All-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution makes a maximum performance statement, melding concept car design with rally heritage

The 2008 Lancer Evolution design makes a maximum performance statement, blending concept car themes and sound aerodynamic refinement while conveying the brand's rally heritage. Inside, the Lancer Evolution presents a "class up" approach and shows a new international flair. Available user technology, including high-end audio and navigation, reflects the tastes of a broader customer base.

The Lancer Evolution shares a clear lineage with the Mitsubishi Concept-X that was first shown at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2005. Then, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Prototype X previewed the new model even more accurately. The shared "DNA" is anchored in a new design language that conveys an unmistakable brand identity.

A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the new basic new-generation Lancer design. Building on those themes, the 2008 Lancer Evolution features a unique front end, rear fenders and decklid.

Lancer Evolution looks the part of the street-wise sports machine with its boxed fenders, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets, and 18-inch alloy wheels with Brembo brakes.

The 2008 Lancer Evolution is offered in two models, the GSR featuring a 5-speed manual transmission and the MR with the advanced Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The MR is distinguished externally by a larger rear wing (optional for GSR), diamond-black BBS forged alloy wheels (cast-alloy Enkei brand wheels on GSR), and body-color front fender heat extractor vents (black on GSR).

The front fascia has been optimized for the Lancer Evolution to provide the necessary cooling air volume for the radiator and front-mounted intercooler. The mesh-type grille provides a sporty appearance.

Like the Lancer Evolution IX, the 2008 models use an aluminum hood, now 0.9 lb. lighter and featuring an integrated air scoop (NACA duct) to help cool the turbocharger area. Two outlets exhaust heat from the engine compartment and help reduce aerodynamic lift. The new aluminum hood is 0.9 lb. lighter than the previous model's aluminum hood and 17.4 lbs. lighter than the standard Lancer's steel hood.

The large rear wing (standard on MR, optional on GSR) provides downforce to enhance road holding at track speeds. An aluminum frame provides the rigidity to withstand the downforce.

Aggressive Profile

The Lancer Evolution's aggressive road stance is not just a result of the striking design, but also reflects the key dimensional changes that play a role in the enhanced handling capability. The 2008 Lancer Evolution is built on a one-inch longer wheelbase than the Evolution IX, now 104.3 in. vs. 103.3 in., and a 1.2-inch increase in front and rear track brings that measurement to 60.8 in. Overall width is up by two inches to 71.2 in. At 177.0 in., the new Lancer Evolution is just 0.2 in. longer than the previous model. (178.9 in. in Canada due to different rear bumper.)

The standard 18 x 8.5-inch wheels (Enkei cast-alloy on GSR and BBS® forged-alloy on MR) carry 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires, a change from the 17 x 8-inch wheels with 235/45R17 ADVAN directional tires used on the previous Lancer Evolution model.

Sharks and Jets

Starting in front, Lancer Evolution's grille, bumper and lower air intake are unified in a distinct form inspired by jet fighter air intakes for a "shark nosed" effect. The sharp, thin front headlamp design projects the image of Japanese precision and technology that strongly appeals to the target market. The Lancer Evolution MR model is equipped with standard high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, which are available for the GSR model.

The clean, creased surfaces sweep into the side profile, with its dynamic daylight opening and high, wedged, belt line. The prominently flared front fenders and boxed rear fenders recall the Lancer Evolution World Rally Championship (WRC) cars.

The Lancer Evolution is meant to be as distinctive from the rear as from the front. The solid structure of the side shoulder sweeps from the head lamps all the way back into the rear to frame the high-mounted lamp clusters, unifying the design theme.

The sculptured, "chopped off" tail accentuates the car's sporty cabin shape. From a front three-quarter view, the rear overhang is visually shortened by a chiseled, tapering rear bumper side surface. The tail lamp clusters themselves are like small works of techno art, enclosing three trimmed circles divided by function. The Illumination simulates LED lighting. Both new Lancer Evolution models share a new twin-outlet exhaust system, which reflects a more sophisticated design approach than the previous single outlet.

The Lancer Evolution offers a choice of five vibrant colors: Apex Silver, Graphite Gray, Octane Blue, Rally Red and Wicked White.

Lancer Evolution Aerodynamics

The 2008 Lancer Evolution's design is as functional as it is striking to look at. Mitsubishi refined the car's overall shape and myriad exterior details in the wind tunnel to optimize aerodynamic performance. Airflow is controlled to provide optimal cooling for the engine and to reduce lift. Following are key aerodynamic details:

1. Front bumper: Bottom end of is lowered and sharpened to decrease drag and lift.
2. Hood leading edge: "Shark nose" with low aerodynamic drag.
3. Front wheel arch air dam: Negative pressure, which reduces lift, is generated in front wheelhouse by separating airflow at front wheel arch.
4. Front wheel arch lip helps pull air from wheelhouse to decrease front lift and drag.
5. Fender: Smooth inclined surface allows airflow along the body side surface.
6. Side air dam works as "straightener" to decrease drag and lift.
7. Rear lamp: Sharp edge at corner helps reduce drag.
8. Rear spoiler (MR model): Airfoil shape is optimized and angle of attack varies from center to side for maximum efficiency. GSR model features a smaller spoiler. (See detail below left.)
9. Hood Inlet?NACA duct): Optimized for efficient cooling airflow without blocking driver's forward vision.
10. Hood outlet: Shape and position optimized to exhaust heated air from engine compartment and decrease front lift.
11. Fender outlet: Position optimized to exhaust heated air from engine.
12. Under cover: Flow under a body is straightened to decrease drag and front lift. Portion of airflow is utilized to cool brake and transfer case. (See detail below right.)

