Mitsubishi's AnswerThe year 1992 marked the first time the world witnessed the lightweight, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, rally-inspired, compact four-door sedan that is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Since then, the Evo series has presented the highest levels of performance, drivability, reliability, and durability on the streets and the track. In the Word Rally Championship (WRC), the Lancer Evolution won the Manufacturer's Championship in 1998 and brought driver Tommi Makinen a record four Driver Championships between 1996 and 1999. On the streets, the Evo exemplifies the overwhelming potential and unsurpassed road performance through its refined exterior, advanced turbocharged engine, and class-topping suspension. Now, February 2003 marks the first time the Evo will be sold at dealerships across the nation-under the badge of Lancer Evolution VIII. It will come equipped with Brembo brakes and Recaro seats, and is expected to retail under $30,000. This much-anticipated vehicle comes with a dynamically aggressive front-end design, characterized by Mitsubishi's trademark Diamond Cut Nose and exclusive multi-lamp headlight units. The engine will have an uncompromising turbocharger and large-capacity intercooler. According to Mitsubishi, "The specification of the Lancer Evolution sedan represents a smarter approach to the sports car theme with a layout that offers more utility and comfort than a coupe." With the much-liked Subaru WRX already established in America, Mitsubishi's answer will certainly raise quite a few eyebrows-this magazine already has with our Evo VII feature in last month's issue.
Hottest Game Of The YearGrand Theft Auto: Vice City features complicated missions, a colorful storyline, and over 100 hours of addictive entertainment-all set in the '80s. This is the latest installment in one of the most widely recognized video game franchises in the world. Set in Vice City, the players go through a mysterious labyrinth filled with deadly consequences and seedy underworld agents. As an essential supplement to the game, BradyGames introduces The Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Official Strategy Guide, which helps gamers get on the fast track to becoming enterprising criminals, including expert tactics that detail what vehicles to drive, where to go, and who to knock off to earn respect and cash. According to David Waybright, publisher of BradyGames, "To say that the release of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is an 'event' would be putting it mildly. We've tried to approach the strategy guide with the passion and innovation that this game deserves." The game and the guide are in stores now.
Hot Wheels-35 And ExpandingMost adult males tend to reflect on their childhood and treasure one line of toys tenfold above the rest-their Hot Wheels collection. What makes us auto enthusiasts different, however, is that we haven't grown out of collecting them. Luckily, Mattel hasn't grown out of creating them either. This year, Hot Wheels looks forward to its 35th anniversary, and celebrations are definitely in order. With plans to roll out all-new versions of shrunken cars under the Highway 35 guise, we'll bear witness to all kinds of inventive items, from the Ultimate Track Set to the World Race games for the PS2, Gamecube, and Game Boy Advance. Although many of the new 1:18- and 1:64-scale Highway 35 Adult Collectibles (Beatnik Bandit, Deora II, etc.) will probably be more interesting to dads and uncles because they commemorate the original hot rod era, rest assured that Hot Wheels is not forgetting about us import fans. The line of die-cast Tunerz vehicles is growing exponentially, and we anticipate some fantastic items to fill up our rooms and offices with this year. In case you're wondering who that elderly gentleman pictured is, that's Mr. Elliot Handler, the guy who created Hot Wheels back in 1968. He made a cameo to celebrate 35 years of miniature automotive greatness, and we were lucky enough to shake hands with him. We give him our highest score-0 0 0 0 0-for rocking.
Information: www.mattel.com.