Final flight of the Evo IX - 2006 Lancer Evolution SE
Mitsubishi has introduced the 2006 Lancer Evolution "Special Edition" (MR model shown above) as the final iteration of the Evo IX before the long awaited Evo X replaces it. The Evolution SE will ride the line out in style with red-stitched Recaro seats inside the cabin and a host of exterior enhancements. The Evolution SE gets a new airdam extension up front that reduces front end lift and the same lightweight aluminum roof worn by the Evolution RS and MR. It rolls on 17-inch forged BBS wheels with a diamond black finish and illuminates the road ahead with a set of HID headlights. The price of the Evolution SE will start at $33,249, which places it neatly above the standard Evo IX and below the range-topping MR.
(Mitsubishi's full press release can be found after the jump)
[Source: Mitsubishi]
Press Release:
Thrilling Visual and Performance Enhancements at an Excellent Value Distinguish 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE
July 31, 2006 -- CYPRESS, Calif. --
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is applying the "Special Edition"; treatment to its critically acclaimed ninth-generation Lancer Evolution. The 2006 Lancer Evolution SE offers special features at a competitive price of $33,249 MSRP to make this legendary performance vehicle even more thrilling. The new SE trim level represents the final enhancement to a Lancer Evolution body style that has been on sale in the U.S. market since 2003.
Inside the Special Edition trim level, supportive, red-stitched RECARO(R) seats accentuate the interior while the exterior receives a new front airdam extension that adds style while reducing front end lift. A lightweight aluminum roof panel, also found on the Lancer Evolution RS and MR, helps control body roll by lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. The feather weight 17"; forged BBS(R) alloy wheels, now in a new "Diamond Black"; finish, add style while reducing unsprung weight to improve suspension performance. The SE trim level also includes high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights with halogen fog lamps giving the vehicle a distinctive look. The available exterior color choices for the Lancer Evolution SE are Apex Silver, Graphite Gray and Tarmac Black.
True to the Lancer Evolution's heritage, the SE is powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder DOHC intercooled-turbocharged engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control (MIVEC) that is mated to a rugged 5-speed transmission.
The revised airdam, Recaro(R) seats with red stitching, and forged BBS(R) wheels with "Diamond Black"; finish are available on the MR trim level as well in the form of an Appearance Package which sells for $500.00.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 540 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Color 10:22AM (8/03/2006)
How many years passed since first edition and there is no main changes in design. What a shame. Of course this series is wonderful, but I think it's already old for the market
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Kamil 10:31AM (8/03/2006)
#1, dude, it's only been here since '03 MY.
3 years is less than avarage for car industry.
For example, E46 sedans have been out since '99MY ('98 is osme countries) and the E46 M3 is still available today.
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Rene Curry 10:43AM (8/03/2006)
And people criticize the GTO as overpriced and understyled !!
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Eddie 10:59AM (8/03/2006)
Look less at the styling, and more at the unbelievable performance and potential. Recently in a magazine (car and driver or road and track, i think) the EVO MR was put up against the cayman s. The EVO tied, won, or barely lost every test. Also the new FQ360 british version EVO is .7 seconds faster to 60mph than a Porsche C4S. This car is a raw performer above anything, and thats what it should be seen as.
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RDL 11:37AM (8/03/2006)
"Look less at the styling, and more at the unbelievable performance and potential. Recently in a magazine (car and driver or road and track, i think) the EVO MR was put up against the cayman s. The EVO tied, won, or barely lost every test. Also the new FQ360 british version EVO is .7 seconds faster to 60mph than a Porsche C4S. This car is a raw performer above anything, and thats what it should be seen as.
Posted at 10:59AM on Aug 3rd 2006 by Eddie"
It was Road and Track, August 2006, page 69. Yes, very impressive.
But now comes Mitsubishi, wanting to target the EVO more "upmarket". There have actually been comments of future EVO vs M3 type of comparisons. I'm not sure if anyone remembers the original Eclipse. Turbo, AWD, a beast. Then, Mitsubishi decided to bring the Eclipse "upmarket". Look at the resulting turd. Now, look at the current EVO. Memories of first gen Eclipse fill my head. Extrapolate the EVO's progression towards "upmarket" using Eclipse data. Sad...
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Corey W. 11:39AM (8/03/2006)
Who cares about performance when the styling is CRAP!!
You think people would pay $1M for a Veryon with the same performance and terrible styling. They go hand in hand...
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Ryan 11:51AM (8/03/2006)
" not sure if anyone remembers the original Eclipse. Turbo, AWD, a beast."
MMMM, nothin' better than a 1994 Mitusbishi Eclipse GSX all wheel drive, 2.0L turbrocharged engine. Ahhh, that car was sweet.
Did you guys know the new Eclipse is WIDER than a FORD Explorer?!
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jscro 12:15PM (8/03/2006)
"You think people would pay $1M for a Veryon with the same performance and terrible styling. They go hand in hand..."
