The car is almost mythical. Since its appearance in video games, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has earned an international reputation, accessing almost under vehicle worship ... Especially in Canada. We must say that the reputation has preceded the car, which was never offered to us. And driving one deserves almost called her mother to know.

But in 2008 Mitsubishi corrects shooting and offers (well, ill tell languages) the tenth generation of the legendary Evo, the most sporting of the range of Lancer.

Power and pleasure
The leaders of Mitsubishi are convinced, and marketing studies prove the first amateur eye on the side of the Lancer Evolution for the pleasure of driving. In this regard, the new generation does not disappoint.

Under the hood, a 2 liter engine turbocharged develops an output of 291 horsepower and produces a torque of 300 pounds-feet. Put to the test on the small winding roads in the hinterland of the Laurentians, the small device (less than 12 pounds heavier than its predecessor and closer because of a new design and less inclined) has demonstrated its versatility and power.

For the pilot Bertrand Godin, one of the three testers for this day of testing (in the company of Trevor Hofmann and the author of these lines), more power did nothing to improve the behaviour of the vehicle. "The engine is capable of meeting the requirements and allows you to use the entire power range under all circumstances. Of the small roads, for example, when you handle efficiently the gearbox, it is easy to exploit the 291 horsepower while retaining full control of the vehicle. However perform rapid gearshift otherwise at high speed, the turbo steam quickly.

Same story from Trevor Hofmann, also racing driver, who emerged from his first test with a smile. "The engine is flexible, acceleration, little affected by the presence of the turbo. And even if a manual is accurate, one could have hoped for a supplementary report to better étager

It is also worth noting that, with respect to acceleration, and even on snowy pavement, the Lancer Evolution has managed a time of nearly 6 seconds for a 0 to 100 km / h. As for the 5-speed box, it is only available for the GRS, the base model. MR versions, more refined, will be equipped with an automatic transmission in manual mode dual clutch during take-off, a little later in the year.

Handy as a go-kart
But it is in handling the Lancer Evolution is the most remarkable. Whether at changing trajectories higher-speed or more strokes relied on road bends, it is easy to control and benefits from a new balance ever achieved by a Evo.

To get there, we took advantage of the platform's overall performance by the manufacturer, which increases its rigidity and limit further twist factor. By modifying components and also using aluminium for the roof, hood and supports bumper, in particular, it was more successful in obtaining a distribution of weight almost perfect from 52% to the front and 48% rear.

Tandem with these components, a direction ultra-precise and direct, which transmits without waiting for the slightest sensation of the road, complements the sporty driving.

"With such a configuration, it is easy to completely control the trajectory of the vehicle and keep fluent. We can then, only by playing the brake or the accelerator, the vehicle shall be placed in a perfect trajectory, it is enough to contain a stroke of good driving and a strong Brembo braking system. Compared with the older generation, it really is easier to handle, no matter the conditions, "Bertrand Godin.

And the full transmission system, like other systems to the acceleration Control and stability control, respond with precision and transparency without appearing to interfere with driving. It was total control while taking advantage of the sensitive direction. Better yet, the settings (asphalt and gravel, or snow) that can be done manually can vary the distribution of torque, which makes driving even more precise, "says, for its part, Trevor Hofmann.

E have been able to test the quality of the sports Mitsubishi Lancer Evo in the running up the snow-covered roads that have already been the scene of many races rally. Even slippage or in portions over rugged, athletic maintained its course and proved to be almost flawless.

Road, not really
As for Mitsubishi, with this new generation of Lancer, it is claimed tenors face on the side of luxury cars like the BMW 1-Series or Audi A4. But while Lancer Evo offers a degree of sportsmanship a little more pointed, however, it lacks the comfort usually reserved for these luxury cars.

The suspensions, a large firm, helping to facilitate the conduct more dynamic, but require some adjustment for the comfort of occupants. The scoreboard is sober, the silhouette, interesting but not so brilliant (on the recognized especially at the rear spoiler and air conditioning ducting before), and accessories, limited.

A good point, however, Recaro seats Series, a model in the maintenance and comfort. The same is true of space for rear passengers, an addition rather rare in sports as a vehicle.

So, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is it to live up to its reputation? Indeed, it has even exceeded expectations in terms of performance, handling and engineering design. However, despite improvements, it has kept one hand feline that befits him perfectly. But with apologies to the people of Mitsubishi, it is still far from being the dream car for every day. After all, this is not why they buy a Evo, just for the pleasure of driving. And on this side, nothing wrong!

Powerful Engine
Branch says
Going beyond reproach

Lightweight turbo lag
Scoreboard sobre
Lack a report on the 6th transmission

Suspensions too strong for daily use
Manual Transmission on base model only