Mitsubishi Evolution Development

the evo lution theory

Preface The introduction of the tenth Lancer Evolution is a big milestone. Not only for Mitsubishi Motors, but for everyone who loves high-performance cars that are both functional and beautiful. This special book is an ode to every aspect of the new Lancer Evolution.

As Ryugo Nakao, Product Executive, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, says: ‘The dramatic leaps forward in the evolutionary process of the Lancer Evolution have been driven by the cutting-edge technology developed and honed through our participation in the motorsport arena, fed back into our production models. We invite you to experience for yourself the next step up the evolutionary ladder.’



CHAPTER ONE

Early living

A frank and colourful behind-the-scenes view of the actual design realization of the new Lancer Evolution.

6

CHAPTER two

Survival of the fittest

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From 19th century Mitsubishi beginnings and successful rally history to nine successive generations of Lancer Evolutions. A flight through time.

CHAPTER THREE

Contents

The expression of emotion

24

An emotional, visual tribute to the new Lancer Evolution.

CHAPTER FOUR

Science & study

36

Food for petrolheads. All the facts and figures, technical specifications and elements that make a perfect driver’s car.

CHAPTER five

Natural selection

48

Portraits of Jackie Chan and other passionate people with big Evo-hearts.

CHAPTER six

Power of movement 54 The new Lancer Evolution is put to the test in the beautiful and rugged Black Mountain area of Wales.

CHAPTER seven

Evolutionary psychology

66

The innovative interior of the Lancer Evolution proves that function and beauty can go hand in hand.

CHAPTER eight

Reviews

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What do international automotive journalists think of the Lancer Evolution?

CHAPTER nine

Varieties of species Trim levels, technical specifications, equipment, colours, dimensions, accessories… Here you’ll find it all.

Index





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86



CHAPTER ONE

Early living With each new model created by Mitsubishi Motors, every millimetre presents tough choices for its designers as they strive to balance form and function while remaining true to the car and company’s heritage. Despite the many obstacles that had to be faced, Mitsubishi’s passionate design team came through gloriously. And so the tenth Lancer Evolution was born. This is its inside story.



Matsuhara led the design development of the Lancer Evolution (as he had for the Lancer). He works at MRDE (Mitsubishi Research & Development Europe) and talks full of passion about Mitsubishi’s latest creation: “The new Lancer Evolution is now both a reality and our

Norihiko Yoshimine (Designer exterior, MMC).

company’s flagship. During the years I was in

Hiroaki Matsunobu (Expert project manager, MMC).

Norikazu Nakao (Clay modeller exterior, MMC).

Tsuyoshi Imaizumi (Digital modeller exterior, MMC).

charge of it, we stayed loyal to the following three aims: First we had to improve functionality, so we pushed back the boundaries in all areas, lengthening the wheelbase for greater stability, lowering the centre of gravity and widening the track. In the meantime we also reduced the front and rear overhangs to make the car more manoeuvrable both at speed and in town. The second aim was to create an optimal shape while taking the Lancer Evolution’s aerodynamics to a new level. For the exterior, in particular, our engineers completed an These very first design proposals by exterior designer Norihiko Yoshimine ultimately led to the new Lancer Evolution.

exhaustive wind tunnel test programme. The third aim was to give the car a design that

appeals to the customer, the toughest task of all for any designer. But we believe there can be real beauty in a shape designed to be functional and if that design is executed with real skill and emotion, it will possess the

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power to ignite passion in those that see it.

BxA

Now that development is finished, we the designers are confident that the Lancer Evolution is a fitting flagship for Mitsubishi. Please go and see it in real-life. Then feel it, sense it. You will not be dis­appointed.”

,8990 3563 x 56

Masaki Matsuhara, General Manager of Design at MRDE, Germany.





The exterior styling of the Lancer (back) and the Lancer Evolution (front) took place at almost the same time.

Two design proposals The best way to underline Matsuhara’s words is to explore two interesting phases in the Lancer Evolution’s development and listen to the designers closest to the project. The story

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begins with the first ideas that were mere sketches but which led ultimately to the development of two design proposals in 2004.

The Decision

Hiroaki Matsunobu, expert project manager for

Designer Norihiko Yoshimine and clay-model-

Lancer/Lancer Evolution, explains: “As with the Lancer, the initial design was based on a

9785 8 , 3 5 4 : 5 23,68

MRDE proposal. Matsuhara was stationed

ler Norikazu Nakao were in the the wind tunnel

96

day after day, refining Yoshimine’s model in collaboration with engineers. Yoshimine: “The

with MRDE and took the proposal with him

rally inspired blister fender’s purpose was to

back to Japan, so we started the develop­­ment

achieve functional beauty but it proved difficult

of the Lancer Evolution. Then two proposals

to scale down. In the wind tunnel with the 40%

were developed at Okazaki, Mitsubishi’s R&D

model, we pursued pure functionality so had

centre in Japan.” In Japan the exterior de-

no time for design refinement.”

signer Norihiko Yoshimine was responsible

The time had come to decide which of the two

for one of the two proposals and duly made a

proposals for the 40% model to choose. The

40% scale model. Yoshimine: “The basic form

decision came when Yoshimine received a call

was unchanged, but the front fender was

from Matsuhara himself: “Your proposal has

different. My propo­sal was based on WRC

been selected. Do your best”.

rally cars that adopt blister fenders for aerodynamic reasons and our goal became to

Carving the blister fender was one of the biggest obstacles to be overcome.

implement this feature into a passenger car.

Clay modeller Norikazu Nakao doing his magic.

Yoshimine, Nakao and the others turned to digital exterior modeller, Tsuyoshi Imaizumi, for a final translation of all the hard facts to digital data and vice versa.

The 1/1 model The next stage was to make a 1/1 model of

I had the idea at the WRC ‘Rally of Japan’

Yoshimine’s proposal made of special clay.

where I heard people saying how the func-

Yoshimine: “In two weeks in the wind tunnel

tional beauty of such extreme shapes was

we made sure everything would work as it

really cool. I thought we could apply this

should while Norikazu Nakao shaped the clay

thinking to a road car.”

model according to the aerodynamic input. It was the cold season, so his hands were numb all the time. Nonetheless we managed it.”

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11

Genuinely functional

Yoshimine: “Door handles! To avoid these, the

The team now started to make a prototype

rear fender had to be front sloping. The ideal

with a glass fibre body. Yoshimine: “It was

aerodynamic shape seemed impossible to

impossible to open an air duct in the bonnet of

create, because it would cover the recess for

the clay model so Tsuyoshi Imaizumi from the

placing one’s hand on the door handle. We

digital group scanned the clay model. From

tried all types of data—changing from concave

this data came the FRP (Fibre Reinforced

to convex, or a curve that would eliminate the

Plastic) body. Usually we don’t make a glass

blister in the rear. Converting the CAD data to

fibre prototype at this stage but the Lancer

the clay model proved almost impossible, but

Evolution was different.” Matsunobu adds that

finally we managed. The blister’s bulge is now

his team wanted to ensure at this point that

smoothly fused with the door.”

the design was genuinely functional. All the lines, ducts and outlets should have a func-

Beauty

tion - no ornaments would be allowed. The

With this important element conquered,

team tested the design from every angle

Yoshimine, Nakao and the others turned to

through which airflow could pass. Yoshimine:

digital exterior-modeller, Tsuyoshi Imaizumi,

“Even the outlet behind the front wheels is not

for a final translation of all the hard facts to

simply for show but to let engine heat escape.

digital data and vice versa. The final parts like

We made a shape in front of the hole so we

the diffuser, the concave and convex surfaces

could improve its efficiency and even con-

and the intake and outlets in the bonnet,

quered the aerodynamic disadvantage of the

though complicated, were all gradually

inverted slant nose. We were not going to be

finished. In line with the ideas of Matsuhara,

beaten by a slant nose.”

the Lancer Evolution had to be more beautiful than ever and achieve this beauty through

Struggle

functional shapes. Imaizumi: “I think,

Now the toughest part of Yoshimine’s design

together, we got it right, even down to the

needed tackling: the construction of the fend-

smallest detail.”

ers that would provide both superior aerodynamics and a distinguished look. This turned out to be a mighty challenge. The ridge of the front fender above the front wheels goes fluently in a horizontal direction, but at the rear There it is. The metal body work for the actual Lancer Evolution. An end and a beginning.

a small but unavoidable problem occurred.

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CHAPTER TWO

Survival of the fittest The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Its origins date even further back than its sporty predecessors from the 1970s… In fact, its name speaks for itself: the Lancer Evolution has been born after years of development and is part of a continuing process for better, faster, more…

14

Lancer 1600 GSR at the 1974 East Africa Safari Rally.

If anyone living in 1870, the year in which

After this highly successful racing debut the

Yataro Iwasaki founded the Japanese

goals were set. The 600 from 1962, more

Tsukumo Shokai Shipping Company, had told

performance orientated than its predeces-

him that more than a century later his com-

sor, followed the 500 and became firmly

pany would be producing the world’s best

established in motor sports after its fantastic

rally cars, he wouldn’t have believed it. He

performance at the 1963 Malaysia Grand

wouldn’t even have known what a rally was.

