Still don't get Mitsubishi's strategy. There seem to be two distinct rumors:

(1) Around 230hp, compete with WRX.
(2) Around 280hp, compete with STi.

So which is it?

It makes sense to me that making it compete with the WRX is a bad idea. True or not, Subaru has a better perceived reliability, so they would have to undercut the WRX's price IMO to be in this market. Plus, the STi is just around the corner, and if the only EVOs out there are detuned to 230hp, people that were waiting for the "real thing" may likely go to the STi (I would for sure, as I'm leaning towards the STi as it is, though I'm hoping to drive both before I buy - yes, I'm unrealistic).

Anyway, if they make the EVO 280 hp, they would own the hardcore enthusiast market.

I guess the third choice is release both.

Unless it's one huge leapfrog strategy ... WRX, EVO (slightly faster than WRX), STi, real EVO. Hmmm.

Dan

 

You will never know until Sube/Mitsu make announcements, but since this is a rumours forum, I'll bite. I am thinking Mitsubishi won't have the capacity to create two models for the North American market. They are probably waiting for Subaru to make the next move, being the main competition. Will they bring the STi over, or just hype the WRX for the next few years? These I believe are the main determining factors.

 

Isn't the US version of the Sti just a bunch of cosmetic features with a few performance upgrades? Nothing like the Japanese spec Sti, right?

Personally, if they were both equal in everything from price to performance, I'd take the Evo just for the looks and interior.

Mark

 

i believe the US Version of STi specs will be alot like or same as the UK spec...

http://www.subaru.co.uk/news/sti_press_release.htm

6 Speed GearBox
148 mph top speed and 5.2 second 0-60 mph time
Heavily modified turbo engine with Active Valve Control
New six-speed gearbox
Larger 17 ins Brembo brakes
Larger 225/45 tyres on gold spoked 17x7.5 alloy wheels
Uprated suspension with inverted struts
Front and rear ‘Suretrac’ limited-slip differentials
Faster steering rack for sharper responses
Styling highlights include smoked glass projector beam headlamps
Two versions – one with Prodrive-designed upgrade

oh it's also LHD..... (hopefully US bound soon)

 

the EVO is NOT made to compete with WRX...but the STi
the impreza is a mass production model that subaru made to actually make money while the evo is made to get into the WRC

 

Let's clear up a few things:

1. The UK Impreza that was mentioned there is not a product of Subaru Japan or International, but something Subaru UK did together with Prodrive. Highly unlikely that that car will ever leave the UK marketplace. What am I clearing this up anyway? Scooby's are nothing compared to an Evo...

2. The Evo 7 is the first of the Evos that is NOT used to homologate the Group A rally car, as Mitsu switched to a WRC car which only needs little homologation. That's why you'll find the 7 a lot smoother compared to its predecessors. I see the 7 as a car between the 6 and the Subaru when it comes to pure Rally heritage. The 7 is more commercial which is probably why you'll see it in the US. Still, the 7 will eat any Subaru for breakfast...

 

right on dude

 

True, an EVO will leave any US/CDN WRX in it's dust. Most likely a future US/CDN STi as well. Now this is all based on the cars being the same spec level as overseas. We can only speculate until we hear some final numbers. Do not forget that the EVO and STi are for slightly different market buyers.

 

well...the STi...it wouldn't really DUST by the evo...i think stock performance are pretty close but when u start modding the evo can just go to that extra steop

 

Well...

There is no US STI. Yet, at least. There has been no specifications stated on it (only rumors), but I am sure it will not be a rebadged WRX. And in the case of "few performance upgrades", it will probably yield a lot of power with just those.

 

i think the evo would compete with the sti since the evo isnt a mass produced car and mitsusbishi says its their "symbol" or something.

 

i don't think mitsu doesn't really have a symbol since they make all kinds of products besides cars

 

Isn't this assuming that the EVO comes over in the same form as the UK/Japan market ones. I doubt it. They will have to make a lot of changes to the car to make it spec w/ US laws. The STI and the EVO will both be quite watered down versions if they come to the US.

 

Mitsubishi as a car maker has been bought by Daimler Chrysler, well at least 51% so they don't really have anything to do with the rest of the old "three diamonds" group. Well, if the car gets watered down for the US market, I would hope that it's only different engine management and catalysts, both very easy to change
I just remember when I was in Dallas, TX (don't ask!) for 3 months and heard that the US M3 had 240bhp compared to 321bhp in Europe. I thought the guy who told me that was lying, but when I checked on the web I couldn't believe my eyes!! Anyway, that was only down to different engine management to meet the Californian regulations.
If any of the suspension, body needs to be modded on the Evo, I'd have a very good look at what they've done before buying one.

 

Uhh, sort of digressing, but the M3 here is 333hp... and I believe the same goes for the US market.