EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A fully equipped race car for under $30,000. If driving means more to you than anything else in the world, you''d be crazy not to consider the Evo.
Pros
Nearly perfect suspension tuning, loads of turbocharged power, direct steering, available stripper model makes it even more affordable.
Cons
Economy car interior, unforgiving highway ride.
What''s New for 2004
Leather seating is now an option as is an upgraded 315-watt Infinity sound system. A new, decontented RS model has been added this year for those who want maximum performance and nothing else. The Evo RS deletes ABS, air conditioning, the rear spoiler and power features such as locks and windows. Additionally, the RS boasts a helical limited-slip differential, added structural reinforcement in the trunk and less sound-deadening material.
Overview
Introduction:
Fans of the Speed Channel, World Rally Championship racing and PlayStation2 have long known of the seriously powerful and agile Lancer Evolution. Now in its eighth iteration, the Lancer Evo is as impressive as ever. With countless WRC wins all over the world, totaling more than 30 World Rally Championships and four driver''s titles, Mitsubishi is no stranger to building winning performance cars. Last year, Mitsubishi began offering its road-going version of the Lancer Evo to eager U.S. consumers who might otherwise be shopping for a Subaru WRX, Mazdaspeed Protege or SVT Focus. The Lancer Evolution is no mere Lancer LS with an appearance package added. Every part of the car is specifically designed to achieve optimum performance -- ultimately the Lancer Evo is nothing less than a street-legal race car. The hood and front fenders are formed from aluminum alloy to reduce weight; this gives the Evo a weight distribution of 60/40. While the local street is full of wanna-bes and poseurs, the Evo is the real deal. You''ve got to wonder why so many front-wheel-drive cars have deck lid spoilers installed, but with the Lancer its optional carbon-fiber rear spoiler serves two purposes: First, it increases rigidity, and second, it adds downforce to the rear wheels -- something an all-wheel-drive car can actually benefit from. The Evo boasts aggressive styling cues that are both cool-looking and functional. Nothing is worse than a hood scoop or fender bulge that serves no purpose other than to add weight and look silly. The Evo''s hood uses functional heat expulsion vents and the large opening in the front bumper fascia boosts performance by making the intercooler more efficient. The Evo also sports Yokohama tires made of a special compound that maximizes grip. To accommodate the sticky 235/45R17 tires and lower suspension, the Evo''s front fenders are noticeably wider than a regular Lancer''s. Further evidence of the Lancer Evolution''s serious nature are special touches like the factory-installed rear-window wiper, enlarged exhaust, HID headlights and lightweight Enkei wheels. Die-hard driving enthusiasts have yet another reason to savor the Evo this year, as Mitsubishi has rolled out a new RS version that strips the car down to its bare essentials. Think of the RS as the rally prep package as it deletes amenities in favor of saving weight. Gone are the power windows and door locks, air conditioning, sound-deadening materials and antilock brakes. What''s left is one of the most potent -- and affordable -- performance sedans on the market.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Lancer Evolution is available in two trims: standard and RS. The standard Evo offers features such as 17-inch wheels; HID headlights; air conditioning; power windows, mirrors and locks; a CD player; and a tilt steering wheel. The RS edition is essentially a stripped-down iteration of its sibling, and deletes ABS, A/C and power windows and locks. Options include leather seating, a 315-watt Infinity sound system, a power sunroof and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance:
All Evos come with a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 2.0-liter inline four conservatively rated at an impressive 271 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Power is delivered via a five-speed manual transmission driving a full-time all-wheel-drive system with a viscous center differential and a limited-slip rear differential. Mitsubishi claims a 0-to-60 time of 5 seconds. An automatic transmission is not available. Braking is achieved through a Brembo system that uses 12.6-inch ventilated front discs with four-piston calipers and 11.8-inch ventilated discs and two-piston calipers out back. There is also a Sports ABS system that works in combination with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution to provide stopping power on par with the world''s best sports cars.
Safety:
On the standard version of the Evo, safety is addressed via ABS; however, this feature is deleted on the RS edition. Side airbags are not available. In NHTSA frontal crash tests, the standard Lancer received four out of five stars for protection of the driver and front passenger. Side-impact tests resulted in a two-star rating for front passenger protection and four stars for rear passengers. In IIHS frontal offset crash testing, the Lancer earned the top rating of "Good" and was named a "Best Pick."
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the Evolution lives up to its race-winning image with well-bolstered Recaro seats. A thick-rimmed, leather-covered, Momo steering wheel and large, easy-to-read gauges help keep the driver focused on the task at hand. Gauges glow red and are illuminated at all times to insure they remain legible day or night. The shifter is covered with leather and offers a short throw to accommodate the free-revving engine. There is even an intercooler spray switch than can be set in manual or automatic mode to improve air intake cooling. In "auto" mode, water is sprayed for two seconds in five-second intervals, or the driver can select manual mode to control the water spray.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
With its ultraquick steering and race-tuned suspension, few cars can match the Lancer Evolution''s bang for the buck. Handling is pure and precise, and less experienced drivers may want to take it easy at first. The Evo''s tight suspension makes for a great-handling car, but all that firmness and rigidity can take its toll on your backside. The unforgiving ride combined with heavily bolstered seats and lack of cruise control make the Evo an unpopular choice for road trips, but its all-out performance nature will surely attract enthusiasts with a need for speed. The engine suffers almost no turbo lag and pulls hard from almost any rpm.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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