The Best Japanese Performance Car Period
Can you guess what question I get asked the most? It's a variation of, "What's the best car you've ever driven?" or "Which car would you buy if money was no object?" While it's fun to contemplate the thought, money is always an object if your chosen profession is automotive journalism, so it's a moot point really.
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| Whenever I'm asked which car I would buy if money was no object, it's tough to answer because so many variables come into play. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
I'm also practical, and therefore have to factor in the need to transport my wife and three children in the same vehicle at times. Personally, I would also budget for fuel economy, as recent experiences filling up mid- and full-size SUVs, and even "minivans" (as if they're mini anymore, have turned me off the segment. Lastly, for me to come to the table with real money a car needs to drive extremely well.
So what car fulfills all these needs? Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution. Actually, in my not so humble opinion the upgraded 2005 EVO VIII MR is the best Japanese performance car, period. Whoa, what a bold claim! Yeah, I know. I don't usually state something so black and white, but it's just that good.
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| In my not so humble opinion the upgraded 2005 EVO VIII MR is the best Japanese performance car, period. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Is it better than a Honda S2000? Without question. An Acura NS-X? Yup. A Mazda RX-8? Destroys it. How about a Nissan 350Z? That too. A Skyline GT-R? Can't say, never driven one. Let's just say that the new EVO performs better than any Japanese vehicle currently exported to North America.
What do I mean by performs better? I'm talking about all-round performance, which includes acceleration, at the limit handling, braking, etal. Really, it's a question of balance, and the new EVO VIII MR is perfectly poised no matter the situation.