Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X test drive since 2008 sedan

Shot

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution H. Price: $ 66,000. On sale: since July 2008
The release of the new Mitsubishi Lancer of the tenth generation is comparable to the shot, which struck both fans and competitors. The sports version of Evolution X, which will begin to be sold in Russia in the summer, has become no less long -awaited
Under the scorching sun of Spain, predatory Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, painted black, looked especially severe. From the aggression that these cars exude, the air was heated and asphalt melted.
Black color is chosen for a reason. With the release of the new generation, the approach to positioning the version of Lancer Evolution has changed. The Japanese decided to get rid of the image of a purely sports car, taking a step towards premium brands, such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. So you need to forget about red, yellow and blue.
The general silhouette of the EVO version from the usual Lancer does not differ much. True, there is a lot of additional sports attributes in the appearance. Of course, we are talking about a body kit: thresholds, front skirt, rear diffuser, ventilation holes, spoiler. Each of the elements not only makes aesthetic contribution, but also carries a technical load. The spoiler and body kit improve aerodynamics and increase the clamping force, the ventilation holes contribute to a more effective removal of hot air from the motor compartment and cooling the brake discs. In general, the designers managed to withstand the concept of another approach to the car. If earlier, EVO versions were literally full of various holes, overlays and body kit, now everything is much stricter.
A strict style corresponds to the salon, where there is only the most necessary. Of course, there were no no sports steering wheel and no less sports seats. Recaro seats have excellent lateral support, but a certain Americanization is a spoon of tar. The seat has no height adjustment, and the steering wheel cannot be moved to itself. That is why not everyone can quickly find the perfect landing at the wheel. The spirit of sports is emphasized by aluminum overlays on the pedals and the KP lever.
As for the quality of the decoration, the upholstery of seats made of quality leather and Alcantara is worthy of praise. Everything else is like in the usual Lancer. An attractive type of plastic to the touch is solid. It is not surprising if the scratches appear on it over time. After a thorough inspection, we go to business. Starting the motor is accompanied by a booming sound of a configured exhaust system. Under the hood, the Evolution X hides a two -liter turbocharged engine with a capacity of 295 hp. The new motor compared to the previous generation significantly modified. More precisely, we are talking about replacing 90% of the details. The block is made of aluminum, which reduced the weight of 12 kg. The turbine is located compact, as a result, the center of gravity was reduced, and the engine was shifted closer to the center of the car. In the turbine, the impeller of a new design was used, which, due to the area increased from 10.5 to 12 cm2, allows you to quickly gain working turns and issue maximum pressure.
In practice, all these innovations led to a decrease in the threshold of Turboyam. The motor begins to actively untwist from 2200-2500 min-1. The thrust does not disappear up to the cut off 7800. But it is best to switch to 7300-7500, since the box manages to switch to the next gear without resting at the revolutionary limiter.
As for the transmission, there will be two 5-speed mechanics and a 6-speed machine. Of greatest interest is the latest TC-SST automatic transmission, equipped with two clutch drives. This allows you to accelerate more intense, because when working one transmission, the next one also turns out to be turned on. At the same time, we are dealing with the clutch of the so -called wet type, that is, with oil. It is impossible to use dry, due to a high torque from the engine of 366 nm at 3500 min-1.
The box has three operating modes: Normal, Sport and S-Sport. Everything was possible to try everything on the racing track near the Spanish Granada. Each of the modes changes the response speed to press the accelerator pedal. But even S-Sport does not completely eliminate delays. It only saves that in each mode the range of working revolutions is shifted, below which the automatic transmission does not lower them. The absence of kikdown is also upset. For sharp acceleration, you have to use double pressure on gas. When driving on mountain serpentines with an abundance of insidious turns, it is better to use manual mode.
In the design of the manual KP, a lot is borrowed from rally cars. Note that there is no gear of the rear gear. The transfer of the lever to position R includes the first and third gears at the same time. As a result, the car moves back. This solution made it possible to make the box more compact and light, which is important.
The steering of the new Evolution is very informative. With increasing speed, a dense steering wheel is noticeably heavy. As for handling, Evo X is in perfect order. In addition to all -wheel drive, four systems operating in close cooperation are responsible for this item. These include the automatic differential ACD, control of the rotating moment aYC car, sports ABS and ASC stabilization. It is difficult not to notice their work, since any attempt to disrupt the car from the trajectory is ruthlessly suppressed. Partially electronic mind can be turned off, but AYC remains active all the time, so a very gross error is needed to tighten the car. The suspension balance is more shifted to comfort. True, when turning turns with strong loading of one of the wheels, a rather sharp breakdown of the rear axle may occur. This can be avoided adjusting the trajectory with a steering wheel or systems if they are activated. The Japanese managed to withstand a new concept. The new Lancer Evolution has become a quick city car, having lost, however, racing raincoat.
Classic
In order for the car to drive well, sometimes you should not come up with anything new, it is enough to conjure with the settings. Mitsubishi engineers did this, constructing the suspension of the new Lancer Evolution X. at the back, it is multi -link with aluminum levers with optimized geometry. Shock absorbers are installed by Bilstein, and eibach springs. As a result, Evo X received quite sharp and informative management. The suspension works well with any irregularities, and the car is not inclined to large rolls and buildup. The Lancer Evolution X is comfortable, perfect for the city and long trips.
Driving
Evolution is very clearly holding a given trajectory. In this, all -wheel drive and a number of additional systems help him. The steering wheel has good information and feedback.
Salon
Everything is collected soundly, but the quality of plastic at the same budget level as in the usual Lancer. What really pleases is the Seat of Recaro with good lateral support.
Comfort
New seats have good lateral support. Each of the passengers can be settled without problems. Only the noise of the motor and some shaking will be bothering, but here it is worth making an amendment to a sports character.
Safety
Safety is above all in cars of this class.
Price
The price cannot be called fully justified, but this did not stop selling the entire quota before the start of official sales.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Informative steering wheel, balanced suspension, comfortable seats.
- noisy motor, lack of steering wheel settings for departure and seats in height.
Specifications
Mark and Model - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Dimensions - 4505x1810x1480 mm
Engine - gasoline, 1998 cm3, 295 hp / 6500 min-1
Transmission - automatic, 6 -speed
Dynamics - Max 242 km/h; 6.3 s to 100 km/h
Competitors - Subaru Impreza WRX

Our opinion
Lancer Evolution remained quick and acquired comfort. Not bad, but did fans of the model expect this? Apparently, this is exactly what, since the quota for 2008 was completely chosen. Well, probably, the times of ascetic sports have passed. And what happens to the athletes that left the treadmill? That's right: they put on costumes and grow a little fat. Although it even goes to many.

Author: Maxim Egorov

 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [June 2008]

Video Test Drive Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X since 2008