I spotted this electric 2006 Evo IX (9) in a parking lot in South Miami. I love this car! I’ve been a fan of the Evo ever since I learned what it was about. Probably back around the Fast and Furious sequel: 2 Fast 2 Furious back in 2003 (shot in Miami). The star car was a pretty goofy looking 4 door. Big wing, lime green, boxy and pretty mundane looking- even with the cool graphics and Eva Mendes in the passenger seat. I knew there had to be something to this car since it was the star car of the movie.
I did some research and came across this video… and it changed everything.
Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson flogged this car to within an inch of its power. We can see at the high end- it rocks, at the low end- its still a pain. I know there are some 6 speed die hards, but that age is ending. Running with the bull of super cars a Lamborghini Murciélago is no small feat. This car runs it right round off the track like a record baby right round, round, round. Now mind you the Evo that was in that video was never available in the US. That car is the 400HP monster of an Evo- the Mitsubish Evo MR FQ-400. US buyers could purchase the just slightly less hypersonic Evo MR with just shy of 300 HP and the handling, acceleration and breaking of a super car for around $40k… why not.
Bone stock this car is a beast. Then the aftermarket came on board. With mods out the wazoo… Some evo’s now push over 800HP. It didn’t hurt that the Evo VIII was the star car of the third F&F movie “Tokyo Drift” now they’ve got the car drifting sideways (with the front wheels disconnected from the 4wd system). WOW.
Boy racer stigma aside this car is “Boss.” Ferrari, Porsches, Corvettes all should worry, this toy car from Japan can pull up to the bar with them and have a drink. “Saki bombs please… a round for all my friends.”
Mitsubishi has now taken things to the next level with the 2008 Evo X (10)
The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR with its paddle shifter’s double clutch technology is a giant leap forward. Translated that means it has a semi-automatic transmission. No clutch petal and a “drive” mode option. The S-AWC system, which controls torque and braking at each wheel includes a alphabet soup full of acronyms: ASC (Active Stability Control), ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control) and Sport ABS, an ABS system designed for aggressive driving … and all kinds of other progressive technology goodies. But the car has added on some pounds and is only as fast as its earlier brethren. Time will tell if the new Evo becomes as as iconic as the last generation. LIVE LONG MY BIG WING EVO IX. ONE STOP LIGHT AT A TIME.
