2008 Mitsubishi Evolution: Official Details
- Competes with: Upcoming Subaru WRX STi, Nissan 350Z
- Looks like: A beefier version of the compact Lancer
- Drivetrain: 295-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with five-speed manual or six-speed automated-manual transmission
- Hits dealerships: Early 2008
We’ve gotten official word from Mitsubishi on the next-generation Lancer Evolution that adds to what we found out last week. The turbocharged sedan will indeed have a new engine producing 295 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque when it arrives at dealerships next year in GSR and MR trims. Mitsubishi has also upgraded its all-wheel-drive system, calling it Super All Wheel Control, which utilizes everything from four-wheel drive to stability control to ABS to torque that’s split 50/50 between the front and rear wheels.
There’s also a new six-speed twin-clutch automated-manual for the MR that uses both a shifter and/or shift paddles to change gears, but there will be no clutch pedal on the floor. Overall, Mitsubishi says the new Evo will be a much better daily driver than the last generation. We just hope that breakneck speed and joy isn’t completely sacrificed. Still, most people can never fully utilize what these types of machines can do unless they go to the track, so maybe taking a bumpy road is a good tradeoff.
The new Evo is a lot stiffer though, and the roof, hood, front fenders, and front and rear bumpers are all lightweight aluminum.
There are more photos below, but what do you think? Is this new Evo too much of a compromise for everyday drivers?
