Sydney show: Lancer Evo VIII debuts

TAKING centre stage alongside Mitsubishi’s facelifted TL/KL Magna and Magna AWD range, the updated 3.8-litre Pajero and two-seater Evo Pajero concept car was the wicked new AWD turbocharged Lancer Evolution VIII, which will go on sale here in the first half of 2004.

The Olivier Boulay-styled Evo Eight, which will feature Active Yaw Control, Recaro sports seats and a viscous centre diff, appeared in Sydney last week on the eve of the revised, new-look Evo VIII MR debuting at this week’s Tokyo motor show.

Mitsubishi Oz will import 100 European-spec Evo VIIIs under the Specialist and Enthusiasts Vehicle Scheme next year and is currently accepting expressions of interest for the Subaru STi rival that will be "significantly better priced" than the previous limited edition Lancer Ralliart Evo VI sedan, which cost $80,000 from May 2001.