Not always. One guy I know from a local car club traded in his new 911 for matching Evo's for him and his wife. There's alot to be sad for pure, raw performance.
Would I drive one? Nope, it looks like an econocar. =P
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Nick 1:39PM (8/03/2006)
A couple points.
1- The Evo has a purer racing and motorsports pedigree than just about anything short of a 911. While not a race car for the street, the aero package, forged suspension components, and drivetrain are all made with motorsports in mind. A stock evo has far more in common with its FIA homologated Group A rally counterpart than most sports cars have with their race car doppelgangers. Sure, the wing is large, but it's an FIA homologated aero part that is also used on the race versions. Not many car companies can make the same claim about their more subtle 'style' spoilers. It has to be big to work.
2- Style is completely subjective, but a $36K car that can carry five people and their luggage while walloping a 911 that has double the MSRP is a pretty impressive thing. Also, people with $36K to spend on a car are more likely to be buying one car as a daily driver, as opposed to people with $75K, who often have the room and financial ability to have a stable of cars.
In the interest of full disclosure- I drive a 2006 MR and it's my second evo.
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epilonious 1:49PM (8/03/2006)
What is it about the 30K+ rally econoboxes that attracts a class of people I affectionately refer to as "Balding the Hutt"??
If soft-racers like GTI's, Mazda3's, Civic Si's, and RSX's keep getting bought by all the pretty people... there has to be something said for styling.
Every time I see an STi or an Evo it looks like the guy bought it because he needed the extra 200HP and AWD to get their lardy butt up a hill in the rain...
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Dude 2:17PM (8/03/2006)
#9 - Excellent post -- Style aside, the MR is a pretty sweet ride and it is definitely close to its racing bretheren.
Except for the part about walloping a 911 in a car with 286 bhp, 5 people and their luggage. It couldn't wallop a 911 if it was driven by a naked Kate Moss.
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Sid 2:34PM (8/03/2006)
Reminds me of GT3
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MS R32 GT-R Shinku Edition.
P.S - Before anyone mentions the obvious and says that such a trim doesn't exist, I was kidding.
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C 4:11PM (8/03/2006)
Does anyone know if you can get an EVO without the wing from the factory?
I have to say I've really grown to like the look of the Evo VI-IX. Especially with classy BBS rims and no spoiler, I think it's a pretty mean looking econobox.
Those who know what it is love it, and those who don't know can't tell it apart from a Lancer. Which is just fine by me.
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Tom Design 6:30PM (8/03/2006)
Bye bye to bad design. The beast within was the only attractive thing here, and it was a wonderful beast...if you could look away from it while you got in. The EVO's were at least bizzare muscular sedan cool in an ugly way. The Lancer was so ugly from the start, it made the Sentra look pretty.
And what's with stealing the name Lancer anyway, how cheesey was that? You can't come up with a name out of TWO language dictionaries that hasn't been used by Chrysler or the U.S. manufacturers.
Re-design this nasty looking car, and re-name it, and let's have fun with this awesome engineering and bargain box!
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Graham 8:18PM (8/03/2006)
Sounds like an allright deal to me, though I really just want an RS with ABS, the wing and the Bilsteins.
I don't understand why they can't just have all the options separate instead of bundling them into packages. I don't want stuff like a sunroof and crappy OEM stereo.
Also, what's preventing us from getting some FQ models over here? Is it an emissions issue?
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Mitsufan 9:41PM (8/03/2006)
So long to the Jackie Chan (i.e. doesn't look tough, but packs a crazy punch) of the auto world. And Dude (#11) apparently you didn't see the Top Gear clip where the Evo chews the ass off a Lamborghini.
Mitsubishi is definitely taking a big risk, as #5 said. Worst case: Mitsu makes a compromise of the Lancer/Evo split and we get a nondescript (if attractive) watered down sedan.
Best case we get: (1) a beautiful base-model Lancer (2) an M3-killer EVO, and (3) something in between (Ralliart?) with a little push plus some creature comforts.
Regardless the Lancer is probably going to be the best looking light 4-door out there, with guts to back it up.
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Dude 12:46PM (8/04/2006)
#16 Mitsufan I did see that Top Gear episode and that was not a US-spec MR - it was a euro-spec MR.
The UK-Spec one has 405 bhp and the US-spec one has 286 bhp.
Now, to that point, I don't know if Nick lives in the UK or not, but there's no way a US-spec one is going anywhere near a 911. And I'd venture that a Euro one carrying 5 passengers and their luggage isn't either.
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JD 7:19AM (8/18/2006)
In my 03 with intake, exhaust, boost controller and 2 hours on the dyno with a laptop (all told $750 in modifications) I laid down power that has given me consistent 12.3's @ 113 MPH. The Evo stock isn't going to easily eat a 911, though a few people have driven them stock to a low 13@104-105 which coming very close to Porsche territory. This is one of the most tuner friendly cars since the MKIV Supra or Eclipse/Talon/Laser. Who cares if it looks like a turd when it goes like stink and outhandles most cars on the road?
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