More Power, Better Handling and Improved Styling
If it wasn't for Canada's five mile-per-hour bumper restriction, which does nothing to enhance safety, Mitsubishi Motors North
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| Rich Gilligan, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. introduces the 2006 Lancer Evolution IX at the New York International Automobile Show. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
As it is, however, the car, which integrates an oil-cooler into the front fascia, doesn't pass the regulations and therefore, stays out of our market. Still, it's fun to dream about a super sedan that is on most automotive journalists' personal wish list.
It certainly is on my personal top-10 roster, shooting to near the top after a day-long stint in a 2005 EVO VIII and EVO VIII MR last summer. And the current model, derived from World Rally Championship title holding Evolution cars just like all EVO's before it, has done well for Mitsubishi. The Japanese automaker enhanced the car's performance last year by pumping up the horsepower, adding a six-speed manual, including Mitsubishi's "cutting-edge" ACD, or active differential to its already grippy four-wheel drive system, and tacking on various aerodynamic upgrades, making the special EVO VIII
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| The EVO's three-box layout continues forward, with a restyled grille and modified front and rear bumpers. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
Many of these upgrades will be part of the EVO IX package, introduced to the Japanese market on March 3, and unveiled in the U.S. at the New York International Auto Show in March. Those expecting bigger changes, such as a totally revised design, will have to make due with the car's mild update and improvements under the skin until the EVO X gets released next year.
The EVO's three-box layout continues forward, with a restyled grille and modified front and rear bumpers, the former which allows greater cooling performance and high aerodynamic qualities.