Autoblog

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Evolution X

We've already spent some wheel time in the Mitsubishi Evolution X GSR, and despite some dynamic criticisms, we're convinced that the new Evo remains one of the most compelling performance bargains south of $40-grand. But what about the MR? Mitsubishi contends that its top-of-the-line Evo is aimed at discerning drivers looking for a compromise between brute force and comfort. Well, that balance comes at a price, and when the MR hits dealers this June, soft-bottomed enthusiasts will have to pony up $38,290 to get behind the wheel of the more "luxurious" Evo X.

The MR comes standard with Mitsubishi's new six-speed, Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) and all the other features found on the standard GSR. If you option up the MR with the Technology Package, which includes a 30-gig harddrive navigation system, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound Package, Sirius Satellite Radio and "FAST Key" entry system, the price rockets skyward to the tune of $40,840. Considering some of the competition playing around at that particular price point, buyers might have a tough time passing the BMW dealer on their way to Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi's press release is available after the jump.


[Source: Mitsubishi]

Click either image for a high-res rendering of each model at AutoExpress.

Mitsubishi and Subaru are entering round two of the newest battle for all-wheel-drive supremacy and AutoExpress has ringside seats. Both automakers are preparing hard-core versions of their turbocharged, rally-bred road rockets and that means more power, more aerodynamic mods and, in the case of Subaru, less weight.

The Lancer Evolution X MR is on the way, with a new fascia equipped with extra venting and a new air intake, while a revised rear wing, side skirts and blacked-out wheels complete the exterior makeover. Output is increased by 20 hp (in JDM spec) to 305 hp and the mid-range has been tweaked to provide more low-end torque, dropping the 0-60 time to under five seconds. The paddle-shifted SST twin-clutch transmission transfers over from the GSR model (likely with some software revisions) and the body has been stiffened to maximize the MR's handling.

Subaru is taking a different tack, keeping power upgrades to the STI's turbo'd 2.5-liter boxer to a minimum and instead focusing on weight reduction. The Impreza WRX STI Spec C will get a slightly revised aero kit, with a roof scoop (functional?), standard gold wheels, a lightweight roof, aluminum trunk lid, compact battery, smaller fuel tank and thinner compartment glass all around. All that work is expected to result in a 154-pound drop in weight, so the Spec C will tip the scales at just over 3,000 pounds.

Subaru is also planning to equip the new Legacy with the STI's drivetrain, a revised suspension and slapping on an "S402" badge on the back, along with a sporting interior with more grippy seats. All of this is only for JDM consumption at the moment, but we'd expect to see both the MR and Spec C hit the UK next year, with sales in the U.S. of the MR coming around the same time.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Click image for 4 more photos in our gallery

Over the summer, we reported on the UK-market's Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX FQ-360, a car whose verbose nomenclature communicated the presence of a force-fed 366-horsepower 2.0-liter four under its bonnet. With its MR-style vortex generator on the roof, gigunda rear wing, carbon-fiber lip spoiler and rally-look five-spoke wheels, the FQ-360 looked every bit the tarmac carver that it was engineered to be.

Fast forward to January '07. Mitsubishi is laying the groundwork for the arrival of the next Evo, which was previewed with the appearance of the Prototype X at Detroit last week. Before we get too caught up in Evo X hysteria, we need to remember that the Evo IX still roams the streets, and that even when faced with imminent replacement, it's no shrinking violet. As such, Mitsubishi's UK division is bidding farewell to the machine with one final model: the Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360.

Its 2.0L engine is prepared by Ralliart and HKS, and while its output matches the 366 horses of the last HQ-360, this car's mill is said to be even more responsive. The FQ-360's 0-60 sprint is now an astonishing 3.9 seconds (vs. 4.1 for the last one). Top speed is 157 mph -- and that's an electronically governed number. In terms of appearance, the final edition MR FQ-360 looks like the car it replaces with some subtle changes. The five-spoke Speedlines are out, replaced by 11-spoke units from the same manufacturer. This time around, there's enough badging on the trunklid to let everyone know that this is the alpha dog Evo IX, and it's going out in style.



Full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Mitsubishi UK]

UPDATE: Added link to video


For some reason, we've yet to feature either a Subaru WRX (STi or otherwise) or Mitsubishi EVO as a RR of the Day. We'll remedy that omission today by featuring the 2005 Mitsubishi EVO MR of Flickr member eat_more_chicken. He says the MR is tuned for the track but driven daily, which is just what we like to hear. The car's mods are too numerous to list here (check them out after the jump), but rest assured the owner has covered everything including the intake/exhaust, fuel system, cams, turbo system, suspension, brakes and wheels. The car reportedly now makes 301whp/287wtq on 91 octane and 320whp/310wtq on 100 octane when it's being thrashed on the track. We know it gets thrashed because eat_more_chicken left us a video to watch of the car being driven at Thunderhill Raceway near Willows, California. Check out the list of cars that count as nothing more than slow moving traffic when sharing the track with this car and its owner: various SPEC Miatas, a Lotus Elise, C5 Corvette and Viper GTS.

BTW: We'd just like to encourage everyone to submit their ride to our Flickr photo pool if you haven't done so already. We've gotten great submissions so far, but in order to keep coming at you with a ride a day, we need more. Remember, every car is eligible so submit yours and tell us why it's a great ride. Follow the jump for instructions on how to submit your ride.

When the Mitsubishi Evo IX MR debuted in the States, we finally had the distinction of a vehicle not available in the Land of the Rising Sun. Well, as of today, that distinction is no more. Mitsubishi has released the MR into the wilds of Japan, in both sedan and wagon trim.

The new MR-offering acts as farewell to the venerable, albeit long in the tooth, 4G63 2-liter, turbocharged mill that has graced the platform for over a decade and brought untold smiles to enthusiasts in several time zones.

The Japanese market will finally benefit from the MR's various enhancements, including Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, exclusive 17" Enkei wheels and the technological masterpiece that is Super Active Yaw Control (AYC).

The sedan will be offered in two trim levels: the GSR, which comes equipped with a six-speed manual and the RS, the lightweight, stripped out offering that sends power through a five-speed manual gearbox. The wagon will offer the same six-speed tranny, but will also have the option of a five-speed automatic, for, well, we don't know why you'd get an automatic, but we digress.

Prices for both models can be found in the press release after the jump, although conversion rates from Yen to U.S. dollars are necessary.