2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Starting MSRP $34,495–$37,695
By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National November 7, 2011Vehicle Overview
Mitsubishi's five-seat Lancer Evolution performance sedan uses a 291-horsepower, turbocharged engine and features a standard all-wheel-drive system with three selectable modes for various driving conditions. Its main competitor is Subaru's WRX STI.
New for 2012
The Lancer Evolution GSR gains an upshift light on its center display, and the MR model adds an Eco indicator.
Exterior
Mitsubishi says the Evolution's nose was inspired by the air intakes on fighter jets. The Lancer's forward-leaning stance is already one of the more aggressive shapes among compact cars, and the Evolution looks even more so. Exterior features include:
- Grille with dark mesh insert
- Standard 18-inch wheels
- Large spoiler on GSR; smaller lip spoiler on MR
- Aluminum hood, fenders, bumpers and roof
- Optional xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights
- MR model with Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, enhanced brakes and BBS wheels
Interior
The interior looks similar to the regular Lancer's, except it has heavily bolstered Recaro-brand front bucket seats. Interior features include:
- Standard automatic climate control
- Standard CD stereo with a USB port and Bluetooth streaming audio
- Standard steering-wheel audio controls
- Standard cruise control
- Available Rockford Fosgate stereo
- Available heated leather seats
Under the Hood
The Lancer Evolution's optional twin-clutch automated manual works much like Volkswagen's DSG gearbox, with the next gear at hand as soon as the previous gear is released. This is designed to produce lightning-fast shifts, which are performed automatically or initiated by paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The transmission offers three shift programs: Normal, Sport and S-Sport. Sport holds lower gears longer and shifts more quickly than Normal, while S-Sport optimizes performance for the racetrack. Mechanical features include:
- 291-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes 300 pounds-feet of torque
- GSR has five-speed manual transmission
- MR has six-speed twin-clutch automated manual
- Standard all-wheel-drive system can split power 50/50 (front/rear)
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Driver's knee airbag
- Side-impact airbags for the front seats
- Side curtain airbags for both rows of seats
- High-performance Brembo-brand antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Joe Bruzek | Cars.com National | March 16, 2012 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | November 7, 2011 |
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