High-Quality Interior with Recaro Seats

As with the exterior, the Lancer Evolution's interior is characterized by clean and crisp surfaces, free of gimmicks and using high-quality materials and marked by careful attention to detail. The curved instrument panel with peaked center section is highlighted by a full-width horizontal trim section. The steering wheel and shift handle are leather-wrapped, and interior door handles are chrome. For a quieter interior, the MR model has 11 pounds of additional sound insulation - thicker floor melt sheets, high-density toe board insulation and acoustic splash shields over the rear wheelwells.

The new Recaro seats ensure support during sporty driving and are also compatible with side airbags. All-new Recaro seats incorporate the first side airbags in a Lancer Evolution model. The seats themselves are designed to enhance comfort and their ability to keep the driver and front passenger from sliding around during cornering maneuvers. The seat sides are leather, and double stitching highlights the quality look and feel.

Interior Precision and Function

Functional, precision details convey the high-tech, high-quality feel that the target buyers seek in many products they buy, from portable MP3 players to vehicles. Two examples of how this principal was applied to the Lancer Evolution interior are seen in the flush-mounted HVAC registers and the way the audio system is smoothly integrated into the curved instrument panel.

Instrument panel details contribute to a feeling of overall higher quality and refinement, including narrower panel gaps, a seamless passenger front air bag panel and a painted upper surface to reduce reflections. Precision-designed detailing on all controls lends a "high-touch," high-tech feel. The short-stroke switches also impart a feeling of quality and solidity, and audio switches are finished in piano black for an upscale appearance.

Metallic-like trim highlights the shifter bezel, and also the steering wheel-mounted controls. The GSR model features the S-AWC mode selector on the steering wheel, and the MR model features audio controls on the steering wheel.

Classic Styling and High Tech in the Gauge Panel

The Lancer Evolution driver faces a sporty, dual-hood gauge panel inspired by classic sports cars. Between the large speedometer and tachometer, the standard Multi Information Display with a large LCD screen uses two-tone yellow and red characters.

The Multi Information Display allows the driver to see at a glance TC-SST status (MR model) and S-AWC status (mode and differential performance). It also provides a 16-segment coolant temperature readout with warning, the main odometer, trip A and trip B odometers, plus a full-function driving computer. Displays include cruising distance with remaining fuel, average vehicle speed, average fuel economy and instantaneous fuel economy. A service reminder alerts the driver to periodic maintenance.

For added convenience, the driver can select from six display languages, and display color is matched to warning level. Odometer and trip meter information is displayed even when the ignition switch is in the ACC or OFF position.

Safe and Well Equipped

Comprehensive standard safety equipment includes seven air bags, with advanced dual-stage front air bags, front seat-mounted side air bags, side-impact head protection curtain air bags and a driver's knee air bag. A tire pressure monitoring system is also standard on all 2008 Lancer models.

Comfort and convenience evolve in the 2008 Lancer Evolution, as well. Standard features include an automatic climate control system, dual visor vanity mirrors, map lights, driver's seat height adjuster, steering wheel audio controls (MR), rear seat heater ducts and floor mats.

Enhanced everyday driveability shows in the details in the 2008 Lancer Evolution:

• A standard clean air filter protects the interior of the HVAC unit from foreign items (dry leaves, etc.), removes dust and pollen, and improves air quality in the cabin.
• Standard power windows include driver's automatic up/down and also feature retained power (30 seconds) after the ignition is switched off.
• The MR model adds a standard Bluetooth cell phone interface system with voice recognition.
• The standard 6-speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system features digital signal processing and can play MP3-encoded CDs.
• The large glove box is illuminated and features dual supports and a damper to ensure smooth, quiet opening.
• The standard center console features a rear storage box with armrest, and the forward portion has an illuminated open storage tray.

The console provides two cup-holders that can each hold a 20-oz. bottle, with enough space to the right of the cup-holders to store a few CD cases upright. Lifting the armrest reveals a tray to hold a cell phone or other small items, and the box contains a second 12-volt power outlet with a slot in the tray and armrest providing a pass-through for a power cable. The front door panels integrate bottle holders.

Simplified Option Packages

The Lancer Evolution GSR offers the Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package, which combines the HID headlights, large rear spoiler and the Rockford-Fosgate® 650-watt (max.) Premium Sound System with 10-in. subwoofer, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability and SIRIUS Satellite Radio and a six-month service subscription.

The 2008 Lancer Evolution MR model also offers the Technology Package, includes the Rockford-Fosgate audio system with subwoofer; SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six-month service subscription; a 30-gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) navigation system with 7.5-inch touch screen and music server function; the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System, and the FAST Key˙ entry system. (The above features are detailed in the "User Technology" press release in this press kit.)