Evolution goes up-market

Mitsubishi officially launched its four-model Lancer Evolution range Down Under today -- the result a line-up that should cater equally for traditional constituents of the Evo sub-brand and the marque's desire to push its flagship model upmarket.

Boasting substantial levels of creature comforts, the three-model road car range features a standard specification list that has been tailored specifically for the local marketplace (more below). Prices for the manual and dual-clutch automated sequential transmission models range from $59,490 through to $71,690.

Mitsubishi is eager to point out, however, the performance credentials of the car remain. In addition, to the street-legal models, a special-order non-road-legal (but mechanically identical) motorsport model will also be offered from around $41,900 plus GST.

The street Evos will be sold only through 42 Ralliart accredited Mitsubishi dealers. Australian sales of the comp-only RS version will be handled by the Melbourne-based Team Mitsubishi Ralliart operation of Alan Heaphy.

All Evolution models share Mitsubishi's new alloy-blocked '4B11' turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder engine. Boasting 217kW at 6500rpm and 366Nm at 3500rpm in street trim, the 2.0-litre DOHC engine offers a wider spread of both torque and power. The engine features dual variable valve timing and wholesale changes to the inlet and exhaust designs (including turbo) from the last generation Evo IX.

Tuned for 98RON fuel, it's down on torque from the 400Nm-plus of the Japanese-spec version of the new Evolution, but is also, quite literally, at the start of its development cycle. The car gained Group N homologation from the FIA, clearing it for production-based rally and circuit competition, just over a week ago.

Downstream of the wunder-mill, the new Lancer Evolution also ushers in Mitsubishi's first dual-clutch automated sequential gearbox. Developed in conjunction with Getrag and Ford, the new six-speed TC-SST is one of latest crop of the 'clever' computer-fettled transmissions that deliver amenity, performance and fuel economy benefits.

In the case of the Lancer Evolution, TC-SST offers two auto modes, Normal and Sport, plus a manual-only Super Sport mode that's designed for competition and/or track use. As is the case with all dual-clutch gearboxes you can also shift manually -- via column-mounted paddles or traditional transmission lever -- whilst in the 'auto' modes.

A competition-tough five-speed manual gearbox is the entry-level transmission for the road car range. An all-new design, the five-speed uses paired forward gears (first and third) to 'create' a reverse gear. This not only saves weight (no reverse gear -- the box is 10kg lighter than the Evo IX's six-speeder), but also allows the gearsets themselves to be bigger and hence stronger.

The five-speeder is the sole gearbox offered on the RS competition version of the latest Evolution.

The other trademark technology of the Evolution range is its all-wheel-drive system. In the case of the new Lancer Evolution, this has been christened Super-AWD.

In the simplest terms, it takes the Evo IX's physics-defying system comprising Automatic Centre Differential (with modes for Gravel, Tarmac and Snow), Automatic Yaw Control and a sports-calibrated antilock braking system, and then overlays a new sports-calibrated (switchable) electronic stability system. The whole system is managed by a single ECU. (The front diff remains a helical mechanical limited slip unit).

Mitsubishi Australia insists there's no '10', 'Ten' or 'X' in the new car's official model designation. Therefore, the five-speed manual transmission Lancer Evolution kicks off the road car range priced from $59,490. (Mitsubishi says all of its Evolution prices are calculated at the taxman's new 33 per cent LCT rate).

Rolling on 18 x 8.5-inch Enkei alloys and Dunlop SP Sport 600 rubber, the Evolution is equipped with 350/330mm (fr/rr) ventilated and drilled one-piece discs, gripped by Brembo calipers -- four-piston units up front. Built on a specially strengthened and modified Lancer bodyshell, the car features front strut brace, alloy roof, front guards and bonnet (as per the IX) and new alloy front and rear bumper beams.

Essentially only the front door skins are carried over from the donor sedan. The body work flourishes -- flared guards, guard and bonnet vents and rear diffuser, et al -- are aerodynamically optimised, says Mitsubishi.

The Australia-spec Evolutions have a unique level of equipment. Unlike some other markets where less is more, Mitsubishi has thrown the book at the car.

Inside, cloth-trimmed Recaro bucket seats are standard and the cooking-model Lancer cabin has been generally upgraded. The leather sports wheel features audio and cruise controls plus full Bluetooth phone connectivity and hands-free operation. Climate control air, keyless entry and start, auto wipers and headlights and a six-disc stereo, lift the new Evolution significantly above other market's models (and the $56,789 Evolution IX) in terms of standard specification.

Safety-equipment-wise the car's come into the Noughties too. Standard is the abovementioned stability control plus a full complement of safety aids. Seven airbags are standard -- driver and front passenger, driver knee, side and curtains.

With Mitsubishi claiming pre-orders of the Lancer Evolution are running at around 95 per cent (!!!) in favour of the twin-clutch transmission, it seems plenty of buyers have chosen to step up to the $64,490 Evolution TC-SST model, at least. This model echoes the base model's spec but adds the twin-clutch transmission at a post-LCT-lift price that undercuts Subaru's Impreza WRX STI specR, Mitsubishi keenly pointed out.

But almost eight of every ten Aussie Lancer Evolution customers so far have gone the whole hog and opted for the TC-SST-only Evolution MR top-of-the-range model, the resurgent carmaker says.

Priced from $71,690, the MR spec adds lighter BBS forged alloy wheels and two-piece Brembo front discs, Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, adaptive HID headlights (with washers and auto levelling) and exterior trim upgrades. Inside, the Recaros get leather trim and seat heaters, and a Rockford Fosgate nine-speaker sound system and Mitsubishi's Multi Communication System (which includes video functionality and a full satnav set-up) are also standard equipment.

A further option is available to Evolution buyers who want to retain a manual gearbox but up-spec to the Brembos, Bilsteins, etc. Priced at $5500, Mitsubishi will offer a Performance Pack comprising Brembo two-piece front discs, Bilstein/Eibach suspension componentry and BBS forged alloys.

Expect other upgrade options including body-kit add-ons, better audio, etc to also surface in due course.

All Lancer Evolution road models are covered by Mitsubishi's five-year/130,000km Diamond Advantage vehicle warranty and its 10-year/160,000km powertrain warranty. A five-year/unlimited km roadside assistance package is also included.

Mitsubishi launched the new Lancer Evolution at a streaming wet Winton Raceway, near Benalla in Victoria this week.

We can attest to the car's ability, unbelievably forgiving dynamics and outright speed -- even in the difficult conditions. And after an additional 250km or so on the at times bumpy and initially damp roads around Myrtleford, first impressions are that the Mitsubishi has added a level of refinement to the car, without sacrificing any pace. It's no S-Class, but it's significantly quieter and more polished than the latest STI for instance.

It looks great on the road, too. Along with the donor Lancer models, the Evolution may have grown in terms of size and weight, but it retains that trademark giant-killing feel and 'can do' demeanour.

Interestingly, Mitsubishi is being guarded with its performance claims for the new Evolution. There's no official 0-100km/h time, though 5.7sec is around the mark for the manual. Without a true launch control function (yet!), Mitsu insiders say the TC-SST is 0.2sec slower.

According to Mitsubishi Australia's Manager Ralliart and Motorsport, Richard Emery, the company is already holding over 100 orders for the new car, with 12 RS motorsport variants also spoken for. The company is looking to sell between 60 and 90 Evolutions per month -- 70 per cent of them SST-equipped.

While a number of manual transmission models have already landed and the car officially goes on sale on July 21, significant volumes of the TC-SST models will not arrive until late this month or in early August.

Look out for our full launch review and drive impression of the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution range soon.

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