Both Automobile Magazine and Sport Compact Car Magazine Sing EVO's Praises
In today's competitive market it's a rare event that one car wins multiple top honors, but such is the case with Mitsubishi's rally replica Lancer Evolution VIII (EVO).
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| "If you're into getting the most car for your hard-earned dollars, the Lancer Evolution is the car for you." (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors) |
Not only has it taken Automobile Magazine's "2004 Automobile of the Year" award, but now the editors of Sport Compact Car magazine bestowed "2004 Sport Compact Car of the Year" on the feisty compact.
"Its performance is nothing short of world class," stated Scott Oldham, Editor-in-Chief of Sport Compact Car. "If you're into getting the most car for your hard-earned dollars, the Lancer Evolution is the car for you. For the base price of (USD) $28,987, you get all-wheel drive with limited-slip centre and rear differentials, Brembo brakes at all four corners, 271 horsepower from a hyper-responsive twin-scroll turbo, forged aluminum suspension, Recaro seats, a MOMO steering wheel, aluminum hood and front fenders and gummy Yokohama tires mounted on ultra-light forged Enkei alloy rims," continued Oldham.
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| The Lancer Evolution beat out the Mazda RX-8, Cadillac CTS V, Porsche 911 GT3 and the Audi A8 L. (Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America) |
Finbarr O'Neill, the new co-chairman and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) stated, "The editors of Sport Compact Car magazine - who speak for an audience of true car enthusiasts and serious compact car tuners - have affirmed that with Mitsubishi, high performance and value are synonymous."
As for Automobile Magazine, the Lancer Evolution had to beat out the Mazda RX-8, Cadillac CTS V, Porsche 911 GT3 and the Audi A8 L. The editors didn't even mention the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, the EVO's more powerful direct rival that took last year's Detroit auto show crowd by surprise when announcing the 300-hp North American version. Reports state that Mitsubishi's model offers better balance and a much more reasonable price.