If this is true, I would imagine dealers are going to do everything NOT to take these. I could hardly imagine the market for a striped down uncomfortable car...wow. The Evo is selling poorly as it is.

 

I suspect they will be snatched up as race toys by folks who'd rather have something expendible to beat on at the track - the kind of folks who daily drive 911 turbos, you know?

 

For ~26k, I don't think Mitsubishi will have any problem selling the RS. One can also add the "Urban Jungle" (no joke) package which adds back AC, power windows, doorlocks and a bit more weight. One would be left with a normal EVO with a front diff, rear strut brace that weighed ~50lbs less than a regular sunroof-less EVO. It would still be ~$2000 cheaper and all one would give up is HIDs (which can be purchased through the parts department for $800) and some vanity mirror stuff which few use anyway. I don't see it has being a dissappointment. Just provides another avenue for one to build their "ideal" EVO.

Just my 2c,
Shiv

 

Each $1,000 Mitsubishi can take off the price opens the car to more potential buyers who can currently afford an SRT4 but can't scrape enough cash together for an EVO. Plus it's going to be faster. They have a hell of a lot better market potential in the stripped down direction compared to a $37k EVO with all the JDM features. I think it's a smart move. Sales will be the proof.

 

The big question now is that would the RS Front lsd fit our evolution?

 

According to my contact at (who is responsible for the EVO product line), yes, the front diff should fit. Won't know 100% until we install one but it looks good so far.

Shiv

 

Awesome, keep us posted if it fits . I wonder if it's mechanical, viscous, or torsion

Anyways, I'll check for details on tuesday I guess. Steering wheel, truck bracing, wheels, brakes, seats and etc. Hopefully the fix the bugs on the trans

 

DSM? I think you mean Mitsubishi. DSM is long gone and has nothing to do with the EVO.

I really don't understand why are people so negative about this. Think what you want about this particular model, but to me it's nothing but great news. My interpretation of it is that it shows the confidence Mitsubishi has in the US market. After 10 years of "ignoring" the US and depraving us from the last 7 evolutions, they now seem to have changed their strategy re: the EVO. I think, the news about another version of the EVO is a strong indicator of their belief in the potential of the US market and their willingness to grow and increase their presence in this particular segment.

So I don't concern myself with how much the RS will cost, what it has and what it doesn't, but instead look at the bigger picture…..and right now that picture looks awesome!

Keep'em coming!

 

Shiv,

What is the front diff type? Helical? Drop us some clues here.

 

Damn people....the rs has been sold in japan for quite some time now. It is not some car mitsu whipped up just for the USA. Flip your freakin GT3 on and scroll through the evos.....my main car on there is a evo RS.....If i were to race the an evo it would be an RS.

It just amazes me....the thought process with many of you. This car is not going to be used for daily driving...again.....this car will NOT! be used for daily driving.

All of you that have seen that lady crash that white evo in that video clip...i can almost bet that is an RS. You guys are acting like people are gonna walk into a mits delaership and be like...hmmmmm I want an evo...but am not sure if i want the GSR or the RS.....and yes ours are considered GSR's according to the parts screen at the dealership.

Anyway....i just cant stand when people that think they know....but really don't have a freakin clue about the RS trash it. They are sending 700-1000 over according to the article if i remember right. That is like 2 per dealer....some won't get any....some will get 3 or 4. It's not like they are sending 8000 over.

The evo is an image car for mitsu.....the evo is not their bread and butter car...it's the eclipse and galant. They are trying to make millions off this car....but yes i do agree they need to bring over the FQ series cars over...that'd be freakin sweet...anyway i'll stop now

 

I hope they don't advertise the RS as another "street legal racecar" than was a weaker clutch which ISN"T covered under warranty.

 

I think an RS with aluminum roof would answer most of my prayers if only it will be available in Canada.

 

GOOD! They can have mine cuz I don't want it..
As far as I remeber, stripped down race bred cars were waaay too limited to appeal to a good number to sell well..

Other than the Porsche RS America (which was a slow seller new, and is now currently enjoying a resurgance in interest for whatever reason.. ) Strippo cars don't sell..

Remember the M3 Lightweight? This car came with seperate parts so it could be put on the track easily...yeah, it sold for **** because nobody wanted a stripped down M3..They built it in low numbers for obvious reasons..

My feeling is should take advantage of the renewed interest in their "Motorsport" heritage that the EVO has created..
Yeah, offer a stripped down car OR the MR model! That way, they still have a car that is unique for those that want to "race" and those that "race" their cars as well as use them for daily driving..and like creature comforts!

......If you are reading this, keep your interest and EVO development going upward. At this point, you are priced WELL below any other sports car on the market, and offer more performance and bang for your buck..bring some active diffs and loaded up techno EVO'S with full options..

If the "MR" model was a few thousand more, I would pay it. However, if they dropped the current EVO and introduced the "RS" as the "new"2004 model..I would keep my current EVO.

or buy a Pre-Owned 2003 M3..

 

I couldn't find evidence but I thought the RS's come with 15 inch wheels and small brakes. Because assumes a race team will need to use different wheels and brakes for a particular kind of racing or rallying.

 

Mitsu has used helical (read Torsen it stands for Torque Sensing) front diffs in Evos for some time. It would make sense to use it here in the states.