Get an Evo 9 SE with the 5 speed (i.e., not MR SE). It really is the best of everything.

 

No actual performance, I meant the components that are different.

 

Everyone has been very helpful, I guess my main concern was the tranny holding up with my power goals. I would like to test drive the cars myself, however I live in Canada, and its rare. So this is why I am asking everyone here!

 

My future purchase plan right now is the Evo 9 SE 5 Speed,

But can someone please clarify: is the GSR the same as the MR ? Ive been so confused with the terminology and cross reference between Japan / US.

Per Research;

The Three trims available for Japan, Asia and Europe :

RS - "rally sport", revised 5-speed, aluminium roof, gauge pack, minimal interior, LSD and a titanium-magnesium turbine, left-hand drive option available.
GT - revised 5-speed, this is basically the RS mechanically, but with some of the GSR's features (mainly interior pieces).
GSR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, aluminium roof, gauge pack, SAYC (Super Active Yaw Control), and double-din radio (this is roughly equivalent to the USDM MR).

and Four models available in the US.

Standard(IX) - revised 5-speed, standard model
RS - ralli sport, revised 5-speed, aluminum roof, gauge pack, minimal interior, also no radio
SE - Special Edition, aluminum roof/hood, and front fenders, split seven-spoke forged aluminum BBS wheels in "diamond black" finish, HID headlights with integrated fog lights, red-stitched Recaro seats
MR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, split seven-spoke forged aluminum BBS wheels, aluminum roof, hood, and front fenders, gauge pack, HID headlights with integrated fog lights, vortex generator, and custom MR badging.

 

GSR is NOT the same as the MR.

 

evo 8 (wiki is your friend)

The Lancer Evolution VIII was also the first Evolution to be sold in the United States,[7] spurred by the success of the Subaru Impreza WRX which had been released there just three years prior.[2] The Evolution VIII found its true competition in the Subaru Impreza WRX STI model the same year as the Evolution VIII's US introduction. However, the internal components for the American versions were largely stripped-down versions of the specifications for the Japanese Lancer Evolution VIII. No US-spec Evolution model prior to the Evo X has active yaw control, including the 2006 Evolution IX. The American 2003 and 2004 GSRs are without the helical limited-slip front differential and 6-speed manual transmission. The 2004 US spec RS models, however, do have a front helical limited-slip differential. All 2003, 2004 and 2005 RS and GSR models have the Japanese Evolution VII's 5-speed transmission. The MR edition was introduced to the US in 2005, with ACD and the only model with a 6-speed transmission. The 2005 US spec RS and GSR have the ACD standard, and the front helical limited-slip differential is now standard on all models. The boost, timing, and tuning are also significantly lower than its Japanese counterpart, allowing it to adhere to the strict emissions regulations of the United States. Starting in 2005, the US model Evos were also fitted with a 5000rpm limit on launching in 1st gear to protect the drivetrain.

Most Evolution VIIIs have a carbon fiber rear spoiler with matching body-color endplates. Furthermore, the US versions of the Lancer Evolution VIII 2003-2005 were given bulkier rear bumpers than their Japanese counterparts to accommodate US safety laws in the form of the metal rear crash bar. All Evos have lightweight aluminum front fenders and hoods. MR and RS editions have an aluminum roof. Additionally, MR Editions come equipped with a 6-speed transmission, Bilstein shocks, and factory optional BBS wheels.

The basic RS Edition does not come with power windows, locks, or mirrors, an audio system, rear wing, sound deading material, map lamps or an anti-lock braking system. All Evo VIII RS models sold in the US have an air conditioning system. Power windows, locks, and audio systems could be had in the RS model through the addition of the "Urban Jungle" comfort package.[8]



evo 9

Four models were available in the US. All models used the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine.

Standard - revised 5-speed, standard model
RS - ralli sport, revised 5-speed, aluminum roof, gauge pack, minimal interior, also no radio
SE - Special Edition, aluminum roof/hood, and front fenders, split seven-spoke forged aluminum BBS wheels in "diamond black" finish, HID headlights with integrated fog lights, red-stitched Recaro seats
MR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, split seven-spoke forged aluminum BBS wheels, aluminum roof, hood, and front fenders, gauge pack, HID headlights with integrated fog lights, vortex generator, and custom MR badging.
All of the American models are the same in power, but may differ in performance. The only thing that sets them apart is the Evo RS, which is 80 lb (36 kg) lighter than the MR and SE models.

To the standard model, the Sun, Sound and Leather package added a power sunroof, HID xenon headlamps with integrated fog lights, a slightly different stereo headunit (with no integral amplifier), slightly upgraded speakers in the front doors and parcel shelf, a 4.1-channel amplifier under the driver's seat, a powered, trunk-mounted Infinity subwoofer, black leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed door panels, slightly revised center armrests in the front and rear, and separate rear side headrests. This model deleted the GSR's headliner-mounted sunglass holder to make room for the sunroof

 

The information I posted was pulled from Wiki. Guess their was just confusion because of the different trim comparisons .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubi...ncer_Evolution

 

in your shoes id go with the gsr.. i do tons of freeway driving and have no complaints...and yeah, you wanna like the color of your car

 

I have an 05 SSL and do an excessive amount of driving between PCSing and going back home on leave. I have only one problem with highway driving which has nothing to do with the tranny. 1600 mile 1 way trips would be a little easier with cruise control.

I love the leather of my SSL, it holds me just fine...not sure what the problem others are having but maybe to fat and not wearing their seat belts? But the leather is also great since I have a kid and its a lot easier to clean and take care of then the cloth.

I dont have any experience with the 6 speed but I've been on the boards awhile and I have seen a LOT of complaining and people switching to the 5 speed. Besides even if the 6 speed isnt as bad as people say, it currently has no upgrade opetions so you can't build the tranny if you do decide to make a lot of power. You pretty much have to drive it till you break it send get a new one and repeat or switch to a 5 speed.

Ultimatly its up to you but dont let the MR tag on it fool you, you really not getting anything great. The interior is nicer then the VIII cloth but I perfer the leather, the suspension upgrade is whatever because you can buy a set of coilovers with the 4k saved. So dont look at the MR tag look at the cars themselves and pick the one you like better.