Mommy, I drove a Lancer Evo!
The car is arguably mythic. Ever since appearing in video games, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has developed an international following and could even be considered as a cult vehicle... especially in Canada. Of course, it was solely based on its reputation, as it had never been made available to us. But now that we've finally driven one, we almost feel the need to call our mommy to tell her all about it!
The 2008 model year marks the arrival of the long-awaited, fully-redesigned and 100-percent legal tenth generation of the legendary Mitsubishi Evolution, the sportiest of the Lancer family.
Power and fun
Backed by marketing studies, Mitsubishi executives are well aware that enthusiasts immediately think of the Evolution when it's time to have fun behind the wheel. Believe me, the new generation does not disappoint.
Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 291 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Put to the test on small winding roads, deep inside the Laurentides region, in Quebec, this little mill (12-kg lighter than its predecessor and also narrower thanks to a redesigned, more upright configuration) showcased its incredible power and versatility.
For Bertrand Godin, one of our three test-drivers for the day (along with Amyot Bachand and myself), any more power would have been useless in terms of driving dynamics. "The engine is always up to the task and the entire powerband is available at any time, he said. On small roads, for example, when you effectively manipulate the gearbox, it becomes pretty easy to exploit these 291 horsepower while maintaining full control of the car. However, you have to perform quick shifts; otherwise, at higher revs, the turbo will run out of breath in a hurry."
The car is arguably mythic. Ever since appearing in video games, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has developed an international following and could even be considered as a cult vehicle... especially in Canada. Of course, it was solely based on its reputation, as it had never been made available to us. But now that we've finally driven one, we almost feel the need to call our mommy to tell her all about it!
The 2008 model year marks the arrival of the long-awaited, fully-redesigned and 100-percent legal tenth generation of the legendary Mitsubishi Evolution, the sportiest of the Lancer family.
 |
| The Lancer Evolution: finally available in Canada... |
Power and fun
Backed by marketing studies, Mitsubishi executives are well aware that enthusiasts immediately think of the Evolution when it's time to have fun behind the wheel. Believe me, the new generation does not disappoint.
Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 291 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Put to the test on small winding roads, deep inside the Laurentides region, in Quebec, this little mill (12-kg lighter than its predecessor and also narrower thanks to a redesigned, more upright configuration) showcased its incredible power and versatility.
For Bertrand Godin, one of our three test-drivers for the day (along with Amyot Bachand and myself), any more power would have been useless in terms of driving dynamics. "The engine is always up to the task and the entire powerband is available at any time, he said. On small roads, for example, when you effectively manipulate the gearbox, it becomes pretty easy to exploit these 291 horsepower while maintaining full control of the car. However, you have to perform quick shifts; otherwise, at higher revs, the turbo will run out of breath in a hurry."
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| The 2008 Lancer Evolution is motivated by a powerful and versatile engine, according to our test-drivers. |