Jalopnik: evolution

Jim Russell Lancer Evolution Experience: Because Oversteer Kicks Ass

Sam Smith — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST

The Lancer Evolution Experience starts off like most driving schools: You are plopped in front of a chalkboard and lectured to. After that, you're sent out and made to get wicked sideways. And that's when you wake the hell up.

Full Disclosure: Mitsubishi paid for our entry to the Russell Lancer Experience and offered to put us up in a nearby hotel for the night. Because we don't always swing that way (multinational corporations usually hog the bed) and because we live twelve miles from Jim Russell's Infineon Raceway facility, we graciously passed on the latter. Sadly, our home minibar was not restocked in the morning.

Before we go any further, let's make one thing clear: When I say "sideways," I mean sideways. What we have here is some unhinged, prescription-strength, industrial-grade madness. And the cars—bone-stock Evolution Xs—do it happily, and they ask (beg, plead, pray) for you to keep it up, and all four tires burn like the Cuyahoga while you dance the dance of a thousand rally stars. If you listen closely, you can hear Tommi Mäkinen laughing.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

For the most part, one-day driving schools are not the stuff of legend. You show up, you take a class, you play on a skid pad, and you go home. This is not what happens at the one-day Evolution Experience. Mitsubishi Motors and Russell are well aware of the Evo X's strengths, and as such, the Evo school's curriculum was designed to highlight the car's killer chassis and all-wheel-drive system. Over the course of eight hours, you become intimately familiar with both the laws of physics and the Evo's staggeringly talented rear differential. You also spend most of your time leading with your taillights.

If the whole process sounds boring, then you're either the type of person who gets carsick in the parking lot at church or you have no soul. The school's exercises are spread across two large skid pads and all of Infineon Raceway's 2.5-mile track; the program is aimed at drivers of modest skill, but the ass-out exposure to one of the best all-wheel-drive production cars on the planet should be enough to draw more experienced 'shoes. As with most Russell programs, the emphasis is on tailored instruction and at-your-own-pace improvement; the school's instructors are happy to vary their teaching style based on student skill and need. Counterintuitive lessons abound—the Evo's unique all-wheel-drive system and active rear diff ensure that a lot of old-school techniques don't apply, and you can find yourself at minimum yaw if you try and go with your instincts. (A tip: Countersteer less, throw the car around more. And don't be afraid to throw it hard.)

All told, the Russell program isn't so much driving school as treatise on the Evo's genius—by showing ordinary folk the ins and outs of sliding a rally rocket on dry pavement, it merely reinforces the Lancer's formidable legend. At $1000 tuition, is it a bit too expensive for what you get? Probably. Is the whole production simply an elaborate advertisement for the most capable Mitsubishi ever built? Of course. Does that make it any less worthwhile? Not in the slightest.

The details: Jim Russell Racing Driver's School. Infineon Raceway, Sonoma, California. One thousand ($1000) dollars tuition per driver. www.jimrussellusa.com.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X FQ400 On The Way

Mark Arnold — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EDT

Because apparently the existing FQ360 wasn't F-ing Quick enough, the report from AutoExpress is that Mitsubishi has now greenlit an FQ400 version of the Lancer Evo X. We didn't have much of a chance to open up the taps when we drove the 291 HP 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, but seeing as the FQ400 name indicates output of 400 HP, we can only imagine how much faster it'll be than what we have in the states. That's right, the FQ isn't coming here, as it'll be tuned in the UK, where it will likely receive an upgraded turbocharger, exhaust, engine computer and fuel system. The results will be stunning.

Acceleration from 0-60 MPH should take just about 3.5 seconds, on the way to a top speed of at least 170 MPH. With that jolting speed, expect uprated suspension, bigger brakes, and some aero tweaks. Even better, a manual gearbox should be standard. Let's just hope the gas pedal doesn't break off. So, does anybody know of a good black market importer?[AutoExpress]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X Owner Presses On Gas, Pedal Breaks Off

Mark Arnold — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:20:00 EDT

One Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owner was understandably surprised when the gas pedal on his nearly new $40,000 car snapped off right under his foot. With just 2000 miles on the clock of his Evo X, the owner claims he was driving "with a little enthusiasm," pressed down on the gas pedal "as I normally would", at which point he claims the piece of asterisks broke off completely.

After waiting for a while on the roadside, the guy finally took his shoe off and pressed down on the remaining nub of a pedal with his big toe to limp the car to a dealership. It remains to be seen if this is an isolated incident or a widespread problem, but this owner (who also owns an '05 Evo VIII) is now wondering why he didn't spend his hard-earned clams on a new Corvette. [evolutionm via dieselstation]

BRB Evolution Super Car Concept Transforms, Folds To Fit Tight Spaces

Andrew Stoy — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EDT

This is the BRB Evolution —a unique sports car concept, designed by 22-year-old British engineer Daniel Bailey, that folds itself in half lengthwise to fit into tight parking spots. The concept car would fold itself into half its length by jacking itself up on its nose and tucking its rear wheels beneath. Bailey claims he was inspired by the Lamborghini Murcielago and Peugeot 908, but given the car's appearance and Mr. Bailey's youthful 22 years, we suspect reefer, Mountain Dew and repeated playings of Transformers may have also been involved.

