Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

You know what they say: 8th time's a charm! 11 years after the Evolution's conception, North America will finally get a taste of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, in all its 271 horsepower glory. That's 5 horses down from the rest of the world actually, due to US fuel and emissions requirements, but it's pretty good all the same. The Evo VIII finally gets 6 cogs for its gearbox, putting it on par with Subaru's WRX, but North American spec cars will be stranded with 5, where first and second gear have been slightly lengthened giving the driver more quality time with the meaty boost range.The Evo VIII receives a number of cosmetic and aerodynamic changes, including a prettier grille, larger intakes and a redesigned wing, for better cooling, lower drag and improved downforce. Recaro seats and Momo you-name-it's are standard indoors. The powertrain has been strengthened and lightened, and the body and suspension are stiffer thanks to new reinforcements. 4-pot front and 2-pot rear Brembo brakes, together with ABS and EBD, give excellent stopping power, while the NA market gets specially designed 235/45ZR Advan A046 17-inch tires.The VIII will continue to have the VII's Active Centre Differential (ACD), which replaces the viscous coupling-type centre differential with a hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch that can regulate the limiting action from free to locked, thereby improving traction during cornering and acceleration; and Active Yaw Control (AYC), which enhances traction and stability via a computer that regulates torque transfer in the rear differential. The bad news is North American customers will not receive any of these two advantageous features. That's not to say that we're not getting the real McQueen: this Evo has great power, handling and brakes. It holds on forever and is perfectly neutral through the bends while the binders are stiff and progressive. Most importantly, it's far better drive than the WRX; but then again there's also that pesky STi to worry about. Stay tuned. - by Traian Popescu

See more: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII Photos, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII Technical Data