Evo VIII

Slap in the face for grey importers as UK gets VIII first

By PH Staff / Tuesday, 26 November 2002 / Loading comments

British Mitsubishi are to be offered the Evo VIII next year, one year ahead of other European customers. Mitsubishi are also claiming that it will be significantly cheaper than the current Evo VII at a target price of £28,000 or less.

The next incarnation with have a sculpted, more aggressive front end styling, a six-speed, close-ratio gearbox and revised interior. Power will be around 285bhp. It's due to make its European debut at the Autosport International Racing Car Show on January 9th at the NEC.

The move is a sideswipe at grey importers who have been a thorn in Mitsubishi's side in the UK. By securing a potential annual allocation of 900 Evo VIII’s for drivers in Britain, the strongest Evo market outside Germany, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is determined to keep the car ‘in house’ and eliminate imports.

As with the Evo VII an ultra high-performance FQ package, with enhanced engine breathing through exhaust tuning, will be available to boost power to over 300-horsepower.

www.autosportshow.com