Each model receives the new front bumper which looks so much like a certain aftermarket unit that it might as well been sourced directly from Gialla. Mitsu claims the holes cool the intercooler end tanks, but the most functional aero bit comes in the form of a thin splitter that runs beneath the front bumper. The vortex generator on the MR is now color-coated and this model also receives a small trim piece that runs on the trailing edge of the deck wing, which now features a hollow design. Mitsu calls this item a rear spoiler wicker bill but it's more commonly known as a Gurney flap. Even though it may not look like much this little piece has been proven to make big downforce in all sorts of motorsports applications. The Mitsu reps said the wicker bill should be available as an accessory on the MR-free models. The RS still doesn't get the deck lid spoiler but it is treated to the MR's lightweight aluminum roof. Sadly the IX must still make do with the traditional steel roof. Those with a discriminating eye will notice that all models get new darker lenses on the head and taillights (clear corners be damned!).
My time with the Nine was painfully brief, with only a handful of hot laps around Portland International Raceway and a wee bit of cone-crushing, wipers-flailing autocrossing. While I'm always glad to get more power I'm most pleased to report that there is one major ingredient retained from the VIII. The essence of an Evo has always been one of balance, composure, a certain catchability that makes ordinary drivers look good and serves as a precision tool that helps extraordinary ones perform even better. Thanks, Mitsu, the VIII may have been great, but the IX is so fine.
The Perfect X
The OG Evo I was released way back in Oct '92 and it is no secret that the IX will be the last model based on the current platform. We did some Super Street super sleuthing and found out that the hot chick next door is a size 2 and does a lot of shopping at Victoria's Secret. Oh yeah, we also discovered some tidbits on the Evo X. The Ten is set to drop as an '07 model and it will be based on the soon to be redesigned Lancer sedan GS platform. The mighty 4G63 that has powered every Evo model will probably not return in the Ten. There is also an ugly rumor surrounding the inclusion of paddle shifters instead of the more visceral manual gearbox. Will the razor sharp Evo lose some of its edge and, more importantly, when will our neighbor stop closing her drapes before she gets ready for bed?
That New Car Smell
The Ride
'06 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Sticker
$29,500 (RS), $31,500 (IX), $36,500 (RS)
Under The Hood
2.0L DOHC 16-valve I-4 intercooled turbocharged
The Power
286 hp @ 6500 rpm, 289 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Scale Tipping
(lbs) 3219 (RS), 3274 (IX), 3285 (MR)
Layout
Front engine, AWD
Gearbox
5-speed manual (RS, IX), 6-speed manual (MR)
Stiff Stuff
Front: inverted MacPherson strut with forged aluminum lower control arms, 24mm stabilizer bar,front strut tower brace; Rear: forged aluminum multi-link wishbone configuration using forged aluminum trailing links and lateral links and forged aluminum cross-member, 22mm stabilizer bar
Rollers
17-inch Enkei lightweight one-piece aluminum alloy wheels (RS, IX), BBS one-piece forged aluminum wheels (MR), 235/45ZR17 Yokohama Advan A046 tires
Stoppers
Brembo four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers with 320mm front and 300mm rear ventilated discs
At The Pump
EPA mpg city/hwy 20.7/31.8 (RS, IX), 19.8/30.9 (MR)
The Pack
Subaru WRX Sti
Deep Thoughts
More power and better looks for a nominal bump in price-what's not to love?But is the Nine the last of a dying breed or will the Ten be that much more perfect?
By Roman Numeral
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