2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR
10/27/2005
Shahed Hussain
The many iterations of the Lancer Evolution have been renowned for their outstanding performance. A car for the hard-core automotive enthusiast, the new Lancer Evolution IX MR appeals to buyers who appreciate performance above styling and creature comforts. In return, this barely tamed rally car offers a thrill ride unequalled in its price range.
No doubt exists about the Lancer's performance potential. Exterior aerodynamic enhancements such as a carbon-fiber rear wing increase downforce, and work in concert with roof-mounted drag reducing vortex generators. Scoops in the front fascia enhance cooling airflow, while the louvered hood directs hot air away from the engine compartment. Low profile P235/45R17 Yokohama Advan A046 tires, mounted on gunmetal gray BBS(R) alloy wheels, mean pure business. Brembo(R) brakes with red dual-piston calipers ensure superb stopping performance. A 4-inch polished stainless steel exhaust outlet pokes out of the rear fascia to announce that this is no ordinary Lancer.
Inside the MR, the utilitarian dark gray interior emphasizes serious driving. Carbon-fiber trim on the dashboard and handbrake lever evokes the Lancer's rally heritage. Grab the dimpled machined aluminum shift knob and it clicks precisely and deliberately between gears. A carbon-fiber knob insert contains the double-H shift pattern. Reverse gear engages after lifting a spring-loaded shift lever ring. Although the aluminum shift knob looks cool, it promises to be an uncomfortable grip in the summer heat and winter chill.
Enthusiasts will appreciate the superb Recaro(R) front seats (with red logos on the backrests), upholstered in black leather and grippy suede-like Alcantara(R) fabric. Despite minimal adjustability (reach and seatback rake only), these heavily bolstered seats cocoon the driver and front passenger with excellent support. Slots below the headrests allow 5-point seatbelts for serious track or rally duty. Front seat room is ample for 6-foot tall drivers. Rear passengers will also be pleased with the surprisingly generous accommodations.
After slipping into his seat, the driver faces a fat 3-spoke Momo(R) steering wheel. Behind it is a centrally mounted 9,000 RPM tachometer, flanked at left by a smaller 170-mph speedometer and at right by small coolant and fuel gauges. Although the gauge markings are adequate in daylight, the red backlighting isn't very legible at night. Below the climate control knobs are boost pressure, oil pressure, and voltage gauges. Watching the boost needle climb during acceleration can be quite entertaining, but really isn't advisable. Surprisingly, no cruise control is offered, although most customers will only miss it on long highway trips.
The standard 140-watt Mitsubishi CD audio system cranks out great sound. A 6-disc in-dash CD changer is optional. For true audiophiles, a 315-watt Mitsubishi/Infinity audio system with subwoofer is available for the Evolution IX (but not on the MR and RS models).
At idle, the 2.0L turbo sends a buzz through steering wheel, pedals and chassis floor pan. While stiff powertrain mounts keep the engine and transmission snubbed down, the tradeoff is less than ideal noise and vibration isolation. For longer trips, the lack of refinement could become tiring for some. Frankly, most enthusiasts will probably find it an acceptable tradeoff for the Lancer's superb overall performance.
AWD and a 286-bhp turbocharged engine is a recipe for all sorts of highly illegal fun. As on previous Lancer Evolutions, the legendary 4G63 inline-4 is crammed sideways into the engine bay, surrounded by turbo plumbing, and capped with a metallic red valve cover. Mitsubishi's MIVEC variable valve timing increases torque and horsepower compared to the previous Evolution VIII. Shift below 3000 RPM, and the 2.0L behaves like an economy car motor. Real power and torque begin just above that threshold, as the suspension squats down and MR just takes off like a rocket. Once the engine is on boost, the linear powerband doesn't flatten until the 7000 RPM redline. Pay close attention to the tachometer between shifts, since the engine gives no indication when it approaches the rev limiter.
A close-ratio 6-speed manual (Evolution IX MR only) ensures that the right gear is available to keep the turbo spooled up. Moderately heavy clutch effort, coupled with smooth, linear engagement allows the MR to be launched easily from a standstill. For a fast getaway, rev the engine to 3000 RPM to bring the turbo alive, but modulate the clutch to keep the engine from bogging down. It may be possible to smoke all four tires from a standstill, but only at the risk of destroying the clutch. The Lancer rewards good launch technique, as the short 1st gear ratio will cause it to lurch if the throttle is closed abruptly. All this fun has a price in fuel consumption: the MR drinks gasoline at the rate of 20 mpg, in mixed city and highway driving.
For optimum grip under all road conditions, every Lancer Evolution IX model is equipped with an ACD (Active Center Differential), which dynamically allocates engine torque between the front and rear axles. A dash-mounted switch behind the steering wheel adjusts the ACD setting for optimum handling on different surfaces: tarmac (dry road), gravel (or wet), and snow. The ACD mode is indicated by a green LED inset in the tachometer. A helical torque-sensing limited-slip front differential, combined with a conventional limited-slip rear differential control lateral torque distribution.
Gummy Advan 046 tires are well matched to the superbly balanced chassis (stiffened by a three-point strut tower brace). Although the Lancer understeers slightly, it's barely noticeable under most street driving conditions. The center differential distributes power to eliminate torque steer, but one can feel the front tires grabbing for traction under acceleration. Grip levels are so high that it takes real effort to approach them on dry streets. High speed stability is superb. At an indicated 120 mph, the body hunkers down and the Evolution IX MR remains rock-solid. Clearly, the engine and chassis are capable of much higher velocities.
On wet surfaces, the ACD and tires cooperate to ensure tenacious grip and minimal wheel spin. Even at full throttle acceleration on rain-slicked roads, the chassis remains completely obedient. Where other FWD or RWD cars would be sliding sideways (or engaging traction control), the MR simply accelerates in the direction intended, with no drama. There is no traction or stability control because the Evolution IX doesn't need these driving aids. Its stunning wet grip and handling truly has to be experienced to be believed.
Steering effort is moderately heavy, which is desirable, since the quick ratio and sticky tires make the Lancer somewhat twitchy at low speeds over big bumps. Unless shifting gears, both hands should be on the wheel. Pay attention or risk ending up in the next lane. This is not to say that the Lancer is difficult to drive; it just requires an attentive and competent pilot to make the most of its abilities.
Unlike other Evolution IX models, specially tuned Bilstein(R) dampers are unique to the MR. Spring and damper rates are very firm, but not quite harsh. This uncompromising suspension tuning philosophy does make the Evolution IX MR less than ideal for long distance trips, or poor road surfaces. The Lancer stays planted and stable in most circumstances, but large bumps will upset chassis balance, since the light weight and stiff suspension can cause the car to skitter around.
While driving on local roads, the Rally Red Lancer Evolution seemed to attract every stoplight drag racer around. Most of them didn't realize that this Lancer is more than a boxy compact sedan with a body kit and big wheels. An unsuspecting pilot of a supercharged Cadillac XLR-V thought that catching the MR off boost would guarantee a repeat performance on the highway. It didn't quite work out that way for him. Not every day is Cadillac's flagship sports car matched by a plebeian $36K Mitsubishi.
The only true competition to the Evolution IX MR is the equally impressive Subaru Impreza STI. No other car can approach the overall performance capability of this Mitsubishi, at anywhere near its price tag. Few people will appreciate a Lancer that costs this much, and lacks the requisite style and status. But those who can look past the economy car roots of the Evolution IX MR will be rewarded with a truly exceptional automobile.
