Mitsubishi Pumps Up Its EVO VIII Super Sedan

When Will Canada See the Top-Tier Mitsubishi?

Subaru's announcement of a 300-hp WRX STi probably took Mitsubishi by surprise when introduced at the Detroit auto show earlier this year. While a more powerful version of the rally bred economy car was expected for the North American market, the event was abuzz with the new of the Subaru's stratospheric output.

Ready to go head-to-head with Subaru's WRX STi, Mitsubishi has just released its intimidating Lancer Evolution VIII MR. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

Since production versions have surfaces, tests have shown the less powerful Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII, at 271-hp (280-hp in foreign markets), compares well, with reports of better overall balance allowing for similar comparative performance.

But to many in the hunt for a practical supercar, horsepower bragging rights are king. To this end Mitsubishi has just released its Lancer Evolution VIII MR. Not only is the new sport model more powerful, but offers wickedly sinful styling enhancements designed to intimidate opponents into backing down before the race gets underway.

Tests have shown the less powerful Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII (shown here), at 271-hp, already compares well with the WRX STi. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Dark gray is the paint scheme, with large intakes and vents hinting at the power that lies beneath the hood, accented by gray-painted alloy wheels and an overzealous rear decklid spoiler.

Even more powerful than the upgraded 300-hp Lancer EVO VIII FQ300, the MR raises the bar significantly. The MR, short for Mitsubishi Racing, adds a race-tuned suspension for tighter handling, while its electronically-regulated all-wheel drive system has been calibrated to react to road surface irregularities quicker.

The engine gets a larger turbocharger together with a modified camshaft, and who knows what other electronic upgrades, to boost output significantly. Just the same Mitsubishi isn't bragging, only rating the new mill at the old standard EVO VIII specs.

Production of the MR package will start in February 2004, and can be added to GSR and RS versions of the Lancer EVO VIII. For the time being, the sporty Mitsubishi is not offered in Canada due to 5 mph bumper regulations, but sources from within the Japanese brand's North American HQs have hinted that the next-generation EVO IX will feature an upgraded bumper system similar to the new 2004 Lancer sedan currently sold north of the 49th. That would indeed be good news for Canadian enthusiasts.