Mitsubishi Motors has released the latest iteration of its legendary rally winner – the Lancer Evolution VIII – on to the Australian market in limited numbers. Brought into Australia under the Specialist Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) 100 of this highly desirable sports sedan will quickly find their way into the hands of motoring enthusiasts.

Proven in the heat of battle in the most tortuous rallies throughout the world the Lancer Evolution has, rightly, earned itself a formidable reputation since it was first launched in the early 1990s.

Powered by an improved version of the famous two litre 16-valve DOHC intercooled, turbocharged 4G63 four-cylinder engine, that develops 195kW of power at 6500 rpm, and 355Nm of torque at 3500 rpm, Evo VIII now has a flat 3000-5000 rpm torque band that is even gutsier than ever. In order to extract its best performance Mitsubishi recommends that Evolution VIII runs on 98 octane fuel.

In order to put this power to the ground Evolution VIII is fitted with a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission, and the ratios are ideally matched to the car’s power and torque characteristics, so as to deliver the optimum driver enjoyment.

The ratios are:

1st	2.928
2nd	1.95
3rd	1.407
4th	1.031
5th	0.72
Reverse	3.416
Final Drive	4.529

Improvements have been made to the transmission to accommodate the higher torque loads, and improvements to the single dry plate clutch assembly have reduced rattle and noise, while giving better release at high engine speeds.

Since its introduction, Mitsubishi’s AWD Control System – comprising Active Centre Differential, Anti Yaw Control and Sports ABS – has helped elevate Evolution’s road performance to new levels. Drivers of Lancer Evolution around the world are constantly astounded at the car’s cornering ability and lateral grip that is possible because of the AWD Control System.

Debuting on Evolution VIII, the new Super AYC has further significant improvements. Tuning of the ACD and other components in the system has been optimised by feedback gained through Evolution VII’s motorsport participation. As a result, this latest version of MMC’s AWD Control System delivers enhanced traction and handling control. To extract and realise its full potential, Super AYC underwent an extensive proving program on prototype vehicles at Nurburgring in Germany, as well as other testing to simulate competition driving.

Evolution VIII’s AWD Control System now stretches the cornering envelope further while retaining the vehicle’s natural, driver-friendly handling and behaviour characteristics at all speeds, and over all surfaces. It features automatic switching between three modes – Tarmac, Gravel, Snow – to enable quicker and optimum control response for changes in road surface.

The continuing development of Evolution’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension has resulted in Evo VIII delivering better on-the-limit handling stability, and driving quality over the full performance range.

The use of thicker rods in the rear shock absorbers has improved damping response and steering linearity.

Evolution VIII rides on ENKEI 6-spoke 17” X 8” spun-rim alloy wheels, shod with 235/45R17 93W high performance tyres (Bridgestone RE050 A Potenza).

The total package of engine, transmission, AWD drive-train and suspension all add up to one of the most enjoyable and involving driving experiences that a motoring enthusiast could ever hope for.

However, a performance sedan like Evolution needs a great set of brakes, and stopping power is provided by Brembo 17” (wheel) ventilated discs with 4-pot calipers at the front and 16” (wheel) ventilated discs with 2-pot calipers at the rear. Mitsubishi’s Sports ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) is standard to ensure safe, quick stops every time.

To improve handling stability and driving quality over its predecessor, Evolution VIII’s body underwent an exhaustive program to increase structural strength and stiffness efficiently and effectively, pinpointing those areas giving the largest gain in strength for the smallest increase in weight. As a result, the stiffer body and suspension improve handling feel and enhance the integrity of the driver-car relationship.

A sports sedan, such as Lancer Evolution, can also be a daily driver for many people. Consequently, the car’s styling and appointments can be equally as important as the mechanical and engineering features.

Evolution VIII’s styling changes incorporate a more aggressive exterior appearance that include the elements of the new global Mitsubishi design identity. The front end is distinguished by its integral grille-front bumper, the centre of which has been extended 35mm forwards, and its V-shaped nose with corners that have been pared away. These design elements lower drag while retaining Evolution’s outstanding manoeuvrability through corners. Stamping the new Mitsubishi design identity on the front is the pyramid-shaped element in the centre of the grille that locates the chrome three-diamond logo, and from the apex of which a ridge line appears to flow seamlessly into the engine hood.

At the rear of the car, the spoiler uses carbon fibre-reinforced plastic for both horizontal and vertical components – a world first on a four-door production sedan. The low mass, high strength and rigidity of CFRP, means the spoiler is stronger and stiffer than the aluminium one that was fitted to Evolution V and VI, and is lighter than the ABS plastic spoiler used on Evolution VII.

These advances in aerodynamics deliver a significant reduction in overall lift and improvement in high speed handling stability, as well as improving the balance between front and rear aero characteristics. Evolution VIII also boasts a coefficient of drag that is 0.01 slippier than Evo VII.

Inside, Evolution VIII features an off-black colour scheme, with the strategic placement of dark titanium-look panels to create a modern, high-tech, but sporty look. The dashboard highlight panel is finished in blue to co-ordinate with the seat upholstery, while the centre, lower console and power window switch panels are titanium-look.

Evolution VIII retains its 3-spoke MOMO black leather-wrapped steering wheel with black stitching, while the shifter, shifter boot and parking brake lever all use the same black-stitched leather trim.

Recaro bucket seats are extremely supportive for the driver and passenger, and deliver fatigue-free comfort on longer trips. The bolsters are upholstered using SilkweaveÔ fabric as it has outstanding grip, moisture absorption and other functional properties. The squab and back support use a lustrous blue mesh-look knit fabric with a high-grip dimple-finish.

The instrument cluster has a full range of instruments, as would be expected in a sports sedan such as Evo. The tachometer is large and centrally located alongside the 270kmh speedometer. Also provided are twin trip meters, low fuel warning lamp, engine coolant temperature gauge, oil pressure warning lamp, oil level warning lamp, brake fluid level warning lamp, rear fog lamp indicator and centre differential control indicator.

Also provided are a headlamp levelling device, ignition key cylinder illumination, lidded console box, front passenger’s cupholder, accessory and coin boxes, cigarette lighter, and digital quartz clock.

Comfort in Evolution VIII is maintained by the fitting of air conditioning as standard, while the audio system is an Eclipse premium AM/FM radio/MP3/CD unit (model CD3413) with six speakers.

Safety is inherent in a car like Evo VIII, and active and passive safety features such as remote keyless locking, Mitsubishi’s RISE body construction, driver and passenger airbags, side door impact bars, front 3-point ELR seatbelts with pre-tensioners, front adjustable seatbelt anchors, rear 3-point ELR/ALR seatbelts in all three positions and 3 child restraint anchors are all standard.

However, Mitsubishi is aware that owners of such a desirable car as an Evolution VIII want to be sure their pride and joy is protected. Consequently, it comes with engine immobiliser and Data Dot security, as well as a tracking and alarm system.

Evolution VIII is available in six colours - White Solid, Cool Silver Metallic, Blue Solid, Red Solid, Yellow Solid, and Black Mica, and will cost $61,990 when it goes on sale in July. The only option is leather interior trim that will cost $3,000.