Mitsubishi launches Lancer Evolution IX MR and Lancer Evolution Wagon MR

Mitsubishi’s new Lancer Evolution IX MR high-performance 4WD sports sedan (GSR/RS) and Lancer Evolution Wagon MR high-performance 4WD sports wagon (GT/GT-A) went on sale at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan today. The MR designation is an abbreviation for Mitsubishi Racing, and is restricted to the most prominent sports model in Mitsubishi's line-up. The new models are the second group of MR models released by Mitsubishi, the first being the Lancer Evolution VIII MR launched in February 2004. The new models mark the 14th iteration of the series that began with the Lancer Evolution in October 1992 and both sedan and station wagon are third-generation compilation models and are designed with a focus on on-road sports driving.

They will also be the last models to use the famed 4G63 2L DOHC intercooled turbo engine. The current engine incorporates new improvements to the turbocharger and other areas to enhance response, teamed with Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers used on earlier models to produce a package that includes tuning to lower the ride height. The Super AYC control system is also tuned to give a sportier feeling, achieving superb handling performance that is particularly faithful to driver input in on-road sports driving. This advances the all-wheel-control (AWC) concept, delivering intuitive steering combined with outstanding stability.

The Lancer Evolution IX MR is available in two grades: the GSR, with a 6-speed manual gearbox designed for excellence in everyday driving as well in sports driving; and the RS, which has a 5-speed manual gearbox and is stripped down for motorsport competition. The Lancer Evolution Wagon MR also has two grades. The GT is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox enabling the driver to enjoy sports driving to the fullest. The GT-A has a 5-speed automatic gearbox with sports mode to provide flexibility in a wide range of scenarios from easy driving to sport driving

Super AYC (Active Yaw Control)

Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control system uses electronic control to transfer torque between the rear wheels while maintaining drive equally to both wheels, thereby controlling the yaw moment acting on the car body. Road conditions are sensed from handling, lateral G forces, etc., and drive is actively allocated to left or right rear wheels through a planetary gear and acceleration/reduction gear mechanism.

The control acts as a limited-slip diff to enhance traction and deliver high cornering performance.

Lancer Evolution IX MR (GSR/RS)

Lancer Evolution IX MR Engine

Apart from optimizing the MIVEC2 continuously variable valve timing system, engine response has been improved by changing the material used for the turbocharger's turbine wheel from Inconel (a nickel-chrome alloy) to a titanium-aluminum alloy and reducing the compressor wheel inlet diameter. Maximum power and maximum torque figures are unchanged, but the new design gives greater dynamic performance in terms of off-the-line acceleration.

...continued