But the BRB Evolution concept is not only capable of fitting into tight spots with it's Dyson vacuum-like design, but it's also intended to be "green." The concept car's powered by electricity or hydrogen, in effect solving what Bailey considers to be the two main problems of the city of the future: pollution and overpopulation. And, before you think how much fun it would be to fold the car and unfold it again while sitting in the driver's seat, think again: no occupants are permitted while the BRB is doing its magic squeeze show.

Also, don't expect this concept car will hit the streets anytime soon, but we do hope this young man gets snapped up right quick by some company doing automotive design. We figure a piece in the Telegraph about his design concept probably won't hurt his chances. Also, our write-up, but we'd never toot our own horn. Unless it deserves tooting of course. [Telegraph UK]

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Coming To Paris Motor Show

Mark Arnold — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EDT

We've been excited about the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback ever since we got confirmation that it would go into production. Now, we've got official shots and details to even further whet our appetites. This is the Ralliart trim model, which will have a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four pumping out a WRX-battling 240 HP. No word yet on an Evo Sportback, but we'd be plenty happy with this Ralliart if it comes to the US. The car will debut at the Paris Motor Show this fall, where we'll be able to get a closer look. For now, check out the full press release after the jump.

Mitsubishi Motors unveils Lancer Sportback at Paris Motor Show — Lancer Ralliart 4WD sports sedan also on display —
Tokyo, June 11 2008 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008 ) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.

*1 Named the Galant Fortis in Japan

With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Lancer Sportback offers an "auto-folding function" which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors' new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*2 engine [maximum output 177 kW (240PS), maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

*2 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control system

[via NihonCar]

AMS Mitusbishi Lancer Evolution VIII Makes 1130 HP

Mark Arnold — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EDT

AMS claim this is the world's most powerful Evo, and they've got the dyno sheets to back it up. This Mitsubishi monster supposedly makes 1130 HP, and that's not at the flywheel, but at the wheels. And we're told it's "true" power, no nitrous-oxide assistance, just a motor built up big as can be and 51 PSI of boost. With all that power sent to four wheels, this thing just wants to jump right off the chassis dyno. This begs the obvious question — what kind of acceleration should you expect? How about a 1/4-mile run of 8.56-seconds at about 170 MPH. But don't think this was all some crazy JDM tuning. Nope, this car lives in the one and only true land of excessive power — the good ol' US of A.

[AMS Performance via VWvortex]

Mitsubishi Outlander Gets Evo-Style Twin-Clutch SST Transmission For Euro Market

Ben Wojdyla — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:00:00 EDT

We don't really understand Mitsubishi anymore. They once offered a selection of great cars combining looking good and going fast. In the last couple of years, we've felt like their design department has lost their way, the quality has slipped and the only car worth talking about is a boy-racer sedan with a sticker price above forty large. Take for instance the latest announcement from Mitsubishi that the European version of the Mitsubishi Outlander will be fitted with the high tech Twin-Clutch SST transmission from the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.

The auto shifting flappy-paddle manual makes sense in a sports car like the Evolution X, but we're having trouble figuring out what place it has in a 3,500 lb crossover. Where's the demand for such a system? What's the market? Is there some Outlander Autocross circuit we don't know about? [CarScoop]

That's Not A Lancer, It's A Rally Car...We Swear!

Ray Wert — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:15:00 EDT

Mitsubishi's newest commercial wants you to think "Evo" when you buy a new Lancer. That's why they're showing off the entire Lancer-lineup in the above ad — and hoping you think it's three cars in one. Mitsubishi wants you to think when you're buying a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, you're buying a "rally-inspired" vehicle — built downward from the Lancer Evolution rally car into a Lancer Evolution "X" and finally into a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Unfortunately, that kind of "evolution" generally moves upward, not down. Still, the commercial's got a good beat and makes us think we can be more than a boy racer if we buy one. We even hear it has paddle shifters. Ooh!

Electric Loremo In The Works

Travis Hudson — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:15:00 EST

If you recall from the 2007 Frankfurt show, Loremo debuted its 118 mpg 1.5-liter diesel, but now the company is back with the appropriately named electric E-Loremo. Or Evolution Loremo. Or Evolution Low Resistance Mobility if you really want to dissect the hell out of the name. Under the hood, the E-Loremo isn't too shabby.

