of the Subarus stratospheric output.

Since production versions have surfaced, tests have shown the less powerful Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII, at 271-hp (280-hp in foreign markets), compares well, with reports of better overall balance allowing for similar comparative performance.

But

Ready to go head-to-head with Subarus WRX STi, Mitsubishi will soon released its intimidating Lancer Evolution VIII MR in the U.S. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America)

to many in the hunt for a practical supercar, horsepower bragging rights are king. To this end Mitsubishi has just announced its Lancer Evolution VIII MR, previously only available in its domestic market, will now be coming to North America. Not only is the new sport model more powerful, but offers wickedly sinful styling enhancements designed to intimidate opponents into backing down before the race gets underway.

Dark gray is the paint scheme, with large intakes and vents hinting at the power that lies beneath the hood, accented by gray-painted

Tests have shown the less powerful Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII (shown here), at 271-hp, already compares well with the WRX STi. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

alloy wheels and an overzealous rear decklid spoiler.

Even more powerful than the upgraded 300-hp Lancer EVO VIII FQ300, the MR raises the bar significantly. The MR, short for Mitsubishi Racing, adds a race-tuned suspension for tighter handling, while its electronically-regulated all-wheel drive system has been calibrated to react to road surface irregularities quicker.

The engine gets a larger turbocharger together with a modified camshaft, and who knows what other electronic upgrades, to boost output significantly. Just the same Mitsubishi isnt bragging, only rating the new mill at the old standard EVO VIII specs.

Production of the MR package started in February 2004, and has been available to be added to GSR and RS versions of the Lancer EVO VIII. It is scheduled to go on sale this fall in the U.S. as a 2005 model.

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