Lancer Evolution IX from Mitsubishi
The Lancer Evolution IX from Mitsubishi is the final instalment in a Lancer series that dates back to the Evolution I of 1992 and was launched in October in China followed by very successful launches in Japan, North America, and Europe.
The new model is a very cool car, looking better than the previous model, having restyled front fascia, front and rear lamps and revised rear carbon fiber wing with hollow design. Also, the interior is better, with improved, grippier seat material and aluminum pedals.
So Mitsubishi managed to make it a beautiful and cool car, but what about the technical improvements? Well, they are great! Mitsubishi made more powerful MIVEC engine (with a 3% improvement in fuel economy and exhaust emissions) for all Lancer Evolution IX models.
Three versions of the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine will be offered in the UK. The FQ-300 produces 305bhp at 6950rpm, while revisions to the engine’s air supply increase the output of the FQ-320 to 326bhp at 6700rpm. With the aid of a supplementary ECU, the flagship FQ-340 develops 345bhp at 6800rpm, which is enough to propel this Mitsubishi from 0-62mph in just 4.3sec and on to 157mph. Isn’t that a fast car?
The top-of-the-line MR model of Lancer Evolution IX with quicker-response Bilstein dampers; aluminum roof; six-speed manual; and shark-tooth-shaped vortex-generator aerodynamic add-ons to the roof is more than a cool car.
The new Lancer Evolution has variable valve timing/phasing on the intake side, revised turbocharger and closer ratio five-speed manual transmission for RS and IX. But also, another improvement is it’s lighter weight and redesigned Enkei wheels .
To make use of the engine’s flatter torque curve, the five-speed in the RS and straight IX has been given tighter ratios. The six-speed in the MR is unchanged, as are the suspension, brakes and all-wheel-drive system on all three models. Read all about the road test of Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX.