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Ah, track day. For once, the planets were aligned and I had the chance to take a hot little sport-compact out on the tarmac.

Too often, cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR present a frustrating dilemma: How do I sample its high-performance capabilities without endangering myself, other people and, of course, my driver’s license.

But on this particular Sunday, the Arizona Sports Racing Association invited me to one of their open-track sessions at Phoenix International Raceway to join other drivers who brought out their street cars for some high-performance fun. advertisement

There were a couple of other Evolutions in the group, but my test Evo was the only one enhanced with the latest from Mitsubishi Racing, thus the MR. On PIR’s winding infield course and around the banked turns, the Evo MR roared like an actual race car, its agile handling and snorting turbocharged engine putting it ahead of the pack.

The Evolution, along with Subaru WRX, has carved out a performance niche with today’s young drivers, who may see themselves among the street racers in The Fast and the Furious. These people are today’s version of hot rodders, taking mundane little compacts and adding on performance modifications.

But with the Evo, the work’s all done. Turbocharged engine, six-speed close-ration transmission, all-wheel drive, stiffened and lowered suspension, Brembo brakes, Bilstein shocks, Momo steering wheel, BBS alloy wheels and a towering, carbon-fiber rear wing. Not much else to do but paint a number on the door.

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The lowdown

PERFORMANCE: It’s kind of amazing how much power can come from just 2 liters, especially when it’s a seamless flow of energy without a hint of turbo lag or other high-strung behavior. With such new technology as intake-valve timing control, the Evo can drive docilely through rush-hour traffic or soar to its high-revving peak.

The MR package includes a close-ratio six-speed instead of a five-speed, the better to keep the engine in its power groove. Shifting is tight and direct.

DRIVABILITY: Cornering becomes more a matter of how fast the driver dares than how fast the car can go. Ultraquick steering response and a stiff, well-controlled suspension.

The trade-off is a ride that can be harsh, buffeting and noisy. But anyone who desires the performance of the Evolution most likely will accept the challenge, even welcome it.

An interesting feature is the all-wheel drive switch that adjusts for dry roads, gravel or snow. It can turn this little racer into a proper rally car in a moment.

The huge Brembo disc brakes are amazing.

STYLING: Take a little compact car, add gallons of testosterone, then stir. The glowering Evolution looks every bit the road warrior, from its gaping hood vent for the turbo intercooler to the lofty rear wing.

INTERIOR: The designers did a nice job of translating an economy car into a sport-compact, with upgraded materials and textures. There are no such niceties as steering-wheel mounted radio switches or even cruise control in this performance car.

The extra MR gauge cluster is mounted way too low on the dashboard to do anybody any good.

BOTTOM LINE: The price is fairly high, at about $35,000, unless you consider the cost and hassle of building something like this from a stock Lancer.

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RELATED

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, compact four-door sedan, all-wheel drive.

Engine: 2-liter turbocharged inline four, 286 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, 289 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Transmission: 6-speed manual.

Wheelbase: 103.3 inches.

Overall length: 178.5 inches.

Curb weight: 3,285 pounds.

EPA rating: 18 city, 24 highway.

Highs: Explosive power, sharp handling, quick steering.

Lows: Harsh ride, stiff price tag, police scrutiny.

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Pricing

Base price: $35,189.

Price as tested: $36,894.

OPTIONS

* MR package, including aluminum/carbon fiber brakes, alloy shift knob, color-keyed Vortex roof fins, boost gauge kit, $800.

* Zero lift kit, including rear spoiler extension, front air dam, front-brake air guides, $310.

* Shipping, $595.

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For more on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, go to autos.azcentral.com.