Lancer Evolution 4WD Wagon: the Estate Car on steroids

The concept of a high performance estate car (as opposed to the working class “station wagon”) is something we have explored before in Gizmag, but there’s now something quite different on offer from Mitsubishi. Think of the concept as a rally car you can take the kids to school in, and we’re predicting with human nature being what it is, that this very limited edition Lancer Evolution Wagon which went on sale in Japan yesterday, will become highly sought after and may even force Mitsubishi to reconsider the limited run of 2,500 vehicles with production due to cease in December. The Lancer Evolution Wagon marries the awesome dynamic performance of the Lancer Evolution IX high-performance 4WD sedan, which employs Mitsubishi's advanced and proprietary All Wheel Control (AWC) traction and stability enhancing technology, with the utility-enhancing luggage compartment of the Lancer Wagon. Available in two specifications, the GT uses the latest MIVEC 280 bhp intercooler-turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission to generate performance that is unmatched in the err, “station wagon” category. The GT-A uses the same engine with a smaller turbocharger and a 5-speed automatic transmission for outstanding low-end and mid-range torque with little drop-off in peak power - 272 bhp. The GT goes for 3,412,500 yen (US$31,300) and the GT-A about US$500 more.

Lancer Evolution Wagon is the first station wagon model in the Lancer Evolution series. Derived from the Lancer Evolution IX sedan launched in March 2005, Lancer Evolution Wagon uses the body side panels and roof panel from the Lancer Wagon with reinforcements mainly focused on the rear end to create a lightweight and very stiff station wagon body. The powertrain mates a 2.0-litre intercooler-turbocharged engine to an electronically controlled 4WD driveline to realise unparalleled vehicle dynamics for a station wagon.

Lancer Evolution Wagon is offered in two grades. The GT uses a 6-speed manual transmission to deliver the ultimate in sporty driving pleasure. The 5-speed automatic transmission GT-A brings full-spectrum driving pleasure, combining the sporty performance of the GT with the convenience of an automatic. Lancer Evolution Wagon is to be produced in a limited run of 2,500 (GT and GT-A combined total), with production due to cease at the end of December this year.

Exterior

The design melds together Lancer Evolution IX's aggressive front end styling and Lancer Wagon's squarish rear end.

Rear blister fenders and a rear bumper that take their design cues from Evolution IX are used to give Evolution Wagon a low-&-wide look.

On the GT-A, the front license plate has been moved to a central position to promote automatic transmission oil cooler performance. On the GT, the license plate is located in the same position as on Evolution IX to promote cooling of the intercooler.

Brilliant chrome headlamp extensions enhance the overall quality look. A chrome "LANCER Evolution" logo at the bottom left of the rear gate together with air outlet-look quarter lower garnish on the rear blister fenders identify Evolution Wagon's tail.

Interior Lancer Evolution Wagon's interior is distinguished from Evolution IX by the use of a chrome finish for the air vent controls and door handles to lend a slightly classier touch to the interior.

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