It includes a 20KW electric engine capable of 40kw short-term bursts. Top speed equals 105 mph. No official word on battery capacity, but the Loremo folks are ballparking for a 93-to -24 mile range per juicing. Early reports suggest a prototype could be ready mid-2008, with production models arriving around 2010, at the earliest. [Loremo via Giz]

LA Auto Show: 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X in the US of A

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 13:45:00 EST

Man. 291 horsepower. 300 ft-lb of torque. Super all-wheel this, mega computer controlled that. Hardcore, shark-faced and we've known all about it for a while now. But here's what made us sit up cocker spaniel straight: While the top o' the range EVO MR comes with the flappy paddle DSG (TC-SST in Mitsubishi speak), the "lesser" GSR version has a standard 5-speed. And even though the premier video explained that the TC-SST in full auto mode, "Shifts as if wired directly to the driver's brain," we'll maintain that our right arm shifts in much the same manner. Actually, our left foot works like that, too.

Tokyo Motor Show: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, Finally

Ray Wert — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 12:15:00 EDT

After all of the teases, web reveals and even some tiny show in Sydney — we've finally had the chance to see the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X in person here at the Tokyo Auto Show and what can we say that hasn't already been said? Well, we'll add that we thought it was weird for Mitsu to choose the notoriously terrible-to-photograph-red color for this, their JDM 2.0-liter MIVEC-engine winged wonder. To add insult to injury, they put the new boy-racer a deep, dark cave. Not that they're saying it's unattractive — but maybe there's something subliminal going on in there is all. But whatever, full gallery below — eat your hearts out kiddies.

The Japanese Mitsubishi Evolution X brochure...

Ray Wert — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 18:30:00 EDT

The Japanese Mitsubishi Evolution X brochure hits the interwebs by storm...again. [via Autoblog.nl, Carscoop, etc]

A new evolution for the Evolution —...

Ray Wert — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 14:30:00 EDT

A new evolution for the Evolution — no more Roman numerals? [Auto Express]

MOD Squad Hits Triple Diamonds in Third Year

Mike Bumbeck — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:30:00 EDT

Having been to the first annual Mitsubishi Owners Day three years ago, the sheer number of Lancer Evolutions tearing up the roads today seems almost impossible. So many EVOS appeared that the cars overflowed onto the nearby streets of MMUSA HQ. While there was some temporary grumbling that Prototype X showed up instead of the production version, there were plenty of 3000GTs, Starions, and Eclipses to keep everyone happily distracted. Stay tuned for some mini-galleries focusing in on some of the historic rides on shipped over from the museum in Japan on display at MOD. The good news is you've got another year to get that Mitsubishi 500 ready to roll.

Spy Photos: 2009 Mitsubishi Evolution X

Ray Wert — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:15:00 EDT

Our good buddies at the site for Car Fans around the World just snagged shots of what appears to be the Mitsubishi EVO X out in the real world. The very wet real world. So although the folks at Mitsubishi have already done us the great pleasure of providing the production press shots for us and the car's expected to be in European showrooms in early 2008 as a 2009 model — this is most assuredly the first time we've seen Darth here out on wet roads while uncloaked. – Ray Wert

Mitsubishi EVO X Real World Photos [WorldCarFans]

Spy Photos: Mitsubishi Evolution X?

Ray Wert — Sat, 09 Jun 2007 15:00:00 EDT

An "evolving member" of the evolutionm forums just posted some shots of what he thinks may be the Mitsu Evo X tooling around on the 91 with Michigan manny plates. Here's what GlobeCLK has to say:

"Last Friday (June 1) around 2:30pm on the 605 heading North, near Cerritos Auto Square. I spotted this weird looking EVO-VIII, the weird interior caught my eyes. RHD, some mechanical differences from EVO-VIII. Before I merged onto the 91 freeway, I snapped a few pics with my trusted DC (I always keep it handy in my car now). I don't know, seems like an EVO-X but with EVO-VIII sheet metals. We had some discussion over at ClubLexus, some people think it's a riced-out EVO, some think it's some wannabe-JDM EVO, others think it might be the EVO-X in disguise, just like how they were testing the GT-R under G35 coupe shell."

That's what the man who snapped the pics had to say — but what do we think? Our gallery of the JDM Evo X below. [Hat tip to Alexander!] – Ray Wert

I spied: possible Evolution X in disguise? [evolutionm.net]

Spy Photos: Mistubishi Evo X

Ray Wert — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 10:46:35 EDT

When Mitsubishi showed off the Prototype-X at the Detroit show (gallery below as a reminder) a couple of months ago, everyone and their brother knew it was nothing more than a thinly-disguised Lancer Evo X, or at least we all thought that's what it was. The only problem is that since Detroit, we've seen precious little spy photography of the next-gen Evo, so we can't do much more than speculate that's the case. But lucky for you, the first spy photos since Detroit appear to have come in the form of a video, and it appears that...well...umm...yeah, we still can't make heads or wing of it as it's a really heavily camo'ed prototype. But yeah, the shaky vid's above, see if there's something your eagle-eyes can discern. While you're doing that, we're going to go over to D.O.C. and see if we can check into that Lasik thing. – Ray Wert

VIDEO: Autoblog reader runs down Mitsubishi EVO X mule on public roads [Autoblog]