Next-generation 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution offers advanced user technology with broad market appeal
The all-new, next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for 2008 offers user technology designed to appeal to a broad customer base. The 2008 Lancer Evolution is available in two versions for the U.S. market, the GSR with a 5-speed manual transmission and the MR with the advanced Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift (TC-SST) transmission and a number of chassis and technology upgrades.
The Lancer Evolution MR comes standard with high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and a BluetoothÔ wireless cell phone interface system with voice recognition microphone for hands-free calling. In addition, the MR model is exclusively available with the optional Technology Package, which includes a 650-watt (max.) Rockford-FosgateÔ Premium Audio system; hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with music server function; SIRIUSÔ Satellite Radio with a six-month service subscription; the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System, and the FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) entry system. FAST Key allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop simply by carrying the remote control and grasping the exterior door or trunk handle.
The Lancer Evolution GSR model can be equipped with the optional Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package that includes the Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system, HID headlamps and the larger rear spoiler that is standard on the MR model.
FAST-Key Entry
Both 2008 Lancer Evolution models come standard with remote keyless entry and an anti-theft engine immobilizer and alarm system. The MR model is exclusively available with the FAST-Key system. Part of the optional Technology Package, FAST Key allows the driver to unlock the vehicle simply by having the remote in a pocket or purse and grasping the handle on either of the front doors or pressing a button in the trunk.
The FAST-Key system provides both convenience and security, since the driver does not need to search for a key or remote control while carrying packages, or when in a poorly lit area, for example. The system operates when the driver (carrying the remote unit) is within 27 inches of the front doors or the trunk. While walking into that range, the system verifies the user identification. Bioelectrical sensors are built into the door handles, and when the person carrying the remote grasps one of the handles, the door unlocks: grasping the driver's door handled unlocks only that door; grasping the front passenger door handle will unlock all four doors. (The customer can set system preferences so that grasping the driver's door handle will unlock all vehicle doors.)
With FAST Key, instead of inserting and turning a key to start the engine, the driver simply presses the ignition knob on the steering column to release the lock, and then twists it to start the engine. Turning the knob rearward turns off the engine. The FAST Key system comes with two remote units, and up to four can be registered and programmed for the system. The remote houses an emergency key that can unlock and start the vehicle if the unit's battery runs down.
Satellite Navigation System ˝ Plus
The satellite navigation system comes as part of the optional Technology Package in the 2008 Lancer Evolution MR model and also includes AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA music file playback, DVD video capability (when the car is not moving) and SIRIUSÔ Satellite Radio. Navigation maps and directions are displayed on a crisp touch-panel, seven-inch LCD screen.
The navigation system stores map data for the contiguous United States and Canada on a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Using a hard drive for map storage gives the navigation system ultra-fast search and access to the map data.
A key benefit to this hard drive-based navigation system is a music server function that reserves about 6 gigabytes of its capacity for digital music file storage and playback through the audio system. The navigation system's main operating controls are hard switches, with the touch screen accessing the search and destination-entry functions, among others.
The navigation system integrates the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System, an extensive information display, including an onboard computer. Offering much of the functionality of similar systems seen in luxury vehicles, the Lancer Evolution's is easier and more intuitive to use.
The driving computer provides displays for outside temperature, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, distance to empty and driving time. Another display option brings up a screen with outside temperature and barometer, along with an altimeter, and another displays a vehicle maintenance reminder (oil, brakes, interior air filter) and calendar.
Controls for the audio, including the SIRIUSÔ Satellite Radio and Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio, can be accessed through the navigation screen. Adding another high-tech touch, the navigation system includes an interface that allows owners to customize many of the vehicle's interior electronic system functions, such as central locking and lighting choices. Sound Options
Both 2008 Lancer Evolution models come equipped to provide high-quality sound, with a standard total 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers and digital signal processor. The system automatically compensates volume and sound equalization in response to vehicle speed.
Each of the 2008 Lancer Evolution models offers an option package that includes the Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio System with PUNCHÔ control. Rockford-Fosgate is one of the most respected brands for mobile audio speakers. The Rockford-Fosgate system is custom-tuned for the Lancer's interior acoustics, including collaboration by Mitsubishi and Rockford-Fosgate engineers to tune the doors to function as speaker cabinets, extending response, increasing clarity and reducing coloration.
This audiophile-quality system is designed to reproduce all types of music with stunning clarity and power. It includes a 6-CD in-dash head unit with MP3 playback capability. In addition, an audio input jack enables connection of an iPodÔ or other media player. The Lancer Evolution Rockford-Fosgate system uses an 8-channel amplifier to produce up to 650 watts maximum output, playing through nine speakers in seven positions: 1.4-in. soft-dome tweeters mounted in the door mirror delta provide an accurate soundstage; front door-mounted 6.5-in. midbass drivers; rear door-mounted 6.5-in. coaxial two-way speakers using a bridge-mounted tweeter, and a 10-in. subwoofer in its own sealed enclosure located in the left rear of the trunk.
The subwoofer provides extremely high-power bass performance, but that doesn't make the Lancer Evolution's Rockford-Fosgate system just a "boombox on wheels." The system will please the ears of any discerning music listener, because it is designed to provide crystal clear, low-distortion fidelity to make any type of music come alive.
The Rockford-Fosgate system automatically compensates volume for vehicle speed as well as equalization for road and wind noise. Digital signal processing allows the listener to customize the Rockford-Fosgate system's performance for five types of music ˝ "normal," "pop," "rock," "hip-hop" and "country" ˝ and four soundfields ˝ "normal," "stage," "live" and "hall." In addition, a "time alignment" feature makes it possible to adjust the ideal listening point to suit the driver.
Steering Wheel Controls
The Lancer Evolution GSR steering wheel features controls for the cruise control system and S-AWC mode selector; the MR model's steering wheel integrates audio system controls, Bluetooth functions and places the S-AWC mode switch on the center console. The steering wheel audio controls can operate whichever factory audio system the customer chooses, including the optional Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system and the SIRIUSÔ Satellite Radio when so equipped. The basic controls include volume, station seek for the radio (including SIRIUS), category selection (SIRIUS) and track selection and fast-forward/fast-reverse for the CD player (including MP3 CDs). When the Lancer Evolution MR is equipped with the navigation system, the steering wheel buttons also provide control for the digital music server feature.
Hands-Free Calling
A hands-free Bluetooth€ cellular phone interface system with voice recognition is standard on the Lancer Evolution MR. This feature allows hands-free calling from compatible phones, which can help to reduce driver distraction. When using a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone, the driver can use the steering wheel controls to initiate calls, answer incoming calls and hang up.
With voice recognition, the user can speak a phone number to dial it, or speak the name of a person in the stored phone book. Voice recognition understands commands in English, American Spanish or Canadian French. The microphone is located near the map light.
The audio system display (or navigation screen, if equipped) provides a status display, including Bluetooth connection, roaming, phone battery level and signal strength, plus the number being dialed or the number for the incoming call.
Technical data, features, options and other equipment listed in this release are based on the latest information available at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice.