Prix, where the first three places were taken

Or a car, for that matter. Maybe the crafts-

in the under 600 cc class, beating much

men on the big black and white photograph

more established opposition. The following

would have believed it, because in 1917 they

year, the larger and all-new Colt 1000 took

built the Mitsubishi A behind them (see

the first three places in the Japan Grand

image on page 15). The A was the first

Prix. It was in 1966 that Mitsubishi Heavy

series-produced motor car in Japan, built by

Industries Ltd. moved its motorsport activi-

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co Ltd, a forerunner

ties from passenger car based ‘Touring Cars’

of today’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.

like the Colt 1000 to ‘Formula Cars’, open

But even then there was still a long way to go

mono­posto classes. Here the new Mitsubishi

before the first genuine Mitsubishi rally car

Colt F3A was competitive from the begin-

would see the light of day.

ning. Taking on the likes of Lotus and

Lancer EX2000 Turbo at the 1981 Acropolis Rally.

Brabham, it won the Exhibition Class of the First steps

1966 Japan Grand Prix. Circuit racing con­

It was not until the 1960s that Mitsubishi

tinued all the way until 1971 when

produced another passenger vehicle, be-

Mitsubishi’s crowning achievement was to

cause Japan needed commercial vehicles

win (first and second place) the Japan Grand

and buses in the preceding decades - intro-

Prix overall with the Colt F2000. In parallel,

ducing diesel engines in motor vehicles and

the car that can really be said to have laid

4-wheel-drive technology in Japan in the

down the formula for success in rallying that

process. Mitsubishi took its first steps in

Mitsubishi has been enjoying ever since was

international racing with the small 500 from

the 1967 58hp 1000F. Entered into the gruel-

1960, basically an affordable and efficient

ling Southern Cross Rally in Australia that

family car. Nevertheless, this two-cylinder,

year, it came fourth overall despite its small

493 cc car won its class at the 1962 Macau

engine and won its class outright. The next

Grand Prix while the other three 500s

year, it earned Mitsubishi its first podium

entered came in second, third and fourth.

position by coming third overall.

Lancer Evolution at the 1999 Monte Carlo Rally.

Lancer WR05 at the 2005 Corona Rally Mexico.

18

19

This Colt 1000F can be considered as Mitsubishi’s first genuine rally car and as such, the first link to Lancer Evolution.

The ‘car-breaker’ The seventies and eighties prolonged Mitsubishi’s success in motor sports, now purely focused on the world of rallying. With rally ace Andrew Cowan driving the 150hp Colt Galant 1.6L GS, Mitsubishi gained its first international rally victory in the 1972 Southern Cross. Then the Lancer came, saw and conquered. It was 1973 and the sports version, the 1600 GSR, took a remarkable 12-3-4-victory in the Southern Cross. The following year it ran its first World Rally Championship (WRC) event: the extremely tough East African Safari Rally, aka the ‘carbreaker’. Finishing in one piece was difficult, let alone winning. The 1.6 litre Lancer however, with Joginder Singh at the wheel, ran straight to victory at its debut on the five day, 6,000 km rally, beating Björn Waldegaard’s 2.7 litre Porsche 911. Singh repeated his success in the 1976 Safari Rally with other Lancers coming home second and third, while that same year Mitsubishi also took a first in the Southern Cross Rally. After that, Mitsubishi’s rallying victories became almost countless, with the Lancer EX2000 Turbo and the Galant VR-4 from the eighties being amongst the most competitive cars in rally championships all over the world.

I

II

III

IV

V

VI

VII

VIII

IX

The New Lancer Evolution

‘Evo’-mania

the technology to meet the ever-changing

been working so hard for: the Manufacturer’s

technology to its already superlative

Enter the Lancer Evolution in 1992. What an

demands of the World Rally Championship

Championship in the WRC, with Tommi

enablers. Last of the previous generation,

impact it had! This car was especially con-

and tightened its grip on world rallying. The

Mäkinen winning his third consecutive

the 2005 Lancer Evolution IX featured more

ceived for Group A rallying, with the WRC in

rallying successes also had a tremendous

Driver’s Championship. This all happened

sophisticated aerodynamics, light material

mind. It owed both the 2.0 litre DOHC engine

effect on Lancer Evolution sales, as produc-

despite the fact that the Lancer Evolution V

(aluminium) body construction, etc...

and the 4WD technology to its predecessor,

tion cars were also equipped with state-of-

was still a Group A car, while in the mean-

the Galant VR-4, but the 2,500 mm wheel-

the art rally technology. By August 1996 an

time a special rally car class had emerged:

It’s been sixteen years since 1992 and

base of the Lancer was considered optimal

absolute record sale of 7,000 cars had been

the World Rally Cars. These were still Group

Mitsubishi Motors now presents the next

for a rally car and its much reduced weight

established for the street version of the third

A cars, but did not require homologation and

generation of the highly acclaimed Lancer

made it the perfect device to realise

generation Lancer Evolution. By this time it

therefore could be more purpose-built for

Evolution series. More than just another

Mitsubishi’s goal of becoming the dominant

was Evo-mania: the initial production run of

rallying.

iteration, the new Lancer Evolution breaks

force in world rallying. In its 1993 debut it

its successor, 6,000 cars, sold out in three

Therefore the Lancer Evolution VI was the

the mould, reaching new frontiers in terms

came third place in the Acropolis Rally and

days!

last genuine Group A car built by Mitsubishi.

of driving dynamics, but at the same time

The 2001 Lancer Evolution VII, based on the

responding better to market demands for

second in the RAC Rally. Its successor came in 1994. This Lancer

World Rally Car

larger Lancer Cedia platform, was

design, convenience features and long-

Evolution II, equipped with a new front spoil-

The 1996 season brought Mitsubishi its first

Mitsubishi’s first World Rally Car, introducing

distance driving.

er, a larger one at the rear for greater stabil-

driver’s title thanks to the legendary Tommi

Mitsubishi’s Active Centre Differential.

ity at high speed, and a new active 4WD

Mäkinen, a feat he repeated the following

The Lancer Evolution VIII followed in 2003

system, gained its first WRC win at the

year driving the all-new Lancer Evolution IV.

and became the first Lancer Evolution to be

Swedish rally in 1995. With every new Lancer

But it was the Lancer Evolution V which, in

officially sold in Europe and the United

Evolution generation, Mitsubishi improved

1998, made the breakthrough everyone had

States, adding Super Active Yaw Control

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www.lancer-evolution.eu

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Strength of mind

CHAPTER THREE

The expression of emotion Every angle, every line and every inch… The new Lancer Evolution breathes pure emotion. Its totally new design embodies a rich rally history as well as a timeless future. Looking at the car carefully, you can actually feel the focus and commitment of its developers. What you see and feel is their expression of emotion captured in one modern masterpiece.

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Overtaking is an instinct

Fluent forms shaped by the wind

Aerodynamic beauty

There’s a purpose to every angle

An ideal natur al habitat

CHAPTER FOUR

Science & Study The new Lancer Evolution has rightly earned praise from all four corners of the earth for its rugged good looks and purposeful stance, but its beauty is not simply confined to what you can see on the surface. Go beneath the skin and you’ll find a car that is engineered like no other car on earth. In every area, from its body, suspension and brakes to its engine, gearbox and aerodynamics, the Lancer Evolution has benefited from the total engineering integrity approach applied by Mitsubishi Motors’ engineers.

Engine performance curve 217kW(295hp) 6500rpm

Output (kW)

Torque (Nm)

366Nm 3500rpm

The result is a car that’s not merely faster but, more importantly, better in every important area. It’s easier yet more fun to drive. It’s more stable in a straight line and quicker around a corner, yet safer both in terms of avoiding an accident and how it behaves if the worst should happen. It contains the sum total of Mitsubishi’s unique engineering knowledge and represents the single largest step forward in the entire 16 year history of the legendary Lancer Evolution. It is no exaggeration at all to

call it a technical masterpiece, a car where everything has a place and a purpose, a car brimming with state of the art technology, yet utterly devoid of pointless gimmicks. This chapter will explain in detail the most important technological developments within the Lancer Evolution, introduce you to the people responsible for them and explain their importance to the car.

Engine team: ‘Drive it and feel its performance and response yourself!’

Technical Team A small group of Mitsubishi’s most experienced engineers headed the team that developed the Lancer Evolution. Led by Ryugo Nakao, he explains how the philosophy of the new car differs from those which preceded it: ‘In developing the Lancer Evolution series to date the main thrust has been how fast we could make them. But in our view things have now changed. Today’s new generation of super highperformance machines need to deliver more than absolute speed; they have to wrap that speed in safety and in comfort. Reconciling these apparently contradictory performance qualities became our mission in developing the new model.’ He continues: ‘It has been our wish that customers who for one reason or another gave up their super high-perfor­ mance machines now revisit the passion they used to feel, the excitement they used to enjoy. That is the mission that has driven the dramatic progress achieved’.

