2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X (The Good Stuff)

[Kent]

Well, I'm not a Mitsubishi fan but I do like this car.
I would preffer the STI but I still like this car.

At this moment I'm having a hard time thinking of something I'd rather purchase at 30k. I'm sure there are a few sporty cars availible but nothing that can keep up with this car or its rival. Atleast, nothing I can think of, so please enlighten me because I'm sure I've forgotten some other monster that stands at 30K.

 

[Joey D]

I like the sound of the SUPER AWC, it's not just all four wheels powering the car but all four wheels powering the car in a SUPER fashion....where do I sign for one?

 

[harrytuttle]

Lets put it this way; If this car sits at the $30K mark like I'm anticipating, there are quite a few more options I'd consider before this one. No offense to Mitsubishi, as I am an Evo fan, and would take one hand over fist against the STi, but I just don't feel like it anymore...

What exactly do you feel competes at around $30k? I guess if you broaden the group to include cars like the 350Z, then I could agree, but there's really no direct competition.

I'd take the Evo X over the STI in a second (as long as we're talking about 2008+ models only).

Well said. For me, I'm really just feeling the name. it doesn't look all that special either. I still like the IX evos, and get all excited whenever I see one of them on the road. Hopefully my opinions on this will start to change once I start to see them on the road. I guess the IX and STI battle of a few years back was the pinnacle of the rally for the street market. I'm not really feeling either new model. I would certainly take an EVO any day, though.

That definitely was the end. Mitsubishi has EOL'd the 4G63 and Subaru went off to left field with their design (and drive). This time around, I think the two are in slightly different markets, with Mitsubishi the winner by default since there really isn't anyone left. The car may actually be better than all the predecessors, but the Evo X just lost its relevance. They don't rally any more, the market for sports cars is generally moving upmarket (or at least rear-wheel-drive). And don't get me started on Subaru's mistakes.

Ford could have jumped in if they bothered to do a "real" Focus Cosworth. Mazda could have done something if the 6 MPS wasn't so limp-wristed. It's just a market that seems to have dried up along with WRC coverage. Shame, though, since those cars can still be really fun.

 

[Blackbird.]

It looks better than I thought it would. 👍

 

[YSSMAN]

What exactly do you feel competes at around $30k? I guess if you broaden the group to include cars like the 350Z, then I could agree, but there's really no direct competition.

I'd take the Evo X over the STI in a second (as long as we're talking about 2008+ models only).

Well, for a few bucks more you can get into the infinitely more refined R32, despite its performance shortcomings. The Pontiac G8 is technically, semi-sorta a competitor in price and somewhat in performance, and the same can be said for the Mustang GT/Shelby GT/Bulitt/etc.

It probably comes down to what you're into, but if I'm going shell-out $30k, no matter how much I like the Evolution, its just not my pick. I'm far more likely to head to the local Pontiac dealer these days...

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> The Evo X looks dandy...if you're not really that much of a 'performance driver'.

-> As what some publications states that this Evo will act more of an Audi S4 than a Evo IX, in which Mitsu would take away most of its rawness that made every Evo so special. That really ticks me off, if the Evo VIII feels artificial as it is, that what would this car bring? First they pulled themselves out from WRC, second they discontinued the legendary 4G63 (thats not my usual statement), and third this car will hit USD$40K mark!

-> And please, about the STi, although it would be more fun to drive compared to the Evo X (as what the '07 STi compared to the Evo X). With its play doh looks, I'd rather get the '07 anyday.

-> As what cars coming out today, I'm really not counting on anything that is not an S2000. I would think that the S2000 would be that last of its breed of being one of the most purest sports car for the money, bar none.

 

[SlipZtrEm]

-> The Evo X looks dandy...if you're not really that much of a 'performance driver'.

-> As what some publications states that this Evo will act more of an Audi S4 than a Evo IX, in which Mitsu would take away most of its rawness that made every Evo so special. That really ticks me off, if the Evo VIII feels artificial as it is, that what would this car bring? First they pulled themselves out from WRC, second they discontinued the legendary 4G63 (thats not my usual statement), and third this car will hit USD$40K mark!

-> And please, about the STi, although it would be more fun to drive compared to the Evo X (as what the '07 STi compared to the Evo X). With its play doh looks, I'd rather get the '07 anyday.

