In Australia (where I live) we are yet to get the Evolution VIII but we did get the VI TME and there are a few other versions that have been imported including the VI GSR. My father is looking at buying an Evolution and I would like to know if there is much difference performance wise (handling, straight line, around a track, etc.) between a japanese spec VI GSR and VIII GSR.

Aparantly Australia will get the Evolution VIII but maybe not until March or later next year, nobody seems to know at the moment . By this time it will be a year or more old and there could be another model (IX or 8.5 or something). When they do get here they should cost around $65,000.

This is why my father is having a look at some of the imported Evolution VI GSR's (the TME's are way too expensive - $60,000 second hand with 50,000km for example). There is a VI GSR for sale near us. It seems in good condition, has done about 12,000km and the owner wants 46,000.

This will be his main road car that will be taken to track days etc. fairly often. I just want to know if it would be worth the wait for the Evolution VIII, mainly from a performance point of view. I realise that an import does not have a waranty etc. but it is also a lot cheaper (about $20,000).

Any opinions would be good, maybe some of you in Japan or Europe who have driven both can give me some ideas.

Aston

 

just checking, those prices you quoted are in australian dollars right?!?

 

The Lancer Evolution VIII GSR defenitly

 

Yeah, the price in USD is roughly half. If you get the J-spec GSR and aren't overwhelmed by the difference in looks (most people seem to prefer the VI) then the VIII should definitely outperform the VI. The VIII is equipped with S-AYC (for whatever that's worth to you) a 6-speed tranny and a bunch of other goodies.

 

The version you will probably get is one I would die for (S_AYC, front limited slip diff., maybe 310 HP, and a six speed) go with the VIII. Mistsu will not be too likely to bring out a new # version for a couple of years so not to worry there. Just wait and drive the VIII when it arrives, bet you'll bring one home. As for looks I think the VIII looks down right nasty mean, it turns heads I promise you. If you go used you will be taking a huge chance as these cars are seldom driven with "kid gloves" (pay up front or pay along the way).

 

Thanks for the help. It looks like we will be waiting for the VIII.

The prices are in Australian dollars, to get to US dollars multiply by 0.678 (the current exchange rate according to www.xe.com).

Aston