First look: Mitsubishi's Evo evolves

MITSUBISHI'S Lancer Evolution VIII has broken cover for the first time, with a US-specification example making its world premiere at the Los Angeles motor show, which ends on January 12.

While Evo VIII's thunder was stolen somewhat by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's release of pictures on January 1, the good news is local Mitsubishi officials say the eighth generation of the company's legendary rally-bred Lancer road car could be on sale Down Under by the end of 2003. But that's the best case scenario.

While the Evo VIII shown in LA features a number of improvements over its predecessor, it is in fact based on the Lancer Evo VII GSR, meaning it gets a mechanical rear differential and viscous coupled centre differential instead of higher-series cars' yaw-sensing active rear differential and electronic centre differential.

Various versions of Evo VIII are expected to be wheeled out over the next 12 months, with a domestic market Japanese model due in the second half of 2003 and a full-blown European Evo VIII likely to appear by early 2004. The latter is MMAL's preference for the Australian market, but the downside is the wait and the likely high price.

MMAL is keen to avoid pricing Evo VIII as high as Australia's current Evo VI, which sells at $80,000 and at least 10 examples of which are still sitting in Mitsubishi showrooms. While a decision cannot be made until final (driveline) specifications and therefore pricing are confirmed, it is likely Evo VIII will be priced closer to Subaru's WRX STi, which currently sells at $55,130.

MMAL's task should be made easier by the fact it will import Evo VIII directly through MMC channels rather than via Ralliart, as was the case with Evo VI. In any case, given the $US30,000 pricetag announced in LA for the US version, MMAL hopes a price of somewhere between $65,000 and $70,000 should be achievable, making Evo VIII more appealing than the pricey Evo VI.

Until MMAL makes its decision some time in the first half of 2003, however, only one thing is for certain: given the lengthy ADR certification process, Japan's current Evo VII model will not be made available in Australia in the meantime.

As for Evo VIII - up to 6500 examples of which are expected to be sold in the US in the first year - the American version still improves on Evo VII in a number of key areas. They include reduced air resistance, reduced and optimised balance between lift characteristics front to rear, and improved engine cooling.

A new front bumper with integral grille is said to mark the new MMC design identity via a raised triangular base with chromed triple diamond logo in the grille centre. The larger air intake opening also improves intercooler performance, and it is 80mm longer to conform with local 2.5mph impact requirements.

The size and position of air outlets in the aluminium bonnet are also said to provide better radiator cooling and reduced front lift, while a new engine undercover also reduces drag, generates more downforce and improves drivetrain cooling. In what is claimed to be a first for a four-door sedan, the rear spoiler employs weight-saving carbonfibre reinforced plastic in both the horizontal and vertical wings.

On the inside there's "strategic placement" of dark titanium-finished panels, Recaro front bucket seats, 170mph speedo and a leather Momo steering wheel, shift knob, shift boot and handbrake grip.

At the heart of the American market Evo VIII is Mitsubishi's 4G63-type 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder DOHC intercooler/turbocharged engine, which is lighter and more efficiently cooled than before, and conforms to Californian LEV1-LEV emission regulations.

Peak output is quoted as 206kW at 6500rpm and 370Nm at 3500rpm, while a five-speed manual is standard and fuel capacity has been increased five litres to 53 litres.

Aside from the viscous limited-slip centre coupling and mechanical rear diff in the full-time four-wheel drivetrain, Evo VIII's US chassis is said to have been reinforced to meet strict US crashworthiness regulations.

Evo VII's Brembo brakes are carry-over, as are the MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspensions, while the first US Evo will be shod with 235/45-section 17-inch Advan A046 tyres developed specially for the US.