The S-AWC development team: ‘Seamless control brings driving pleasure and reassuring security.’

behind the new direction taken by the new Lancer Evolution and how the benefit can be seen not just on paper but, most importantly, on the road as well. ‘Firstly, while the major advances made by previous Lancer Evolutions were mostly of a technolo­­gical and engineering nature, the new Lancer Evolution has leapt forward in the design field too. Working in close cooperation with the designers who created a final shape that has aerodynamic technology built in throughout. There is a purpose to every shape and I believe that the new Lancer Evolution’s functionally appealing design makes those reasons plain to see. Secondly, we have the advances seen in Lancer

The new Lancer Evolution product manager was Hideyuki Iwata and he expands on these themes, explaining the motivation

Engine The new Lancer Evolution is the first in the history of the breed to feature an aluminium engine block, leading to a saving of 12.5kg.

Engine speed (rpm)

36

Evolution in terms of automotive technology. We gave much thought to what was necessary to realize further advances in Lancer Evolution’s road performance qualities: speed and acceleration, cornering and handling and braking. The answer: go back to the basics. Our focus in this process was not on absolute speed or acceleration but rather on-demand, feel-good acceleration.’

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Rearward facing exhaust manifold layout 4B11

4G63

10mm downward

The 4B11 uses a forward facing intake and rearward facing exhaust ports. This change has eliminated the need to run the exhaust pipe under the engine, allowing the engine to be lowered by 10mm and contributing to a lower centre of gravity.

Engine and Turbo To most ‘4G63’ is just a collection of letters and numbers, but to true Lancer Evolution aficionados they are a legend, for this is the designated title of every Lancer Evolution engine of the last 15 years. But now there’s a new name in town, it’s called 4B11 and, in years to come, it will become as revered as its predecessor, for it is the designation of the all new engine used by the new Lancer Evolution. Although it retains the 2-litre, four cylinder, twin-cam, 16-

valve design architecture of its illustrious forebears, it is new, quite literally from the ground up. Most notable is that its block is now made from cast aluminium, saving 12.5kg but at the same time it produces more power (295hp at 6500rpm) and more torque (366Nm at 3500rpm) than the engine it replaces. It was designed to be in­­­­herently smooth-running, negating the need for the secondary balancer shafts found on the 4G63 and is not

New cylinder head with double variable valve timing

only lighter as a result, but more compact, allowing it to be positioned 10mm lower than in the Lancer Evolution IX and so lowering the centre of gravity.

The 4B11 engine features a truly innovative aluminium cylinder head that helps to save weight and to improve cooling efficiency as well as fuel economy.

Titanium Turbo Crucial to the effectiveness of any turbocharged engine is the speed at which the turbo can re­­­­spond, and by using a titanium turbine wheel in the turbocharger, response times have been improved by up to 18 per cent over the previous model.

Unlike its 4G63 predecessor, the new engine features direct valve activation rather than employing a rocker system to increase valve response, to improve the level of accuracy and reliability, and finally also to

To increase accuracy and durability the new 4B11 employs a timing chain instead of a timing belt.

495mm

allow higher engine speeds. But most notable is that the famed Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) which continuously varies the valve timing now operates on the exhaust as well as the intake valves. This improves torque and output over the full rev range, especially in the lower and middle range.

630mm

intake valve to maximise air volume in the combustion chamber. Similarly if optimal low speed torque is asked for, the intake valve timing is advanced while the exhaust valve timing is retarded.

In normal driving, this ensures increased valve overlap to maximise fuel efficiency but as soon as more power is required, it will delay the closure of the

Computer

Cam angle sensor Engine load

Oil control valve

Exhaust MIVEC actuator

Intake MIVEC actuator

MIVEC continuous VVT system 35° change in exhaust cam angle 25° change in intake cam angle At max. retard

At max. advance

At max. advance At max. retard

Valve overlap The variable valve timing of the 4B11 changes the cam angles on the intake and exhaust cams, depending on engine speed and load.

Highly effective: a titanium turbine wheel with aluminium compressor wheel.

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Crank angle

Cam phase angle

At max. retard

At max. advance

Advance chamber

Retard chamber

Intermediate position

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Power unit The new 4B11 DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine takes up the mantle from the 4G63 and is now powering the new Lancer Evolution. In developing the new power unit, efforts focused on creating a high output engine that returned excellent fuel economy with clean emissions.

A toggle switch allows the driver to choose between Normal, Sport and Super Sport modes.

Twin Clutch SST team: ‘Lightning-fast and seamless shifting feel.’

Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST) Another all-new development for the Lancer Evolution is its Twin Clutch SST. This gearbox not only offers the best features of both automatic and manual transmissions: it exceeds them. Apart from the steering wheel-mounted paddles, it appears just like a conventional automatic: there are two pedals and a centreconsole mounted gearshift. However the six speed TCSST gearbox has no torque converter making it more efficient than a normal automatic. Instead it uses two clutches, one to engage the gear in use, the other to preselect the next gear required. That way, when the command for the next gear is given either by the driver or, in automatic mode, by the onboard computer, the change takes place instantaneously.

Twin clutch system The secret of the TC-SST is that it is effectively two three speed gearboxes – one for odd numbered gears and one for even ones – mounted on the same output shaft.

Automatic mode – activated when the gearshifter is in ‘D’ - leads to seamlessly smooth gearchanges, but also when the driver moves into manual mode, either by using the steering wheel paddles or moving the gear lever into its manual plane, the shift quality is both quicker and smoother than any human could manage.

The five speed manual transmission of the new Lancer Evolution uses multi-cone synchronizer rings for improved performance and durability.

In addition to offering both manual and automatic gear selection, the TC-SST also offers three distinct driving modes, operated by a button

located behind the gear stick. In ‘Normal’ mode, gears are changed as smoothly as possible at relatively low revs, to maximise comfort and economy. ‘Sport’ mode is ideal for spirited country driving and both quickens the shifts and raises change points. The ‘S-Sport’ (SuperSport) mode is really intended for purely sporting environments like race tracks and offers up the fastest con­ ceivable shift times while letting the engine reach peak revs between changes, never

5-speed M/T synchromesh comparison Single synchromesh

Twin Clutch SST Even gear input shaft

Shift fork 4

5th 4th 4th

No.2 clutch (even gears)

Shift fork 3 Transfer gear

5th

No.1 clutch (odd gears)

Multisynchromesh (double)

Shift fork 2

New Lancer Evolution

Odd gear input shaft

Shift fork 1

falling below 4500 rpm in automatic mode. The TC-SST allows the driver to achieve the quickest possible accele­­­­ ration from rest, by removing human error and therefore consistently improving acceleration times. So if you can imagine the smoothest automatic gearbox and the quickest manual you can think of in the same car, you have an idea of what Mitsubishi’s TC-SST gearbox can achieve. The new Lancer Evolution is also available with a standard five speed manual gearbox designed to have a greater torque handling capacity than that in the car it replaces, combined with a more satisfying shift quality.

Suspension Single synchromesh Lancer Evolution IX

Like the rest of the car, the suspension of the Lancer Evolution has been entirely revised. Although it follows

Twin Clutch SST shifting mechanism (from 1st to 2nd gear)

Steering wheel-mounted magnesium shift paddles.

40

2nd gear pre-select

At the front, the suspension has been modified to accommodate the 18” Enkei wheels or even lighter BBS forged alloy wheels with their 245/40 section tyres while improving steering precision and, through the extensive use of aluminium, keeping unsprung weight – one of the greatest enemies of the chassis engineer – to a minimum. At the rear, forged aluminium is used for both the upper and lower arms while the entire assembly is more rigidly mounted to the car’s structure to improve handling response and minimise vibration. Combined with the Lancer Evolution’s added structural rigidity, this suspension system offers great wheel control, superb grip yet added ride comfort and refinement.

Centre differential

Driving in 1st gear

the well proven principle of using inverted strut front suspension and a multi-link rear axle, all aspects of its design from its geometry to its spring, damper and rollbar rates have been rethought from scratch. World-leading Eibach springs complete with Bilstein dampers are used at each corner.

Driving in 2nd gear

For a high-performance sedan to realize unrivalled handling and response it must have a superior suspension system that provides the maximum tyre/surface contact and grip. The Lancer Evolution’s suspension system has been set up for outstanding cornering performance while at the same time delivering a quality of ride comfort that befits a new generation sports sedan.

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BBS forged alloy wheel.

Active Centre Differential

Active Yaw Control

S-AWC’s vehicle dynamics control system

Pulling out of corner

component in operation

Braking

Oversteer

Acceleration from standstill

Active Stability Control

Super All Wheel Control Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is a short name for a number of different electro­ nic and mechanical devices that work together to create the way the Lancer Evolution responds to the driver. It is no exaggeration to call this system unrivalled by any other in existence and it provides the latest Lancer Evolution with the ability to build further upon the already staggering dynamic reputation of the previous nine generations of Lancer Evolution.

