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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR First Impressions (video)

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Bertrand Godin
REvolution
Mont-Tremblant, QC -- The Lancer Evolution is now in its 10th version, although available for the first time in Canada. However, the target clientele for this car already knows this mythic car pretty much since its birth. The car has always been normally reserved for an exclusive customer base by its phenomenal performance and high price. But now, the new MR model becomes more accessible (read: forgiving) to everyone, although still pretty expensive.

The MR version of the Evo is actually a revolution.

The MR version of the Evo is actually a revolution. In fact, it's not the high level of performance that has changed, but rather the way it can be exploited. Bursting with modern technology, this new car will transform the negative criticism that some have regarding automatic transmissions.

Under the hood
With a powertrain that pursues the Evo tradition, the turbocharged and intercooled, DOHC 16-valve, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine develops 291 horsepower. The turbo boost comes on progressively, and low-end torque is generous. This time, the engine block is cast in aluminum, mated to hydraulic engine mounts that considerably reduce vibrations and mechanical noise. Obviously, torque is up, peaking at 300 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm.

The engine is identical in all versions of the Evo, however, the MR differs from the GSR by its transmission. The TC-SST gearbox features 6 gears and two clutches, and is in fact an automated manual transmission that performs lightning-quick gearshifts.

The formula is simple and excessively efficient. When a gear is selected, the car preselects the next one in adavance; one clutch takes care of gears 1-3-5, while the other is in charge of gears 2-4-6. The Twin-Clutch system is incredibly fast, and the driving experience is exponential.

In complete control
Gear changes can be performed with the console-mounted shift lever or via the wheel-mounted magnesium paddles. Changing gears with the paddles is quick and precise; the left one downshifts while the right up upshifts. It's also possible to choose between manual and fully-automatic modes. In addition, three types of shift mapping settings are available: Normal, Sport or S-Sport. The latter is optimized for driving on the racetrack.

With a powertrain that pursues the Evo tradition, the turbocharged and intercooled engine develops 291 horsepower.
Bertrand Godin
Bertrand Godin
Automotive expert
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