While the Mitsubishi Lancer OZ Rally didn’t seem to live up to its billing in terms of all-out performance, the Lancer Evolution was a horse of a different color — make that 271 horses, available in several bold colors.
Harley-Davidson’s lock on the Evolution and Evo product names necessitate our references to the Mitsubishi hot rod formally as the Lancer Evolution, rather than Evo 8 (VIII) as it is referred to in other domains.
The Lancer Evolution rang the bells of many driving enthusiasts whose desire was to go faster, compete harder, and experience fulfillment behind the wheel. It was a car that was certainly capable of life’s more mundane tasks such as shuttling children, hauling groceries and negotiating commuter traffic, but that wasn’t its real forte. The primary mission statement was to dominate in Group A and Group N rally car competition. In the performance field, it was a true thoroughbred designed to stir the soul.
Enter the MR Edition Lancer Evolution for 2005. If you liked its predecessor, get ready to fall deeply in love with MR Lancer Evolution. Power for this rally-ready go-fast sedan still comes from an inline 2.0-liter, DOHC four-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled engine, but now it pumps out five more horsepower, upping the ante to 276, and 13 more foot-pounds of torque (now 286) to all four wheels, all the time. Another gear has been added to the transmission and gear changes are accomplished via a six-speed manual box. Zero to 60 mph clicks off in a scant five seconds while sounding much like a huge hornet with an attitude.
The MR Edition Lancer Evolution has managed to shed a few pounds (27.6) in part because of the lightweight aluminum hood, roof, side impact beams and new BBS multispoke wheels. The car embodies the ultimate racy image with its sloped nose, integrated front air dam with three scoops, functional inset hood scoop, side skirts, lowered rear fascia and optional carbon fiber high rear wing spoiler. Other things that are special about the Lancer Evo VIII are a MOMO three-spoke, leather-covered steering wheel; genuine Recaro front bucket seats; Brembo brakes fore and aft; seven double-spoke BBS lightweight aluminum alloy wheels, finished in a Graphite metallic finish, and shod with special Yokohama ADVAN AO46 17-inch high-performance tires.
Pricing for this limited production “rally ride” begins at $34,199. Add the MR package, which includes aluminum sport pedals; aluminum/carbon fiber brake grip; aluminum shift knob; Vortex generator; boost gauge kit; wheels locks; gauge trim — all for $800 and the destination and handling charges — and the final sticker totals $35,594. My test MR Evolution was sprayed Rally Red outside and sported a black cloth interior accented with aluminum and carbon fiber accents.
The Lancer Evolution MR isn’t an inexpensive “boy-racer” but it offers all the makings of a serious contender on the road, the rally circuit, or on the track. I place it above Subaru’s WRX STi for smoothness, finesse and comfort. As far as performance, it may well be a draw, despite the STi’s higher horsepower output. Besides, the MR Evolution utilizes top-of-the line recognized aftermarket equipment, rather than fabricating its “wannabe” gear. In essence, driving the old Lancer Evolution in comparison with the new Lancer Evolution MR is as different as night and day, with the latter being superior.
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