2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR Road Test

On the closed road course I worked hard to learn the optimal race line, attempting to maximize track time by getting on

Behind the wheel of the EVO I could charge into a turn at a speed that would send most rivals plowing fields after leaving the track. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

and off the throttle, and on and off the brake pedal as smoothly as possible, while trying to maintain the ideal approach speed at each corner so as not to overcook the suspension and tires. Fortunately we were their, running around the track for hours, which gave me time enough to test the EVO VIII MR's parameters. To my surprise the scope of its threshold is extremely wide, allowing me to charge into a turn at a speed that would send most rivals plowing fields after leaving the track, or much worse, spinning towards the concrete barrier. Again the word balance comes to mind, with the EVO showing an uncanny ability to remain neutral under extreme pressure to squat at either end.

In technical terms the MR showed no tendency to understeer if driven in consideration of a few basic laws of inertia. I purposely drove it beyond what I felt a regular sports car could take and the EVO would just

The massive carbon-fiber rear wing isn't just for show and tell sessions. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press)

squirt out the other side of a curve like a jackrabbit bounds away from a bloodhound mid-chase.

One thing's for sure, that massive carbon-fiber rear wing isn't just for show and tell sessions. It's absolutely necessary to keep the tail planted at high speeds, especially during long sweeping corners. That's where I felt a little uneasiness, which is only reasonable considering the car's weight, or lack thereof.

On tight, twisting asphalt, however, there are not many cars that can maintain the EVO VIII MR's high level of grip. How high? Name me another 4-door compact sedan that can manage 0.98 Gs on the 200 foot skidpad and at 70.8 mph through the 700 foot slalom? Exactly, you can't as there isn't one.