New for ’06: MIVEC variable valve timing; more horsepower; optimization settings for tarmac, gravel and snow; trim restyling; new front fascia and grille

For more than a decade, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has attracted a following of driving enthusiasts because of its presence in motorsports events worldwide. The Sony PlayStation generation knew all about it — and its ilk of performance-enhanced family sedans like Subaru WRX and Ford Focus RS — from its appearance in more than fifty video racing games.

The first successful entry of these street-legal racers into the mass market was the Subaru WRX in 2001. Mitsubishi took to the streets in 2003 with the Evolution VIII. Now, for 2006, serious drivers are in for a treat with the new Evolution IX.

Externally, the Evolution utilizes the same plain Jane look as the Lancer, with a few visual cues hinting at the beast within. The most striking features are the smoked lamp bezels, the aggressively redesigned front fascia, wider fenders to accommodate the lower suspension and wider performance tires. Every design element on the Evo, from the hood scoop to the fender bulge, is functional. The massive rear spoiler, for example, serves a higher purpose than attracting snarky “shopping cart” references. In reality, it increases the vehicle’s rigidity while adding downforce to the rear tires. There are many imposters, but Evolution is the real deal.

It is available in three trims: IX, RS and MR. The base IX features power windows, locks and mirrors; air conditioning, tilt steering and CD player. Moving up to the RS, you actually get fewer amenities but a curb weight that is 50 pounds less than the base model. The top-of-the-line MR features unique badging and trim elements, as well as Bilstein shocks and struts, BBS wheels and HID headlights. Options depend on the model but include leather seating, a sunroof and the carbon fiber rear spoiler.

The cockpit Mitsubishi features well-bolstered Recaro bucket seats and a leather-wrapped Momo steering wheel. The seats are extremely supportive but difficult to adjust. The gauges and controls are simple, intuitive and constantly illuminated.

Evolution’s incredible handling is thanks to increased body-shell rigidity over the standard Lancer, with reinforcements in all key areas. Large struts, anti-roll bars, a wider track, and stabilizer bars keep the Evolution “shiny side up” during performance cornering. Mitsubishi claims the extra materials reduce body flexing by 65 percent over the base Lancer. Premium BREMBO® ventilated disc brakes are fitted at all four corners. Enkei® 17” six-spoke aluminum wheels are covered in Yokahama™ Advan™ tires that utilize a high grip rubber compound exclusive to the Evolution.

But this vehicle is all about what’s under the hood: a turbocharged intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which boasts 286 horsepower, and 289 pound-feet of torque. This impressive power plant drives all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission on the IX and RS, and a six-speed on the MR. Shifting is slick and silky smooth. The Evolution can get from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 4.8 seconds; top speed is estimated at 155 mph.

Safetywise, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are standard on the base and MR, but not on the lightweight RS. Side airbags are not available. The Evolution has not been crash tested.

Everything about the Evolution driving experience is exceptional. This is one impressive car. It is obscenely fast, the handling is unbelievable, the brakes magnificent. The engine responds immediately with no turbo lag. This car is so well thought out and easy to drive it can only be fully appreciated at a racetrack. Its firm suspension can be punishing for long distances, and it is short on interior creature comforts, but the Evo isn’t meant to be a family road-trip vehicle. While the price is nearly double that of the base Lancer, nothing on the market today can compare with its overall performance.

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