-> As what cars coming out today, I'm really not counting on anything that is not an S2000. I would think that the S2000 would be that last of its breed of being one of the most purest sports car for the money, bar none.

First... I'd partially agree about the Evo being softened with the X, but I don't think it's to the extent you're saying. Car (or Evo, I forget) tried a protype version and came back generally impressed. And the 4G63 had to die; it was an ancient, dirty motor. Powerful and durable, undoubtedly.

As huge of a fan I am of Scooby products, I don't think anybody can really rate one of the '07's from either camp above the other. It's come down to taste .

I very nearly finished typing an "S2000, meet Elise" kinda response, until I realized you had "for the money" there!

And YSS, something tells me very few people will cross-shop an Evo with a bus-sized (by comparison) G8. They're two very different cars, though I'm sure some people who just have to buy domestic would pick it. Which seems kinda ironic, heh. And who knows; Mitsu is said to be pushing for quality with the X' interior, so maybe the VW won't have too much of an advantage there...

 

[Omnis]

I wish the tail-lights didn't suck. They should've moved them down more to the middle of the rear-face.

The front looks just like the GT-R34, though.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Hey Edmund's Inside Line just posted its first impression of the Evo X:


*click on the image*

-> So far they were impressed due to it increased refinement, but I'm still kinda iffy about it. I'd like to see a IX MR and the X MR go head to head, watch Best Motoring, or wait for the head-on match up with next STi to make myself a bit more convinced.

 

[Keef]

Well, at least we know it still does the good ol' Evo Face Plant when it turns.

 

[YSSMAN]

And YSS, something tells me very few people will cross-shop an Evo with a bus-sized (by comparison) G8. They're two very different cars, though I'm sure some people who just have to buy domestic would pick it. Which seems kinda ironic, heh. And who knows; Mitsu is said to be pushing for quality with the X' interior, so maybe the VW won't have too much of an advantage there...

Quite right, but I was mostly discussing what you can get for the same price here in the United States. They did compare the Clubsport R8 (read G8 GTP, eventually) down in Oz with the STi and Evo IX, and while they noted its a completely different beast, they felt it was worthwhile... Of course we all know is far easier to compare with the Mazdaspeed6 (God rest its soul), Legacy GT.B, and the Dodge Charger R/T.

Domestic or not, we did help develop the car... And either way, "our" engine and transmission is in it (lol).

With the VW comparison, I'm unaware of the quality differences, but like most of us here, I think we'd all check the box for the German before even looking at them. Personally speaking though, that wouldn't be the reason why I'd choose the VW anyway... Civility as an overall characteristic, beyond that the ability to become Mr. Hyde is what makes it a winner. The "on/off" nature of the Evolution and STi has never been that appealing to me, hence the reason why I've always liked the R32.

===

-> As what cars coming out today, I'm really not counting on anything that is not an S2000. I would think that the S2000 would be that last of its breed of being one of the most purest sports car for the money, bar none.

Mazda MX-5? Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky/Opel GT? VW Polo GTi? The wide variety of Renaultsport products? Suzuki Swift Sport?

I do understand what you mean though. They just don't make them like they used to, but then again, even Mazda has realized that you need to take out weight to make the car that much better.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

YSS -> First, Polo GTi, Renaultsport products, and Suziki Swift Sport are not available in the US. Second, the Soltice (non-turbo) was a dissapointment. And the Sky RL (turbo), despite with that humongous horsepower and a better vehicle than the Corvette Z51, it felt kinda heavy and not very tossable in which it reduces my level of confidence when the roads gets a little chalenging.

-> I want a car that directly contacts me, between the car and road, that is not a go kart and its street legal. In which the car will deliver the overall reward of driving experience while having maximum amounts of fun.

-> As for the MX-5, I can't make any assumptions just yet because I haven't driven it yet.

-> We are on the same boat then, and the MX-5 and any RX-series are the only Mazda's that are on my little list especially the Miata PHRT.

 

[YSSMAN]

Officially Official News!

Though print mags bearing the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X as their cover car have already hit newsstands, the car isn't really official until Mitsubishi says it's official. As of early in the AM on Monday, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is official, complete with a dandy new press release and pics of the JDM version. There's tons more info about the new Evo X in the press release after the jump that the print mags didn't have space to cover, so make sure to read through it.