As before, the S-AWC can be tailored to snow, gravel or tarmac surfaces at the flick of a switch. Active Centre Differential (ACD)

At the heart of the S-AWC system lies an active centre differential. Unlike passive systems that react only to the detection of a loss of grip at either axle, the ACD also takes electronic information from the S-AWC system to determine the optimal torque split between the front and rear axles and distributes it via a hydraulic multi-plate clutch.

Entering corner

Active Yaw Control (AYC)

Activation of S-AWC components

intended by the driver and, using AYC, make the necessary adjustments to ensure the driver’s wishes are carried out.

AYC remains a feature unique among road cars to the Lancer Evolution and has been developed further for this tenth generation. As in previous versions, an electronically controlled rear differential takes information about longitudinal and lateral acceleration, steering angle and wheel speed and apportions torque between the rear wheels according to need. In addition the new Lancer Evolution now has the ability to compare the attitude of the car to that

ABS

Active Stability Control (ASC)

Using sensors located around the car, ASC allows wheel slip at either end of the car to be detected immediately and, by strategically applying each individual brake according to need, prevents a loss of control developing. The system is so swift to react and so smooth in its actions, the driver is often unaware of its operation. Sports ABS

Active Centre Differential ACD regulates the speed differential between front and rear wheels to enhance steering response and traction.

Understeer

Degree of control / benefit

Anti-lock Braking System

This system uses sensors at all four wheels to prevent wheels from locking even under the most extreme braking. The system has been designed to be as

Active Yaw Control AYC regulates the torque differential between the rear wheels to enhance cornering performance and traction.

S-AWC System The S-AWC system provides three distinct strategies for the driver to choose between, for use when the car is being driven on snow, gravel or tarmac.

Active Stability Control (ASC) AYC (brake force control) AYC (lateral torque vectoring) ACD

Stable

Driving status

non-intrusive as possible and comes complete with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) that makes sure each wheel has the maximum possible braking power available at all times. S-AWC indicator on Multi-information display.

S-AWC system

Wheel speed sensor

Steering angle sensor

ACD transfer

ASC OFF switch Indicator ACD / AYC hydraulic unit

ETACS

Engine TM TM ECU

Engine ECU

AYC differential

S-AWC ECU

ASC / ABS hydraulic unit & ECU Integrated yaw & G sensor

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CAN cable Electric lines Hydraulic lines S-AWC mode selecter

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Critical

High rigidity body

Torsional rigidity +40% Flexural rigidity +60% (compared to Lancer Evolution IX) Red parts: specially reinforced parts for the new Lancer Evolution.

A V-shaped brace greatly increases the torsional stiffness of the body structure.

Use of aluminium panels Roof Engine bonnet

Fenders Front bumper beam

Functional air ducts in the aluminium bonnet.

Body and chassis The key to making any car handle properly is achieving first class structural stiffness and the new Lancer Evolution is over 50 per cent stiffer than the Lancer Evolution IX, providing a superb platform for the suspension systems to work. This has been achieved through the use of high and super-high tensile steels in the car’s structure, to maximise rigidity while, at the same time, keeping weight gain to a minimum. Aluminium is used extensively in the construction of the new Lancer Evolution, with the roof, bonnet, front fenders and front and rear bumper beams being made from the ultralight material. This serves not simply to keep weight to a minimum, but also to concentrate mass in the centre of the car and keep the centre of gravity as low as possible which is also critical to creating a great handling car.

44

Critically, the new Lancer Evolution also has a wheelbase that is 25mm longer than the Lancer Evolution IX and a track that is 30mm wider, offering yet more stable handling, better grip and improved ride comfort.

Safety With the Lancer Evolution, safety is not something that’s been added, it’s been designed into the car at an almost molecular level. There is no more important responsibility for any car than to ensure the safety of its occupants and, as we shall see, whether you measure a car’s ability to avoid an accident or how it performs if the worst does happen, the new Lancer Evolution is one of the safest ultra-high performance cars ever made.

Passive safety

Like all Lancers, the new Lancer Evolution is built around Mitsubishi’s cutting edge RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) monocoque structure. This massively strong assembly employs the strategic use of ultra-high tensile steels never seen before in any previous Lancer Evolution model to ensure maximum crash protection from the front, side and rear. The body is designed to direct impact forces away from the occupants and for the car’s extremities to deform in a pre-programmed manner while the passengers remain safe within a steel safety cell. As well as this structural strength, all new Lancer Evolutions come with seven airbags as standard – adding a driver’s knee airbag to go with the more usual front, side and curtain airbags, while the front seatbelts are both pre-tensioned and

equipped with force limiters. For added pedestrian pro­­tection, the bonnet is now supported by a corrugated rather than a conventional beam structure to reduce injuries.

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Seven airbags including a knee airbag as standard.

Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lamps.

Active safety

At a fundamental level, the Lancer Evolution’s speed, agility and all-wheel drive system gives it a huge advantage over conventional cars when it comes to avoiding accidents. In addition to this, all the functions of the S-AWC system discussed earlier do not merely make the car more fun to drive, they also make it far easier to control in an emergency situation.

tion has some of the best equipment in the world to help, in the shape of massive Brembo brakes. With 350mm venti­­­l ated discs with four piston calipers at the front and 330mm items at the rear (up from, respectively, 330 and 310mm for the Lancer Evolution IX), the new Lancer Evolution offers massive stopping power even before electronic safety systems like S-ABS and EBD need to be triggered.

And when it comes to the simple business of slowing the car, the Lancer Evolu-

Another active safety feature is bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lamps which

illu­minate your direction of travel during manoeuvring at speeds below 100km/h, depending on the steering angle.

Brake cooling airflow

Undercover

Transfer cooling airflow

Airflow design

styled to decrease drag and lift. Underneath the car, air is channelled by diffusers to increase downforce and therefore grip and stability at high speeds while, at the back, the substantial rear spoiler also plays an important part in maintaining the car’s aerodynamic balance and handling consistency at all speeds. On its way past the car, the airflow is also used to help

From front to back, every surface of the new Lancer Evolution, including the one you can’t see under the car, has been designed to exploit the air flowing over it. At the front, large air-intakes ensure the engine receives the cooling it needs while the whole front bumper is

The airflow underneath the front of the car.

extract hot air from under the bonnet, cool the brakes, further reduce drag and lift and cool the car’s transmission. Even the exhaust system has been strategically located so as to ensure the most aerodynamically efficient exit path for the engine gases.

www.lancer-evolution.eu

Body parts with aerodynamic properties

Large rear spoiler Bonnet air intake

Rear combination lamp units

Bonnet air outlet Front edge of engine bonnet

Fender vent Fenders

The new Lancer Evolution offers massive stopping power.

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Lower surface of front bumper

Front wheel arch rear lip

Side skirt

The Lancer Evolution’s body has been developed to realize superior overall aerodynamic performance both in terms of air resistance and downforce.

Front wheel arch airdam

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CHAPTER FIVE

Natural selection What’s 295hp without feet on the pedals? What’s S-AWC without two hands clasped around the steering wheel? A driver’s car without a driver? Nothing. The Lancer Evolution is a car meant for enthusiasts – built by and for passionate people. Men and women who appreciate every single second in their Lancer Evolution. Time to introduce some of those Evoists.

Name: Uwe Nittel Age: 38 Place of residence: Adelmannsfelden, Germany Occupation: Rally driver My Lancer Evolution: “The Lancer Evolution has become a part of me since 1995 and I’ve achieved a lot of success in my sport with it. I trust it, both professionally and privately.” Best thing about the Lancer Evolution? “Performance, dynamics and safety are the features that make

the Lancer Evolution the ultimate driving machine. What I love about the Lancer Evolution, is the good inclination of performance. It has an incredibly powerful torque band, starting already in the low end torque. The Lancer Evolution is the personification of reliability. It’s simple to handle, flashy and fast in all ways.” Most memorable Lancer Evolution moment? “During a gravel test in the south of France in the spring of 1996, it was my job to test the Lancer Evolution under the hardest conditions close

to and over the limit. I tested the car for 3 days as a preparation for the world championship rally season of 1996. To me it was unbelievable how stable and robust it could be. This experience was the foundation for my lasting trust in the Lancer Evolution.” Extra remarks: “With the new dual clutch transmission in the new Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi takes a trend setting step into the future and sets high standards for the competition.”

“It’s simple to handle, flashy and fast in all ways” 48

Name: Gavin Crozier Age: 46 Place of residence: Gloucestershire, England Occupation: Traffic Police Officer Favourite place for driving: “Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire England. It has many good, open and demanding roads as well as hazards to negotiate.” Name: Rachel Chandler Age: 38 Place of residence: Gloucestershire, England Occupation: Traffic Police Officer Biggest passions and/or favourite free time activities: “My biggest passion is driving. I relish the challenge of driving different sorts of vehicles on different sorts of terrains. My most unusual vehicle driven was a fully tracked Snowcat in the Gloucestershire floods of 2007.” Most memorable Lancer Evolution moment: “I have had many memorable Lancer Evolution moments. Most

of these are when members of the public drive stupidly and erratically and I know that the next thing they see when they look in their rear view mirror is me right up behind them. They do not escape from being prosecuted.” What I did or would do to personalize my Lancer Evolution: “I would like full harnesses in the car. Often our pursuits are on the back roads and we get thrown around a lot. I also feel that a lighting pod would be good because at night often my speed is faster than the headlights can illuminate the road.”

Best thing about the Lancer Evolution: “ Its amazing acceleration and handling: It’s the closest you can get to driving a motorcycle.”

Name: Steve Woodward Age: 43 Place of residence: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England Occupation: IT Assistant

Extra remark: “This was the Gloucestershire Police’s best ever investment in a vehicle and has been able to send a message to the criminal fraternity that they will not be able to evade capture and prosecution”

My Lancer Evolutions: “Lancer Evolution VIII (FQ300), an Evolution VIII (MR FQ340) and now a Evo IX (MR FQ 360). Needless to say bring on the new Lancer Evolution, I can’t wait to see what it has to offer.”

“The criminal fraternity will not be able to evade capture and prosecution”

Biggest passions and/or favourite pastime activities: “A large part of my life is taken up with my primary passion of Wing Chun Kung Fu, a Chinese martial art famously trained by Bruce Lee.”

Best thing about the Lancer Evolution: “The Lancer Evolution fulfils all of my needs and it does everything that I want it to do extremely well. Lancer Evolution ownership is like being part of an elite club which means you have friends everywhere that have a common passion. I feel privileged to be able to drive a Lancer Evolution whenever I want.” What I did to personalize my Lancer Evolution: “My current car is still very new and has a lot of items that I would have bought if keeping my previous

model. However I can see in the future that I may wish to enhance it more and on the list would predominantly be performance parts like new wheels and tyres, an induction kit, ECU upgrade, turbo boost controller and upgraded suspension and brake calipers / discs.” Most memorable Evo moment? “My first ever test drive of an Evolution because that is what started my passion!”

“Lancer Evolution ownership is like being part of an elite club”

Name: Ralph Hoffmann Age: 58 Place of residence: Wiesbaden, Germany Occupation: Manager Function Testing, Mitsubishi Motor R&D Europe Name: Helmut Wendel Age: 41 Place of residence: Darmstadt, Germany Occupation: Assistant Manager, Overall Vehicle Testing, Mitsubishi Motor R&D Europe

What I did to personalize my Lancer Evolution: “If I would own a Lancer Evolution, I would try to get signatures on the bonnet from all my colleagues involved in the development of this car.”

Favourite place for driving: “Small handling tracks with rally characteristics, most preferably covered with gravel or snow.”

Extra remarks: “Now, after the development of the new Lancer Evolution is done, I am looking forward to start up the development for the next generation. Trying my best to bring even bigger Evo-smiles on our customers’ faces.”

Most memorable Lancer Evolution moment: “So many moments with the car, but most memorable were the two years working together with Mr. Evolution, Hiroshi Fujii.”

“I try my best to bring even bigger Evo-smiles on our customers’ faces.”

My Lancer Evolution: “During my activities for MRDE it was my task to evaluate and tune the driving performance of many Lancer Evolution generations. That gives me the opportunity to observe every new development.” What I did or would do to personalize my Lancer Evolution: “I believe the new Lancer Evolution is an allround highly-developed and sporty sedan. Therefore I would not make any modifications. Only an engine with an even higher performance would be suitable.” Extra remark: “Looking ahead I see a challenge to develop the new Lancer Evolution generation to the next level with new technologies and with the goal to reach continuous technical innovations for the generations to come.”

Name: Jackie Chan Age: 53 Place of residence: Hong Kong Occupation: Actor, director, producer, singer, businessman, philanthropist My Lancer Evolution: “I’ve owned three or four generations of the Lancer Evolution. The one that I own now is a special Jackie Chan Edition which I helped design.” Biggest passions and/or favourite pastime activities: “I love making films, spending time with friends, and of course driving!

When I’m not working, my biggest passion is my charity work. My Dragon’s Heart Foundation builds schools in remote areas of China and I travel to these locations when I’m not filming. For me, charity work is the best way to spend my free time.” Best thing about the Lancer Evolution: “The Lancer Evolution can either be a gentleman or a devil. It’s classy looking but it’s also powerful like a sports car. It’s a Mitsubishi and it’s the fulfilment of all the things I like most in a car.”

What I did to personalize my Lancer Evolution: “My Special Edition Jackie Chan Lancer Evolution IX has a customized bonnet, side doors, engine accents, seat covers, wheels, etc. My ‘Dragon logo’ is used to make the car uniquely ‘Jackie’.” Extra remarks: “I’ve been working with Mitsubishi for over 30 years and the reason for this is that I believe in their product. They have supported me with vehicles for my movies and I have given them my loyalty.”

“It’s a Mitsubishi and it’s the fulfilment of all the things I like most in a car”

CHAPTER SIX

Power of movement Lancer Evolution. The perfect name for a car that morphed from a mainstream mass production sedan when first launched in Japan in 1992, into a fierce, purpose-built rally weapon and has relentlessly become faster and more focussed with every passing year. Indeed in its tenth iteration, the Lancer Evolution has taken another momentous step, transcending its role as Mitsubishi’s rallying warrior and maturing into a sophisticated high-performance sedan, as capable of tackling everyday life as it is attacking the Col du Turini.

55

Our Lancer Evolutions are making quite a spectacle as we power through the gloom

It’s to another location steeped in rallying history that we’ve come to test the new Lancer Evolution. As the modern home of Great Britain’s World Rally Championship round, Wales boasts the fast forest tracks that provide the world’s best rally drivers with a unique and unforgiving challenge, while the endlessly varied and often deserted public roads that criss-cross the rugged region are something mere mortals can enjoy.

At the heart of our route is Black Mountain. It sounds like a foreboding place straight out of Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’ and looks like it when there’s a bank of brooding rain clouds fast approaching the crags and jagged pine-topped ridges of this remote area of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Yet it’s also a place of rare colour and beauty: a palette of greens, blacks, greys dappled with flashes of burnt browns and rich yellows, that stretch to the sky. It’s a scene punctuated by

56

broad blocks of dark, impenetrable pine forests, the occasional shimmering stream and, most excitingly, solitary and seemingly endless ribbons of tarmac that wind and jump tantalisingly in and out of view on their course to the horizon. If you’re lucky enough to be in a Lancer Evolution, it’s a driver’s paradise. Actually we have two new Lancer Evolutions: one equipped with Mitsubishi’s new six speed Twin Clutch

It’s in these situations that S-AWC comes into its own

Sport Shift Transmission (TCSST) with shift paddles, the other with a five speed manual gearbox. It’s going to be fascinating to see how they tackle Black Mountain, and how the new Lancer Evolution’s totally redesigned all-wheel drive chassis copes with the challenges ahead. This also applies to the new Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This complex integrated control system continuously takes information from the new Lancer Evolution’s

various dynamic components – Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Centre Differential (ACD), Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sports Anti-lock Braking System (S-ABS) – and builds a precise picture of how close you are to reaching the limits of cornering and braking, or by how far you have overstepped the mark. Then, and all within tiny, imperceptible fractions of a second, it will divert torque or apply braking to individual wheels to tidy your trajectory or help you regain control.

59

It is this unique synthesis of mechanical and electronic driving aids that gives the new Lancer Evolution a feel unlike any other car on sale. For now though it’s time to enjoy more simple pleasures. Our pair of Lancer Evolutions make quite a spectacle as we power through the gloom. Their bright headlights reflecting in the road’s wet sheen, plumes of spray lifting as we cut through deep puddles of standing water.

Time and technology have certainly broadened the Lancer Evolution’s everyday suitability

Out here in the wilds of Wales there’s gravel too, which gives us the perfect excuse to switch the all-wheel drive system’s differential settings from ‘Tarmac’ to ‘Gravel’ mode via a switch on the centre console (MR version) or mounted on the steering wheel (GSR version), underlining the feeling that whatever you throw at it, the new Lancer Evolution has the answer. Whether leading or following, it’s huge fun to watch the other

Lancer Evolution’s progress. It’s also a strange sensation to be enjoying the tactility and feedback from the powerful Brembo brakes and precise, responsive steering first hand, yet also seeing the experience played out before you (or behind you) like a movie. Broad and muscular, yet compact enough to make sense on tight, twisty roads, the new Lancer Evolution is supremely suited to the conditions. With plenty of smooth, progressive power on-tap from the lighter,

60

cleaner, all-new, all-alloy 2.0-litre turbocharged MIVEC engine you can choose to enjoy the Lancer Evolution’s broad spread of torque, or drop a gear or two and unleash all 295hp. Unsurprisingly we’re having a fantastic time, but on these difficult and unforgiving roads it pays to remember that there’s always the possibility of an unseen crest, standing water or a tricky, tightening corner. It’s in these situations

61

Confidently battling through fast terr ains and foul weather

that S-AWC comes into its own. It’s like having an invisible expert riding alongside you, a confidence-inspiring friend to smooth your inputs and hone your progress. Of course it’s not a licence to abandon common sense – indeed if you get too ragged or overly ambitious S-AWC emphatically stamps its authority – and with time you realise that the most fun and the quickest, safest way from point to point is to drive smoothly and deftly, not by being overly aggressive. And

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that is exactly how the Lancer Evolution encourages you to drive on the road. Driven thus there can surely be no swifter or safer way to slice along such a demanding stretch of road. Yet were you to take it to a track and really throw it around, you know the Lancer Evolution would indulge its driver, respond like a true thoroughbred while always keeping a watchful eye open for that moment when the driver’s enthusiasm extends further than his talent.

