Car + Adrenaline = Lancer Evo
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

A couple of years ago, I was able to drive a fully equipped Mitsubishi Rally car at a rally event in Laughlin, Nev. It took me back to a time that has blurred into memory when I took part in this most exhilarating form of motorsport. Getting out of the car with my heart still pounding and my knees shaking from the rush, I thought I heard one of the Mitsubishi guys tell me that they were going to sell this car in the U.S. and on the retail market.

My reaction, no one would sell a car like this to the public.

Mitsubishi Motors has just announced pricing for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi’s highly anticipated performance sedan. The Lancer Evolution will range from a suggested retail base price of $28,987 to a fully loaded price of $30,217 adding the two options of the carbon fiber spoiler, $480, and the power sunroof, $750.

"The arrival of the Lancer Evolution allows Mitsubishi to offer its youthful, energetic buyers a unique, very capable, performance vehicle with a motor sports pedigree. It is a product that defines the essence of our brand," said Pierre Gagnon, chairman and chief executive officer. "With its introduction in the United States, we expect the Lancer Evolution sedan to create heightened interest in the Mitsubishi brand and the rest of the fine product lineup."

Already in dealer showrooms, the magnificent Lancer Evolution offers enthusiast drivers a thrilling turbocharged, full-time all-wheel-drive, four-passenger sedan with superior acceleration and handling capabilities.

The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is powered by a 2.0-liter, DOHC, four-cylinder 4G63 that produces 271 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 273 ft. lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm.

My first reaction at seeing the striking yellow car with the enormous rear wing was mixed. The car is featured in "2 Fast 2 Furious" the street racer film that just opened . It looks outrageous but it grows on you and it sure gets a lot of looks.

I’m not going to pretend that I kept to the legal speed limits in this car. It’s impossible to do so considering you can break the speed limit in first gear!

Getting behind the wheel and letting out the clutch (it’s only available with a stick) gives you an immediate example of the power. This car will beat almost anything at the traffic light takeoff.

The Lancer Evolution isn’t a new car but it is new to the U.S. market and appears here thanks to the inroads made by, most notably, the Subaru WRX. The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution features a single large intercooler positioned in the middle of the lower valance to lower the temperature of the intake charge with the help of an automatic water sprayer. The transmission is a reinforced five-speed unit that’s been refined with additional first and second gear syncros.

The U.S.-spec Lancer Evolution uses a rugged all-wheel-drive system to provide drivers with phenomenal grip and superior cornering capability. The Lancer Evolution’s power is distributed equally to all four wheels using a race-proven viscous-coupling center differential and a reliable rear mechanical 1.5-way limited slip differential. This is the same driveline combination that they’ve offered on the competition-minded Japanese Evolution RS versions.

The Lancer Evolution’s four-wheel independent suspension relies on a MacPherson strut front design and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The reinforced undercarriage uses forged aluminum front control arms and rear links that offer improved strength and weight saving. The U.S. version of the vehicle will also be equipped with the renowned stopping capability of Brembo four-wheel disc brakes. Lightweight, 17-inch, one-piece forged Enkei wheels enhance style while helping to reduce unsprung weight to improve handling.

The U.S-spec Lancer Evolution will be the first of this series of rally homologation vehicles to offer a sunroof and choice of different sized rear wings.

This car might look like some of the other "boy racer" type cars that we’re seeing on the roads and freeways, but that would be a mistake to assume. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the closest to a race/rally car that I’ve driven on our local roads. The acceleration is amazing, so is the top speed. If you ask me nicely I’ll tell you where you can put a car like this to the test in both safety and legality.

Back to my initial reaction. This car might look like the other cars we see teenagers driving,with the modified body and the rear wing. But this car isn’t for the kids. It needs experience to handle it.

Be aware, if you test drive the car, you might not want to give it back. I had my test car for a whole week and they had to pry my fingers away from the steering wheel.