Mitsubishi’s rally-bred pocket rocket—the Lancer Evolution—is well known as one of the most capable sports sedans on the road at any price. But with the addition of more premium content, at no charge to customers, the Evo advantage will be more noticeable than ever for the 2011 model year.
These new standard features include:
- Mitsubishi’s FUSE hands-free connectivity system, which gives drivers the power to control their Bluetooth-enabled cell phones, iPods or USB drives with a variety of simple voice commands.
- An upgrade to the Evo’s available 40-gig hard-drive navigation system to deliver real-time traffic information.
- A retuned exhaust system for a sportier exhaust note.
- A large and aggressive rear spoiler for the Evolution GSR and sophisticated rear-lip spoiler for the up-level Evolution MR, providing more style and more substance.
- A standard USB port for better connectivity with iPods and other digital devices.
Of course, equally impressive is what hasn’t changed with the Evo for 2011. The mighty Mitsubishi still offers the kind of standout powertrain and advanced handling technologies that have captivated enthusiasts from around the globe.
It all starts with an all-aluminum, turbocharged and intercooled I4 engine, which boasts the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system. MIVEC adjusts the intake and exhaust cams to optimize power—a robust 291 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque—while also producing fewer exhaust emissions. This proven powerplant is then mated to either a short-throw five-speed manual gearbox (standard on the GSR) or the automaker’s Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), an advanced six-speed automatic that can operate in two separate modes.
This revolutionary transmission (optional on the GSR, standard on the MR) can operate in a fully automated mode, like a “normal” automatic, or be switched to a manual mode for optimum driver control via either a console-mounted shift lever or magnesium steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. Per Mitsubishi, “in either manual or automatic mode, each up or down shift takes place instantaneously with no perceptible lag time, with the engine management system ‘blipping’ the throttle with every downshift, matching the engine and transmission speeds perfectly.”
Then, to help drivers make the most out of the Evo’s performance, Mitsubishi offers its Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system: A comprehensive suite of electronic control systems aimed at raising the Evolution’s handling and maneuverability to supercar levels. Combining active stability control, an active center differential, an active yaw control rear diff and the car’s sport-tuned anti-lock brake system, S-AWC can adjust torque to each individual wheel to maximize performance in all road conditions.
The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution races into dealerships later this year.
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