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But back on the mountain, the Lancer Evolution is revealing more of its strengths. The allnew Twin Clutch SST delivers breathtakingly smooth and rapid shifts, not to mention uncannily intuitive progress when used in automatic mode. It uses two clutches, one to engage the gear in use, the other to pre-select the next gear to be required. S-AWC employs incredibly complex electronics to deliver a subtle, safe and supremely organicfeeling experience. Yet despite

It’s the Lancer Evolution’s sense of completeness that leaves the most enduring impression

these exceptional elements it’s not one single facet that stands out, rather it’s the Lancer Evolution’s sense of cohesion and completeness – not to mention its towering point-to-point performance that leaves the most enduring impression. Perhaps the best way of conveying the feeling is to say that the new Lancer Evolution always feels in its element. It doesn’t matter if you’re using the all-wheel drive system to

rocket out of a tight corner, or feeling the S-AWC trim your line as the car flows across fast and flowing terrain, it always feels at home, in and under control. Time and technology have certainly broadened the new Lancer Evolution’s everyday versatility, but still if you show this latest generation Lancer Evolution an amazing road, it will deliver you an amazing experience in return. Delivering an experience few cars at any price can deliver, every

time you climb aboard the Lancer Evolution and head off down a favourite road, it creates the impression that Mitsubishi’s engineers have been down the same stretch of tarmac and tailored the car precisely to its requirements. They didn’t of course, but that all-round ability is the magic that has defined the Lancer Evolution breed since its inception 16 years ago. And now it has been reborn on a new plane: faster, more enjoyable and safer than ever before. www.lancer-evolution.eu

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CHAPTER SEVEN

Evolutionary psychology The Lancer Evolution’s interior is characterized by clean and crisp surfaces, it’s free of superfluous gimmicks, only using high-quality materials and is marked by careful attention to detail. Some of these details merit special attention. Not only because of the innovations in the areas of safety, comfort and technology but also because they just look beautiful.

Split second shifting The Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST) can be operated manually using the lightweight magnesium shift paddles mounted on the steering column. The paddles allow the driver to shift between gears without taking his hands off the steering wheel. Changing gears manually using the shift paddles is possible even when the TC-SST is switched to automatic mode.

66

Gigabytes of functions and fun The Lancer Evolution MR models also feature the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System with HDD navigation and music server with a 30Gb hard disk. The 7-inch LCD screen offers excellent clarity and touchscreen convenience while the controls of the unit are readily accessible for optimum ease of use. The system’s large capacity hard drive offers ultrafast search and route-finding capabilities. It also provides a wide range of entertainment sources: FM/AM radio, DVD drive (CD/CD-R/CD-RW/DVD video compatible) and a music server with a capacity to store up to 2,000 tracks. The latter also boasts a CD database music recognition service that supports MP3/WMA players, which can be directly connected to the system via an auxiliary input port in the front centre console. The steering wheel features remote controls for the audio system and Bluetooth hands-free telephone operation.

Concert hall on wheels Fitted as standard to all Lancer Evolution MR models is the Rockford Fosgate premium sound system, capable of reproducing music at outstanding quality that has rightly won universal praise. The system uses a 650-Watt 8-channel power amplifier and nine speakers including a subwoofer in the rear to deliver awesome high-fidelity sound. It’s assisted by the use of acoustic and damping material to seal off openings inside the doors and turn them into speaker boxes. The layout for the premium sound system was carefully planned at the start of the car’s development and design process. Thanks to the DSP (Digital Signal Processor) the system delivers crystal-clear clarity, concert hall-like sound and awesome deep bass notes.

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The perfect seats The front seats in the new Lancer Evolution have once again been developed by Recaro — a company with a legendary reputation for making seats that provide excellent body location and support. The new Recaro seats guarantee to keep your body safely and comfortably positioned in all circumstances – even when you’re driving on a race track. Yet they are also extremely safety conscious offering robust construction and side airbag compatibility. But these seats are not just designed to keep you firmly in place during extreme cornering – they are also unfailingly comfortable over long journeys. When you arrive at your destination still feeling fresh and without any aches or pain, you’ll know these seats don’t just look good – in all respects they are among the best in the business.

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EVO

“EXPLOSIVE -

Mitsubishi has retained the explosive performance while adding a new-found level of refinement.” Source: evo (UK)

CHAPTER EIGHT

REVIEWS

Autobild

“FINE-TUNED FOUR WHEEL DRIVE -

Almost without any

understeer the Mitsubishi cuts through every corner.”

Source: Autobild (Germany)

car

“WORLD-BEATER -

The Evo’s looks, performance and high-tech chassis should deliver the most sensational Evo yet.” Source: Car Magazine (UK)

In a constant stream of new cars introduced yearly, the Lancer Evolution has always been one of the most eagerly awaited. With the arrival of the new Lancer Evolution, the hearts of motoring journalists

autocar

around the world are starting to beat faster and faster. Everyone’s waiting

“IMPRESSIVE - Scalpel-sharp handling, astonishing grip, strong linear

performance and a twin-clutch gearbox that shifts amazingly quickly. A more accessible, user-friendly Evo, and all the more rapid as a result.” Source: Autocar (UK)

to test drive the most anticipated car of 2008. A happy few already have. Here’s a compilation of their reactions.

front

“EVO REVOLUTION - The wildest, grippiest, most awesome Evo they’ve ever made.”

Source: Front (UK)

autozeitung

“DIAMOND FEVER - Mitsubishi, the brand with the logo sporting three

diamonds, has introduced a new edition of the Lancer Evolution. The four-wheel-drive sports sedan should make the hearts of fans beat faster, starting this spring.” Source: Autozeitung (Germany)

autovisie

“GOING FAST -

The new Evo spills not even a single brake horsepower. The entire power span is translated effectively into speed – whether it’s in a straight line or through a corner. This car has only one goal: going fast. With the new Evo, Mitsubishi once again shows the world what it’s capable of.” Source: Autovisie (The Netherlands)

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GSR Key features

CHAPTER NINE

Varieties of species

• Front grille with black mesh and black frame • Black air inlet and outlets on bonnet and black air outlets on fenders • 18” ENKEI alloy wheels • Brembo disc brakes 350mm 4-pot (front) and 330mm 2-pot (rear) • Aluminium rear spoiler • Black air diffuser in the rear • Chrome plated large dual exhaust pipes • Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lamps and headlamp washers • Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) • Twin-Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST) or Manual Transmission • Leather wrapped steering wheel with Active Centre Differential (ACD) switch • Aluminium pedals • Recaro bucket seats, fabric type • Keyless entry system

The tenth iteration of the Lancer Evolution is more versatile and

MR

more complete than ever before. The eight chapters prior to this one

Key features

focused on almost all aspects. But still not everything has been covered.

• Front grille with silver mesh and chrome frame • Colour-keyed air inlet and outlets on bonnet and colour-keyed air outlets on fenders • 18” BBS forged alloy wheels • Brembo disc brakes 350mm 4-pot (2-piece, front) and 330mm 2-pot (rear) • Upgraded high performance suspension - Eibach upgraded springs (front & rear) - Bilstein upgraded shock absorbers (front & rear) • Twin-Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST) • Leather wrapped steering wheel with - Bluetooth hands-free controls - Audio remote controls - Cruise control • Active Centre Differential (ACD) switch on centre console • Recaro bucket seats, leather/alcantara type, with front seat heating • Mitsubishi Multi Communication System with HDD navigation with music server, AM/FM radio and CD/DVD/MP3 player (30GB, touch screen, TMC) • Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 9 speakers and 650W amplifier • Keyless Operation System (KOS) • Silencer upgrade

There is more to tell. Trim levels, equipment, colours, accessories, technical specifications, dimensions... In Varieties of Species you’ll find an overview of everything that goes into the new Lancer Evolution.

