Not content to rest on past achievements or awards, Mitsubishi continues to refine one of
The Nurburgring Nordschleife is known for its bumpy surfaces, twisting corners and changes in surface friction. It was there that engineers discovered one that could use some improvement. The Nurburgring test results showed the need to deliver all the power to the road through all four tires; it also showed the need for accurate feedback that gives the driver the highest level of control over where those tires are placed. As result of such testing, in 2005, Mitsubishi introduced the next level in handling performance: the Lancer Evolution MR. The development lessons from the MR program and the knowledge gained on the WRC circuit have now trickled down to help usher in the 2006 Lancer Evolution IX: the best performing member of the series yet.
The Evolution MR features several handling improvements, a lightweight aluminum roof panel (a first for a Japanese production model), designed to lower the center of gravity and reduce the roll moment and also and lightweight BBS forged alloy wheels.
New for all Lancer Evolution models, the 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder intercooled-turbocharged engine with Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and Electronic Control (MIVEC) is tuned to deliver maximum power across lower, middle- and higher parts of the rev band. Horsepower has increased to 286 bhp at 6500 rpm, there is now more power and response on tap on the left side of the tachometer, thanks to the combination of MIVEC, a revision in the turbocharger's compressor housing, and an improved muffler that also offers a throatier exhaust note.
While a six-speed transmission is exclusive to the MR to make the power more accessible, the IX and RS models also receive a revised closer ratio 5-speed gearbox that helps keep the engine in the "sweet spot" of the power band.
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