The trims Mitsubishi specifically announced were the GSR, which is the standard Evo X now, and the RS model. The stripper RS model has always been a favorite of ours, especially with the giant rear wing deleted and all those foo-foo features like a radio and power whatever tossed to save weight.

While the old car's 4G63 engine was legendary, the new car's 4B11 mill is lighter thanks to an aluminum block and more powerful at 295 HP and 300 ft-lbs. of torque. We're also especially excited about the new Twin-Clutch SST 6-speed automated manual (think DSG from Audi), though those that prefer a proper snick can still order a 5-speed manual, which is the only option on the RS.

Pricing has been set at ¥3,495,450 ($30,473 USD) for the GSR 5MT, ¥3,750,600 ($32,697 USD) for the GSR with the Twin-Clutch SST 6-speed and ¥2,997,750 ($26,134 USD) for the RS. Enough talking, read on and view the new pics below.

Read the Full Press Release Here

And BTW: I like this "stripper" RS model here best:

 

[Tornado]

Now that Car and Driver essentially said the Evo X was totally awesome, I'd love to see it wreck the STi.

 

[Philly]

I'm still holding judgment on this one. I'm not convinced wither way that this car is great or if it sucks. TVB's article wasn't very promising for me but I just can't dismiss this as a failure.

How is the RS equipped? Does it just not have the options and fancy trim as with most cars or did Mitsubishi take stuff out of the car to save weight and make it sporty? Did Mitsu take all of the stuff out in the name of performance or price? At $26,000, this seems like a great buy.

Overall, I doubt this car will be quite the same as the old one yet I can't believe this would be called an Evo if it didn't have the soul of one. I'm looking forward to those tests that will tell us just how this thing drives compared to the old.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Man, those RS rims are so small it looks like its about to scarpe the road, plus with that shot the looks full-size like a direct competitor to the Crown Vic.

 

[niky]

That's tradition. The RS is a pure stripper model... the wheels are up to you...

If it meant that it would be even remotely within my budget, so be it... aftermarket rims are cheap.

 

[Philly]

A little comparison with the EVO IX (Data from R&T)

------------------EVO IX (RS):----------EVO X
Price:-------------$30,100---------------$35,000
Weight:-----------2888 lb ---------------3345 lb
Power (hp/lb-ft):--286/289---------------295/300
0-60:-------------4.4--------------------5.2
0-100:------------11.8------------------13.8
0- Quarter mile:---13.0@104.8------------13.8@100.0
60-0 (ft):---------124-------------------117
80-0 (ft):---------237-------------------196
Skidpad:----------.87g-------------------.96g
Slalom:------------69.7 mph--------------67.2 mph
Lap Time:---------1'55.20 (IX)------------1'54.18


Is is reasonable to compare the old RS to the new X, or should I wait until the new RS comes out? I really can't believe the car grew 500 lbs and lost all that acceleration.... Does anybody know where I can get performance for a regular 2006 evo IX?

Based on what I have above, I'm surprised at the X's acceleration. I would think it would be faster than the outgoing model. Another thing that stands out is that the new car seems much heavier on it's feet and not very responsive, as it is not able to make use of it's .09g advantage on the skidpad in the slalom. However, the AYC ends up helping it out on the track. Road and Track reports that the car doesn't feel as alive because the steering is slower and the AYC makes the car less active in the corners. These also make the car feel slower (Which is what matters IMO.) And braking is really startling to me. I'm curious as to how they god the brakes to work that much better.

 

[TheCracker]

How is the RS equipped? Does it just not have the options and fancy trim as with most cars or did Mitsubishi take stuff out of the car to save weight and make it sporty? Did Mitsu take all of the stuff out in the name of performance or price? At $26,000, this seems like a great buy.

The RS versions of the Evo have traditionally been sold with a very basic, base-model interior and cheep wheels (previous versions have just had steelies) for people wanting to use the car as a basis for Group N (production based) rallying where they were likely to strip the interior and fit stronger/lighter rallying wheels anyway. They were sold in plain white so as to be a good basis for whatever livery they were going to run with.

 

[SlipZtrEm]

You might want to double check your numbers...

 

[V1P3R]

1 + 1 = 5

 

[Philly]

1 + 1 = 5

Oops.

5.2 sec and 2888 lbs sound a little better?

Thanks for catching that guys.

