I have been looking at the Evo 9 bumper, trying to figure out....why?
Here are my thoughts.
The intercooler opening fit the stock intercooler perfectly. That will cause issues with the aftermarket intercoolers, but the engineers don't care about that. It looks like they are trying to create more air pressure on the intercooler. By "framing" it, they are preventing air from going around it like the Evo 8. Air is going to go where there is less resistance, and that is around the intercooler, if it is possible.
The other are the two side openings. They appear larger than the ones for the 8. Probable more air (driver side) to the radiator since air can not get around the intecooler openings. The passenger side is more air to the oil cooler and balance in the look.
Then we get to the two little holes. What are those for? If you look closer, the intercooler hose connections are behind them. So they are not brake ducts. Since the hoses are behind them, they are not for the radiator, or if they are, it seems that they are blocked. It seems they are bringing air to the intercooler hoses, which seems a little strange. So, I think they are for style .
Just my thoughts, I had some extra time.

 

This is my favorite picture of the 9. I got it from another thread in this section. It allows a close look at the front of the car.

 

umm isnt that an 8 with the galia (sp?) front bumper

 

Dunno....BUT I would think those two little holes would fit a set of fogs nicely.

 

I don't like the new front bumper...it looks too busy. When I get the Evo 9, I hope the Evo 8 bumper is a direct fit or I'll be going aftermarket !

 

no

 

I like the look as it reminds me of the 5-6's oh well to each their own.

 

those holes could be used to channel air to the front brakes.

 

That is true, with some ducting, the holes would be really good for brake cooling....or fog lamps. I bet the fog lights that solar eclipse has on his Evo would fit into those holes.
I don't know, the more I look at it, the more I like it. But, I think it is because of the overall bumper. I could probably due without the holes. I wonder if we will ever understand the secret of the holes. Ok, now I am being dumb.

 

I think new bumper is nice. I like the rear one also. I like the whole car. I will have as soon as they get to the dealership here.

 

lol look at you guys

when the 8 came out many of ya'll said you dont like the 8's bumper and will go to the 7's

now some of you are saying the 9 is ugly and want to go for the 8 if the fist

come on now if you want the old style why not just buy a use car.

the 9 looks better imo

 

ojet ojet, forget da front address the rear

rear is ugly!

 

I second, third, and fourth that, the rear is the ugliest thing on that car, everything else looks pretty decent, I still like the 8's design better

 

I like the floating on the 9. and happen to like the new rear bumper.

 

i like the difuser on the rear, i will try to put one on my VIII if it will fit