Thursday 10th April 2003

Evo VIII

Mitsubishi rarely stands still - latest Lancer has 270bhp for £27K

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Can't keep up with the evolution of the Evolution? Well version eight is about to hit the streets.

It's looks are more subtle than some of it's more outrageous ancestors, but this is just as lethal a weapon. Power output for the new Evo VIII is 276bhp as standard or for those customers seeking a little more under the bonnet the FQ-300 performance package, developed in conjunction with the Mitsubishi World Rally Team, boosts power to over 300bhp.

Improvements on its predecessor include the addition of Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) and a 6-speed close ratio gearbox; extensive improvements to the suspension and aerodynamics; a stiffer body and extensive reductions in weight.

Currently, the UK is the only European country where the new Lancer Evolution VIII is officially on sale. 200 order have already been placed out of the year's allocation of 900.

Prices are very reasonable for a machine with such capabilities, with the standard car costing £26,995 and the FQ £28,995.

Links: Mitsubishi Links, Mitsubishi Owners

[d3ano]

They are going to release the EVO 8 at £27K for the standard model.
How on earth can they ask the same for a Clio???

[pesty]

I'll buy one! As long as its the same price as they sell it for in Japan!!

[woodster]

Does anyone else notice just how much they're going full circle and are beginning to look like the original Evo I's?
Still really fond of them though and would definately have one.

[andyrixon]

My brother is tempted to upgrade his WRX Impreza for an Evo VIII but he lives in America and apparantly the spec is quite a bit less than the euro/japanese spec. No YAW control or Switchable diffs for example. Thus he's eering towards the STi instead.

anyone know why? I can't think it would affect the american's emmisions control levels....???

[granville]

Mmm...more of the same, evidently, your worship.

Still, wetter than a haddock's bathing costume compared to the contents of pages 54-55 in Autocar (9/4/03): a 715 bhp EVO VII.

You can achieve a similar effect to this car, however, by acquiring a £150 Escort 1.3L from your local scrapyard and rolling it down a hill into the nearest solid object at it's terminal velocity. A wall, for example.

[dazren]

Constant evolution of the technology is great, but I still prefer the "in yer face" looks of the VI.

Chatting to a VII owner at the optimax forecourt last month he said he had to service his car every 3,000 miles, is this still the case with this new model? and do they still have a miniscule sized petrol tank like the VI?

DAZ

[granville]

Daz - 4500 miles between services and now with a sixth gear, something like a 300 mile range? Certainly better than the 150-200 mile range previously...

Put sat-nav in it and you have a genuine, practical looning mobile.

Shame I'm banned...bugger

[Roadrunner]

Pretty good value arn't they. My only problem with these rally cars is the image. It needs to be toned down somewhat. I think a spanking new 8 in black would look good. Removal of all badges and the rear spoiler would improve things drastically too. I imagine with this treatment it would look more audi-ish, which is ideal IMO.

[GregE240]

No old boy, it will simply look like a debadged, despoilered EVO

[Roadrunner]

Well maybe. I reason I say that though is I saw the only understated subaru the other week. This thing was de-badged and all black. Looked much better for it too.