 

[V1P3R]

👍

 

[Omnis]

The new one is still a whole second faster.

 

[Philly]

The new one is still a whole second faster.

I think that makes it so the question is whether you want computing gizmos help you bring the car up to speed faster with a decrease in driving involvement/excitement or if you want your skill as a driver and the raw performance give you a slower, but far more rewarding lap. And I'm sure a lot of Evo buyers wouldn't use that extra second per lap. I woudl say that most will appreciate the .8 second faster quarter mile or the 2 second faster 0-100 time.

I guess the car is growing up.

 

[Tornado]

I think that makes it so the question is whether you want computing gizmos help you bring the car up to speed faster with a decrease in driving involvement/excitement or if you want your skill as a driver and the raw performance give you a slower, but far more rewarding lap.

I don't understand why this is constantly repeated. If I understand it correctly, the S-AWC system simply combines the ACD and AYC into one unit. And you can completely turn off the stability control that the car does have. When combined with the car's lower center of gravity and better weight distribution, not to mention its wider track, I don't get why people keep repeating the "Electronics are death" mantra.

 

[Philly]

I don't understand why this is constantly repeated. If I understand it correctly, the S-AWC system simply combines the ACD and AYC into one unit. And you can completely turn off the stability control that the car does have.

Will the new car be as exciting as the old with everything turned off? How was the Japanese IX with it's AYC?

When combined with the car's lower center of gravity and better weight distribution, not to mention its wider track, I don't get why people keep repeating the "Electronics are death" mantra.

Because electronics keep us out of the realm of being the only thing controlling the car. What if I want the car to do something that the genius computer disagrees with? Where is the fun in that? And where is the fun in having a computer correct your understeer when you could do it yourself. If the electronics can be turned off, great. Then the last problem would be a boring car, and you have to do to the designer to fix that.

 

[niky]

The thing is, the Evo has never been a "pure driver's car". It's always relied on AWD to pull it out of tight situations, and the computer controlled differentials just made it sharper and sharper over the years.... and faster, too.

If you really want a "pure driver's car", with no computers double-guessing your every move or no AWD traction to make you look like a better driver than you really are (because, when all is said and done, that's what Evos have always done... flatter drivers and cover up their mistakes with glorious traction-juggling-powerslides and incredible grip), then you're looking at something other than an AWD rally-rocket...

I'm not surprised that the new EVO is slower in a straight line. Bigger chassis, more rigidity... it's something that Mitsubishi may address in a lighter, hopefully more powerful RS version down the road.

 

[niky]

The thing is, the Evo has never been a "pure driver's car". It's always relied on AWD to pull it out of tight situations, and the computer controlled differentials just made it sharper and sharper over the years.... and faster, too.

If you really want a "pure driver's car", with no computers double-guessing your every move or no AWD traction to make you look like a better driver than you really are (because, when all is said and done, that's what Evos have always done... flatter drivers and cover up their mistakes with glorious traction-juggling-powerslides and incredible grip), then you're looking at something other than an AWD rally-rocket...

I think there was a self-conscious effort by Mitsubishi (and Subaru) to tame their cars for this model-generation. They need to appeal to new buyers. People who want performance but are uncomfortable with trail-braked powerslides, turbo-lag and excessive turbo-ramp-up and who don't want their teeth rattled out over rumble strips. Thus, "softer" cars that still perform better. Hell, remember, sideways is never the fastest way around the next corner... just the most entertaining.

I'm not surprised that the new EVO is slower in a straight line. Bigger chassis, more rigidity... it's something that Mitsubishi may address in a lighter, hopefully more powerful RS version down the road.

 

[Philly]

I think there was a self-conscious effort by Mitsubishi (and Subaru) to tame their cars for this model-generation. They need to appeal to new buyers. People who want performance but are uncomfortable with trail-braked powerslides, turbo-lag and excessive turbo-ramp-up and who don't want their teeth rattled out over rumble strips. Thus, "softer" cars that still perform better. Hell, remember, sideways is never the fastest way around the next corner... just the most entertaining.

I guess my theory is that Mitsubishi and Subaru have captured the desire of the generation entering their 20-somethings and are just aging the car with that group so they can keep their appeal with those who have grown up around it. This group probably isn't as much into the no luxury, all sport idea any more, and Mitsu is just offering them a name, a car with more mature handling and refinement of the Evo fan club.