2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR Road Test

Yet, acceleration's not its strongest suit. Handling is. On the way to the racetrack Mitsubishi had rented out for our

I've never driven a car that can manage switchback corners with as much unflappable control as the MR. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

benefit (thank you), the event planners found some truly sensational rural backroads that truly tested the compact sedan's fleet footedness. I've never driven a car that can manage switchback corners with as much unflappable control as the MR. Porsche Turbo? Sure, amazing handling no doubt but not as toss-able at speed. Ferrari 550 Maranello? Fabulous, albeit ponderously heavy in comparison. No, the top-tier Mitsu is in a class of one when it comes to balanced cornering, improved over the base EVO by a reduction of 136 kilos (300 pounds) of performance robbing weight.

How did the engineers accomplish this? The steel roof has given way to an aluminum one, plus extremely lightweight

The top-tier Mitsu is in a class of one when it comes to balanced cornering. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

17-inch BBS alloys complete the diet for a total curb weight of 1,399 kilos (3,085 pounds).

There's more to its handling prowess than lightweight components, however, and it starts with a subtly revised suspension setup compared to the base EVO VIII, which includes MacPherson struts, coil springs, tube shocks and an anti-roll bar up front and a multilink setup with forged aluminum links, coil springs, tube shocks, and an anti-roll bar in the rear, also features specially calibrated Bilstein shocks to iron out the rough stuff at high velocities.

Mitsubishi's race proven all-wheel drive system makes a significant difference too, especially in inclement weather conditions, enhanced by a helical limited slip front differential, now standard, and the Japanese brand's innovative Active Center Differential (ACD).