I found this info on another forum:

"power hike for Evo VIII"
"Mitsubishi's Ralliart division in Japan is working on the Evo VIII, which wants go on sale in 2003. Visually the updates wants pretty mildly but there wants some fairly major mechanical CHANGES. Chief amongst thesis is A nex six speed gearbox channeling drive ton of A slightly revised four wheel drive system that retains the tarmac/gravel/snow switchable diff. There wants thus improvements ton the brakes. The turbo engine is easy capable OF more power and Ralliart is trying tons of GET around the current japanese agreement tons of limits output ton of 276bhp. The standard car is likely ton sport just over 300bhp; R-S version should have nearer 330bhp. The biggest challenge is weight reduction. R-S models traditionally use very thin panels and little sound proofing but Mitsubishi isn't prepared tons market the standard car with what could lakes as quality of issues. Carbonfibre aero-dynamic AIDS could one possible way ton achieve more lower weight and even more storming performance."

if this is accurate, than I am overwhelmed by the results!

 

I've seen that article before.
From what I hear it is pretty accurate. Not sure if horsepower will be that high though..I think the U.S. Evo will have around 280hp.
Like Mitsubishi said "you WON'T be dissapointed"...

 

"The stage is set. January 2003 will bear witness to the ultimate clash of the rally-bred supersaloons - the new Subaru Impreza versus its deadliest rival, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII.

When the follow-up to the successful Evo VII arrives, it promises to push the boundaries of road car technology to new heights, with extensive revisions to its engine, gearbox and Active Yaw Control transmission.

But the most obvious change, is to the design (exclusive picture in the latest edition of Auto Express), with a reworked bonnet air dam and a touring car-style front bumper. Under the skin, the 2.0-litre turbo has been tweaked to produce 392Nm of torque. Mated to a new six-speed box, this should see the car sprint from 0-60mph in five seconds and top 160mph. Insiders say an Active 4WD system is being tested, promising even better cornering ability. "
courtesy of AutoExpress mag.

 

I just can't wait.

 

BTW, 392nm equals 289lbft torque. The current Evo VII GSR has 282lbft tq and the GTA has 253lbft tq.
Sure would be nice to see it spec'd out to: 300hp 289lbft tq, 6-speed, with revised AYC/ACD, Recaros, Brembos, lighter components, etc. for around 30k!! Sounds like it COULD be the best Evo yet! All we can do is sit and wait and hope it comes true.

 

Yeah that's what was written in Evo magazine (UK mag). I posted that a little bit ago but I'm too lazy to look for it.

broeli, check your PM's!

 

Sounds awesome. I cant' wait. Every evo has improvement and i'm sure our 8 will be better than the current 7. Seems like the rumor turn to be in our favor as time passes on.

 

Just so everyone knows..Mitsubishi is saying they will release info late fall early winter..
Rax...gotcha..sent you one back