2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX review
May 15, 2008 by Karl Peskett
And under the bonnet is the familiar 2-litre turbocharged engine we saw in the Evo VIII, but this time with MIVEC timing, and other revisions to bump the power to 206kW and 355Nm. Under 3500rpm it builds slowly, with a tinny note overlayed by a louder exhaust. But above that, the turbo whistle comes on strong, and so does the acceleration. Then the engine stomps its way to the redline with a satifying sound and urge, all the while being able to lay the entirely of its power supply to the road.
However, it sucks down the premium unleaded very quickly, and with only a 55-litre tank on board, with too much enthusiasm you’ll drain the tank in 200kms. Have fun, but pay the penalty. Still, with Mitsubishi supplying a full tank of juice, we just had to find out for ourselves…
The Evolution IX is one of those cars that you have to experience more than once. The purity of the drive experience isn’t whitewashed by electronic wizardry. You still have to work hard to get a result. But the result you do get is more than your senses can handle at first go. If this is what the IX is like, we can’t wait to drive the Evo X when it is released in a few short weeks.
But excuse us while we go and try the IX again…
Specifications:
- Engine: 1997cc DOHC four cylinder petrol 16 valve
- Power: 206kW @ 6,500rpm
- Torque: 355Nm @ 3,500rpm
- Top Speed: 250km/h
- 0-100km/h: 5.5 seconds
- 0-400m: Not tested
- NCAP rating: N/A
- Safety: ABS, EBD, Dual Front Air Bags
- Turning Circle: 11.8m
- Fuel Tank: 55 litres
- Fuel Type: 98RON Unleaded
- Fuel Consumption: 10.6 litres (Man)
- Wheels: 18″ x 8.0″ Alloy
- Weight: 1,470kg
296kw!!!
:-P
Great car & should sell well. (second attempt at posting) !
Cheers
Thanks RoFlmaTiC. Typo.
I would love one, but even the older models hold their value way too well for my wallet. Oh well, the Impreza will have to do…
Sounds like you chaps had a bit of fun. Love these but personnally would never buy one as there is too much association with the ‘boys’. Pity since the performance is awsome.
What was the best evo to date? what it the Evo7??
wow truely awsome car by. prety much the uiltimate hoon mobile now that the impreza/rex is a little more conservative (i dont meen in terms of performance)
I guarantee its a lot quicker than 5.5 secs. It’s just a question of shifting ratios at the precise time. Not too late, not too early.
i heard its in teh vicinity of 4.9-5.0 0-100?
I’d prefer the new Evo on looks, but this is still a beast
4.9 sounds right
It looks stunning in white!
I would have thought faster than 5.5 -100 too,but your right on the interior,very average.
Do you fella @ caradvice know when the offical launch of the EVO X is commin out?
Cause if its soon, its time to sell the 06 WRXY for it!
I think in Europe theve got 254kw Evos there clocking higher 0-100’s http://www.evo.co.uk did a test against Carrera GT 997 Turbo, Carrera GT managed 3.8 Evo 4.3 0-60mphs
No Name ..”what was the best evo…?”
I’m fortunate enough to have driven the 6.5 TME, the 8 and the 9 and all are brilliant! The TMA had a few modifications and was stunningly fast, easily in the 4 second club and as the author notes “more than your senses can handle in one go..” is exactly the experience… sensory overload is another way to put it, focusing up the road as far as I could while everything else seemed to blur. It was more hard edged than the 8 and 9, easily provoked into tail out four wheel drifts when on boost,yet with lag to test your patience when off it.
The 8 and 9 are truly Jekyll and Hyde vehicles being much more refined, superbly fast and with limits beyond most people’s (mine included). And yet if you’re driving to conserve your points and keep your licence they will do that easily and comfortably, being docile and tractable and with no ill manners to speak of. The worst of it would be the toning up your left leg receives through a firm and responsive clutch pedal.
Which is better? Not a fair comparison at all with the TME being modified, but I could easily live with and drive a 9 everyday, but I’d be waiting anxiously for Sunday’s to let loose in the 6.5 TME…
It doesnt really matter which evo you get as long as it has the AYC (active Yaw Control). Completely takes the understeer out of AWD. Kinda like Sti’s when they put the variable centre diff in. Like the others though I found the interiors below standard and the indicators on theleft was a big bug-bear for a japanese car. Note to prospective buyers of new or used – Don’t use anything less than 98RON fuel or you will regret it.
Like most turbo cars you shouldnt be taking anything less than 98… I remember a test was run and found that ratings dont actual match the real octane level in the petrols and noticed one being off by like 4 points 98 was actually 94.
5.5 sec is about right for the watered down Australian version. For the real deal you need to drive a JDM spec Evo IX. A better drive than the latest X !
Re the Evo X and its imminent arrival. I spoke to a Mitsu dealer today and apparently the Oz delivery of the Evo X has been pushed back to July now!
There appears to be far too much demand world wide and the tiny market here in Aus loses out (again):-(
Also means that with the new LCT, it will cost even more.
I hope it lives up to the hype. Certainly looks better than the STi, although I am still a bit miffed that the manual is only 5 speed.
I really don’t think I could justify the purchase of an STi before taking the Evo for a spin. Having said that though, I have seen a STi Spec R for 62.5K drive away (slightly used for test drives) and that indicates there might be some flex in the price for a new STi
this truely is a superb car and has all the go indeed! sure the cost is a bit hefty but the ride quality makes up for it! the only thing i have to agree w negative nature, is that, it does use the base $19,000 lancer dashboard, and set up! Otherwise flawless!