2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR

[Rainman]

why does the MR always have a lot of wheel gap?

other than that, I love it, especially the gauges! it is strange how the boost gauge is furthest from the driver, but that would probably be a quick fix

^^^IIRC it has to do with the retuned suspension, allowing more travel between the wheels and the body, for a more gentle but still responsive ride.

R

 

[Rainman]

Yah, unfortunately we don't and they mitsu keeps teasing us at the Toronto International Autoshow, showcasing an 8 we can't have. Just two weeks ago, in the Toronto Star, the columnist mentioned that we have a very strict bumper standard, I forgot what the speed rating was, but the front mount intercooler doesn't meet regulation. Anyway, he too found it strange that Mitsu won't do anything to accomodate us but Chrysler does w/ the SRT-4. Actually, on the subject of bumber standards, Audi TTs come to Canada with a bumber extension to accomodate our crash standards. I'd rather see EVOs over TTs anyday, at least we get STIs and they're all over the place. Mitsu will have a hard time competing here with all the STI sales.

^^Our front end crash tests require a front bumper to withstand an 8 km/h collision without any structural damage. The corressponding US test requires the bumper to withstand only 5 km/h. At 8 km/h there was structural damage to the FMIC and therefore they are not allowed in Canada.

Currently, there are two Evo VIII in Canada. One in BC and one in the GTA. Both have R&D licences, meaning that they can be track driven to test parts, but are not street legal. I looked into importing one to Canada, but the government essentially said that I need to be able to import 3 cars. One to crash test, a second to modify to meet their requirements and then crash test (after the first car failed the test), and a third to modify and drive if everything works out with cars 1 and 2. I wanted an Evo VIII, but not that badly. I also tried working out a deal with a local shop so that I could get an R&D licence, but that was before I found out that you can't drive it on the street with that licence. They can seize your car if you do that.

R

 

[Rainman]

Mits doesn't have the resources to built a canada specific set of parts.

^^^They will not be doing this for the current, or the Evo IX as its production is already too far to redesign the front bumper. However, they are planning to address our stricter crash test requirements in the design of the Evo X due out in late 2007 or early 2008.

R

 

[Rainman]

So what is the difference between the MR and regular EVO's?

^^^Retooled suspension, MIVEC (Mitsubishi VTEC), vortex generators, either CF or aluminum roof (vs. standard steel roof), plus a few other goodies that escape me at the moment. Check out this month's edition of Motor Trend, where they have a 4 or 5 page spread addressing the Evo, Evo MR, and the Evo RS.

R

 

[anarchistchiken]

If you want a 400+ hp Evo, just buy one and go talk to Andy Wagner. Last time I checked he had a 500 hp daily driver and he wasn't done with it yet.

 

[TeamPlayers]

As an Evo man I have to jump in on this thread.

Turbo lag on the Evo aint that bad. If someone doesnt like lag get another car, and its not like its running low boost when 19lbs kicks in it kicks in. I personly will probably be getting a VIII and just puting the IX front bumper on it.