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3 2

4

EXTERIOR COLOURS Model

5

1

6

76

77

MR

1

Cool Silver (M)

A31

●

●

2

Lightning Blue (P)

D06

●

●

3

Stone Grey (P)

A39

●

●

4

Phantom Black (P)

U02

●

●

5

Frost White (S)

W37

●

●

6

Orient Red (M)

P26

●

●

available (M) Metallic (S) Solid (P) Mica/Pearl ●

GSR

STANDARD EQUIPMENT Model

GSR

MR

Safety and Security

Model

GSR

MR

Comfort

Driver’s and front passenger’s SRS dual stage front airbags (with cut-off switch for passenger)

●

●

Cruise control (including steering wheel remote control switches)

-

●

Driver’s and front passenger’s SRS side airbags

●

●

Multi-mode keyless entry system with two transmitters

●

-

Curtain airbags for first and second row

●

●

Keyless Operation System (KOS) with two transmitters

-

●

Driver’s knee airbag

●

●

Indicator with comfort mode

●

●

Sports ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA)

●

●

Height adjustable steering wheel

●

●

Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC) with switch-off function

●

●

Fully automatic air-conditioning

●

●

Front 3-point ELR seatbelts with force-limiter and pretensioner x2

●

●

Auto-light and rain sensor with auto variable intermittent wipers

●

●

Second row 3-point ELR/ALR seatbelt x3

●

●

Front and rear anti-trapping power windows

●

●

Seat belt warning (visually and acoustically)

●

●

Heat reflecting green glass for all windows

●

●

Tether anchor for ISO-FIX child seat x2 (for second row seat)

●

●

Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body

●

●

Audio and Communication

Height adjustable seat belt anchors for front seats

●

●

AM/FM radio, CD player, MP3 compatible, 6 speakers

●

-

Front strut tower bar

●

●

Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 9 speakers, 650W amplifier

-

●

Emergency door unlock system

●

●

Mitsubishi Multi Communication System with HDD navigation and music server, AM/FM radio, CD/DVD/MP3 player (30GB, touch screen, TMC)

-

●

Audio remote control on steering wheel

-

●

Bluetooth hands-free car kit (including voice control and steering wheel remote control switches)

-

●

Exterior 18” ENKEI alloy wheels with 245/70R18 tyres

●

-

Trip computer LCD type

●

●

18” BBS forged alloy wheels with 245/70R18 tyres

-

●

Aux plug plus video

-

●

Black beltline moulding

●

-

Chrome beltline moulding

-

●

Seats

Front grille with black mesh and black frame

●

-

Recaro full bucket seats

●

●

Front grille with silver mesh and chrome frame

-

●

Black Fabric seats and black leather door trim

●

-

Black air inlet and outlets on bonnet and black air outlets on fenders

●

-

Black Leather/Alcantara seats with front seat heating and black leather door trim

-

●

Colour-keyed air inlet and outlets on bonnet and colour-keyed air outlets on fenders

-

●

Second row seats

Colour-keyed electronically controlled door mirrors with defoggers

●

●

- Centre armrest with two integrated cup holders

●

●

Chrome plated large dual exhaust pipes

●

●

- Height adjustable headrest x3 (rear)

●

●

Black air diffuser in the rear

●

●

Aluminium rear spoiler

●

●

Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lamps and headlamp washers (pop-up type)

●

●

Headlamp auto-levelling

●

●

Interior

Light and Visibility

Leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob

●

●

Front fog lamps and rear fog lamp

●

●

Leather wrapped hand brake

-

●

Front room lamp with delay function and map lamp

●

●

Key cylinder illumination

●

-

Rear room lamp and cargo room lamp

●

●

High contrast meter panel

●

●

Magnesium shift paddles for Twin-Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST)

●

●

Performance and Handling

Aluminium sport pedals (throttle, brake, clutch)

●

●

Front 350mm ventilated discs, 4-pot (Brembo)

●

-

Cooled glove box

●

●

Front 350mm ventilated discs, 4-pot, 2-piece (Brembo)

-

●

Floor console box with centre armrest

●

●

Rear 330mm ventilated drum-in-discs, 2-pot (Brembo)

●

●

Front passenger’s vanity mirror

●

●

Eibach high performance springs (front & rear)

-

●

Front cup holders with lid x2

●

●

Bilstein high performance suspensions (front & rear)

-

●

12V socket in centre console

●

●

Active differential switch on steering wheel

●

-

Metallic pattern interior decoration panel

●

●

Active differential switch in centre console

-

●

Air outlet panels with chrome accent

●

●

Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)

●

●

● Standard

- Not available

78

79

equipment highlights 1 Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering lamps and headlamp washers (pop-up type)

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Model

2



1

3

5

Lancer Evolution



4

6

7

GSR

5 M/T

TC-SST

Engine

Type



Total displacement



Emission level



Max. output (EEC net)

kW (hp) / rpm



Max. torque (EEC net)

Nm / rpm

Fuel system

Fuel supply equipment



Electronically controlled direct injection



Fuel type (octane)



Premium Unleaded / RON98



Fuel tank capacity

lit

Transmission

Clutch



Gear ratio

1st

2.857

3.655





2nd

1.950

2.368





3rd

1.444

1.754





4th

1.096

1.322





0.761

1.008





-

0.775





Reverse

2.892





Final

4.687



Drive system

140



MR

TC-SST

2.0 litre 16-valve DOHC MIVEC with Intercooler and Turbocharger

cc

1998



5th 920 6th

Euro-4 217 (295) / 6500 366 / 3500

55 5-speed manual

6-speed Twin Clutch SST

4505 140



935

4.011 4.062 Full-time 4WD

Performance

Acceleration (0-100km/h)



Max. speed*

sec

5.4

6.3

km/h

240

242



Minimum turning radius



Fuel consumption

Urban

lit/100km

13.6



Extra urban

lit/100km

8.3

8.5



Combined

lit/100km

10.2

10.5



CO2, combined

g/km

243

Suspensions

Front





Rear



Brakes

Front





Rear



Steering

Type

Loads

Kerb weight

kg



Gross vehicle weight

kg



Seating capacity

m

5.9 13.9

250 McPherson strut - upside down Multi-link

350 mm ventilated discs, 4-pot (Brembo)



350 mm ventilated discs, 4-pot, 2-piece (Brembo)

330 mm ventilated drum-in-discs, 2-pot (Brembo)



Rack-and-pinion (electric power-assisted) 1560

1590



1600

2040

persons

5

* Measured by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation

920

935 4505

140 920 8

4505

9

1810

2 Rockford Fosgate premium audio system with 9 speakers and 650W amplifier 3 Leather wrapped steering wheel with audio remote control switches and Bluetooth hands-free car kit with voice control 4 Aluminium bonnet with air inlet and outlets 5 Aluminium rear spoiler 6 Mitsubishi Multi Communication System with HDD navigation and music server, AM/FM radio and CD/DVD/MP3 player (30GB, touch screen, TMC) 7 Chrome plated large dual exhaust pipes with black air diffuser 8 18” BBS forged alloy wheels with air outlets 9 Chrome plated entry guards

935

All measurements in millimetres

80

81

PIMP your ride 1

1 Handbrake lever - Alloy/leather wrapped with Lancer

3 Exhaust heat shield kit - Stainless steel decoration plates with

Evolution logo

4

5

6

7

Ralliart logo

2 Rear corner extension kit - Reduces aerodynamic drag (CD)

4 Rear spoiler extension - 5kgf downforce (front - 1kgf) at

by 0.3%

100 km/h and 16kgf downforce (front -4kgf) at 180 km/h

2

3

5 Brake air duct - For enhanced front brake cooling

7 Gear shift knob - Alloy/leather wrapped with Lancer Evolution logo

6 Front airdam - 6kgf downforce (rear -2kgf) at 100 km/h and 19kgf downforce (rear -7kgf) at 180 km/h Side airdam shown in main image reduces aerodynamic drag (CD) by 0.8%. For more accessories available, please see the Accessories catalogue. 82

83

ETACS, YOUR PERSONALIZED ASSISTANT

OUTSTANDING AFTER SALES FOR CAREFREE MOTORING

Mitsubishi Motors’ customizable Electronic Total Automobile Control System (ETACS) allows you

More than 2500 Mitsubishi Motors Authorised Service Points in Europe are committed to helping you wherever you are.

to personalize the operation of a wide range of features for added safety, comfort and convenience. Certain ETACS comfort functions can be customized either by yourself or by your Mitsubishi Motors dealer.

AUTO-LIGHT AND RAIN SENSOR

OPEN DOOR ALARM

The auto-light sensor au­

If any door is still open while

tomatically activates the

the car is moving, a buzzer will

headlamps as soon as it gets

alert you.

dark. The rain sensor activates the windshield wipers auto­ matically when moisture is detected on the windshield.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICING

Even new cars require regular maintenance and servicing. Not just to guarantee your mobility, but also for the safety of you and your passengers. Trained professionals using specialist diagnostic equipment and original parts at your Mitsubishi Authorised Service Point are ready to oblige. You’ll be advised about the cost beforehand, so there will be no unpleasant surprises when you return to pick up your vehicle. MITSUBISHI MOTORS GENUINE PARTS

Even the smallest technical faults can lead to accidents. Therefore, all Mitsubishi Motors genuine parts have been developed and tested to stringent quality standards. It is recommended to use Mitsubishi Motors Genuine Parts in order to maintain the safety and integrity of your vehicle and that of your passengers. Mitsubishi Motors Genuine Parts are available at all Mitsubishi Authorized Service Points. We are proud to regularly score top in After Sales quality surveys.

KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM

HEADLAMP AUTO-OFF FUNCTION

Makes it possible to lock and

After you have turned off the

COMPREHENSIVE WARRANTY – OBVIOUSLY

unlock the doors and trunk,

ignition and got out of the car,

and to close the windows with

the headlamps are automati­

the remote key.

cally switched off, prevent­

All new Mitsubishi vehicles come standard with a com­ prehensive 3-year warranty up to a maximum of 100,000 km (61,000 miles), whichever comes first. The anti-corrosion perforation warranty covers rusting through for the first 12 years, depending on the model you purchase. The reliability statistics for Mitsubishi vehicles are impeccable, but in the unlikely event that you do need help, we offer MAP.

ing the battery from being drained.

breakdown, accident, theft or vandalism – wherever you are, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – just call the number on your card and the problem will be fixed on the spot. If it’s more serious, your car will be taken to the nearest Mitsubishi dealer and you’ll be offered services such as a hotel, continuation of journey, a replacement car and vehicle repatriation. And if you continue to have your vehicle serviced at a Mitsubishi Authorised Service Point after the first three years, your mobility will be guaranteed for an additional year or up to the next service interval (whichever comes first) until your vehicle is 10 years old. DRIVESTYLE

Accessories by Mitsubishi Motors - everything’s got “Drivestyle”. They are the perfect products for your car’s individuality. It’s the style that goes with the sensation. Drivestyle is the individual enhancement of your Mitsubishi. It covers all your car care needs: from Wax Shampoo and Polish to Wheel Rim Gel, from Cockpit Lotion to Leather Treatment and from Insect Remover to Screen Wash - all have been produced using new ingredients designed specifically for your new Mitsubishi. They’ll ensure it looks, feels and smells brand new for years to come.

MAP - FREE BREAKDOWN ASSISTANCE

KEYLESS OPERATION SYSTEM

POWER WINDOW TIMER

The clever keyless entry

After taking the key from the

and start system allows you

ignition, the windows may still

to open the front doors and

be opened and closed from

trunk, and start the engine,

inside for up to 30 seconds.

In order to demonstrate our commit-ment to your mobility and the faith we have in the reliability of our vehicles, you will receive a free MAP card valid for three years with your new Mitsubishi. MAP stands for Mitsubishi Motors Assist­ ance Package, and with the MAP card in your pocket, your mobility is guaranteed in more than 30 countries throughout Europe. Should you ever need assistance in the event of

Please ask your Mitsubishi Authorised Sales/Service point for the Drivestyle Car Care brochure containing more detailed information.

without the key leaving your pocket.

RECYCLING OF OLD VEHICLES

INDICATOR WITH COMFORT

SPEED SENSITIVE WIPERS

MODE

When the front wiper is set to

When the indicator lever is

intermittent, a speed sensor

tapped briefly, the indica­

changes the wiper interval to

tor will flash three times and

suit the car’s speed for better

then stop - allowing you to

visibility.

concentrate on manoeuvring and therefore making driving easier and safer.

It is our duty to protect the environment. Mitsubishi Motors designs and produces high quality vehicles and components aiming to provide its customers with durable motor vehicles, and excellent services to maintain your vehicle in an optimum running condition. We have the highest respect for the environment and use materials which may be recycled and re-used after your Mitsubishi Motors vehicle has come to the end of its economical life. After a long working life we will take your vehicle back and recycle it in an environ mentally friendly manner in accordance with the EU Directive on End-of-Life Vehicles and any applicable national statutory provisions. All Mitsubishi Motors vehicles (up to 3.5t GVW) sold after 1st July 2002, will be taken back free of charge from the last owner, at one of the designated take back points, provided the vehicle contains all major components and is free of waste. From 1st January 2007, this applies to all Mitsubishi Motors vehicles irrespective of the sold date. A network of collection points is available to receive Mitsubishi Motors End-of-Life Vehicles, to ensure your vehicle will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. At the same time, the possibilities for the recycling of vehicles and vehicle components are continually being evaluated and improved, aiming to the achievement of even higher recycling percentages in the future. The European End-of-Life Vehicles Directive and the free take back of End-of-life Vehicles is applicable in all European Union member states. The transposition of the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive into National law in each member state might not have been completed at the time of putting this publication to print.

For a complete list of ETACS functions, please consult your Mitsubishi Motors dealer or refer to your owner’s manual.

84

Please refer to www.mitsubishi-motors-europe.com and select the web site of the Mitsubishi Motors service network in your country of residence, or call the National Mitsubishi Motors Customer Assistance Center for further details.

85

Index 1/1 model..........................................................11

East Africa Safari Rally............................... 16, 20

Mitsubishi Multi Communication System..... 68, 80

4B11............................................................ 38, 39

Eibach...............................................................41

MIVEC................................................................39

Accessories................................................. 82, 83

Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).... 43, 46

Music server............................................... 68, 80

Acropolis Rally............................................ 19, 22

Electronic Total Automobile Control

Nakao, Norikazu.......................................... .9, 10

Active Centre Differential (ACD)................. 42, 59

System (ETACS).................................................84

Nakao, Ryugo................................................ 3, 37

Active safety......................................................46

Engine performance curve...............................36

Passive safety...................................................45

Active Stability Control (ASC)...........23, 42, 43, 59

Enkei.................................................................41

Press reviews....................................................73

Active Yaw Control (AYC)..................23, 42, 43, 59

Equipment................................................... 78, 79

Recaro................................................... 70, 71, 75

Airbags..............................................................45

Equipment highlights.......................................80

Recycling...........................................................86

Air duct........................................................ 12, 44

Exterior colours.......................................... 76, 77

Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE).......45

Airflow.............................................................. 47

Galant VR-4.......................................................20

Rockford Fosgate.................................. 68, 69, 80

Aluminium panels . ..........................................44

Glass fibre body................................................12

Shift paddles......................................... 40, 66, 67

BBS............................................................. 41, 80

HDD navigation..................................... 68, 69, 80

Singh, Joginder.................................................20

Bilstein dampers...............................................41

Iwata, Hideyuki..................................................37

Sports ABS.................................................. 43, 59

Bi-xenon headlamps................................... 46, 80

Imaizumi, Tsuyoshi....................................... 9, 12

Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)......42, 43, 59, 63

Body and chassis..............................................44

Iwasaki, Yataro..................................................18

Suspension........................................................41

Brembo............................................................ 46

Lancer 1600 GSR.................................. 16, 17, 20

Synchromesh....................................................41

Clay model.................................................. 10, 11

Lancer Evolution I - IX................................ 22, 23

Technical specifications....................................81

It’s the reason our designers and engineers go to work everyday.

Colt 1000F................................................... 18, 20

Lancer EX2000 Turbo.................................. 19, 20

Titanium turbine wheel.................................... 38

Colt Galant 1.6L GS...........................................20

Mäkinen, Tommi......................................... 22, 23

Trim levels.........................................................75

Statistics show that you are going to spend ‘years of your life’ in your car.

Cowan, Andrew.................................................20

Manual gearbox................................................41

Tsukumo Shokai Shipping Company................18

We want those ‘years’ to be as pleasurable and as rewarding for you as

Design proposal............................................ 9, 10

MAP...................................................................85

Twin Clutch Sport Shift

Dimensional views............................................81

Matsuhara, Masaki....................................... 8, 10

Transmission (TC-SST)....................40, 41, 63, 66

possible. We want to ensure that every time you’re driving and put your

Differential settings ................................... 42, 60

Mitsubishi A................................................ 15, 18

Yoshimine, Norihiko...................................... 9, 11

Driving modes............................................. 40, 41

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd.......................18

Drive alive is our motto

foot down on the accelerator, or catch a glimpse of yourself reflected… you will want to smile. Smile to really feel alive… to really drive alive.

Mitsubishi Motors Europe BV www.mitsubishi-motors-europe.com

www.lancer-evolution.eu

Colophon Mitsubishi Motors Europe BV

Contributors

Art Director

Willem Verschuur

Georges van Wensveen

Jaap Sinke

Liesbeth van der Woude

David de Jong Martin van der Zeeuw

Translation & Prepress

Editor in chief

Giles Newton

GPB Leiderdorp - The Netherlands

Ron de Bruijn

James Scott

Editor

Concept/realisation

Himmer AG Druckerei

Jerina van Heck

Readershouse/Hearst

Augsburg

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Germany

Printed by

www.readershouse-hearst.nl

86

Some equipment may vary according to market. Any reference to speed, performance or driving sensations has to be understood where legal and within official speed limits. Please consult your local Mitsubishi Motors dealer/distributor for details. All rights reserved.

09 eng-in 000000 Feb. 08 Printed in Germany

87