Mitsubishi launches Lancer Evolution IX MR and Lancer Evolution Wagon MR

The Lancer Evolution IX had a high-performance turbocharger fitted as standard, combining a titanium-aluminum alloy turbine wheel with a magnesium alloy compressor wheel. This is available as a factory option on the new GSR and RS models.

Unchanged from earlier models, maximum power is 206 kW (280 PS) at 6,500 rpm, and maximum torque is 400 Nm (40.8 kg-m) at 3,000 rpm for the 6-speed M/T GSR, and 407 Nm (41.5 kg-m) at 3,000 rpm for the RS, which is designed as a base model for competitive motorsport and has a 5-speed manual transmission.

Japanese 10-15 mode fuel consumption performance is 10.0 km/L for the GSR and 9.9 km/L for the RS. Both are compliant with 2000 exhaust emissions regulations. MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) MIVEC continuously varies inlet valve timing to suit engine speed and load and provide high performance throughout the RPM range. A hydraulic mechanism incorporated in the inlet camshaft side sprocket advances or retards the phase of the inlet camshaft linked to the sprocket to control inlet valve timing. In addition to raising engine output by enhancing charging efficiency at high engine speeds, the system stabilizes combustion at low engine speeds, improving both fuel consumption and emissions performance. Lancer Evolution IX MR Chassis

Flexible Eibach coil springs give higher spring rates than those utilized on earlier models. These are combined with Bilstein shock absorbers to optimize damping characteristics and provide unruffled behavior and excellent road hugging characteristics, ensuring well-behaved handling that faithfully follows the driver's inputs. Ride height is lowered by approximately 10 mm (optional on RS), enhancing both vehicle stability and cornering performance.

In conjunction with the suspension improvements, the Super AYC system that provides electronic control for the 4WD system has been tuned to a more sporty orientation. The amount of drive power that can be shifted between the right and left rear wheels has been increased by approximately 10%, achieving further enhancements of on-road turning performance without feeling unnatural. Coupled with the suspension tuning, traction performance has been enhanced to better cope with inside rear wheel lift (through high-speed turns) or differing road conditions for right and left wheels. Lancer Evolution IX MR Exterior

The front air dam has been extended slightly on the left and right sides, which reduces the flow of air under the car, while reducing air resistance and further reducing front lift. The concave shapes on the air dam's left and right sides are designed to take airflow away from the sides of the vehicle, eliminating the accumulation of air in the wheel houses.

The GSR is fitted as standard with Enkei 17-inch lightweight aluminum wheels, the same size as used on earlier models, but in a lighter shade of silver. As a factory option, both the GSR and RS can be ordered with BBS 17-inch lightweight cast aluminum wheels, which are painted in Diamond Black Clear with a new metallic texture that enhances the premium impression.

Lancer Evolution IX MR Interior

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