It just seems from everything I've read so far that the next Evo will be softer, like the R32 or TT. More luxury items (Even..Cruise control!), nicer interior trim and so on, is the Rally bred Evo a thing of the past?

What do you people think?

 

Definitely. The end of homologation requirements for WRC cars has basically killed off the rally rep. Just look at how the mighty E30 M3 (a true homologation special) was watered down and watered down until now it's basically just a big, fat, GT ... the same will happen to the Evo. It will soon become a luxo-barge.

Emre

 

Great pattern of thinking guys. I agree to your logical points made. The reality is that we are all still speculating, time will tell.

It happened before in our own noses(Eclipse GSX, VR4), models that dissapear leaving the Mitusbihi enthusiast in the dust. Lets see what Mitusbishi has to offer on this coming up Evo X.

Carlos

 

Excellent Points

 

Who cares if the car can still be light then it can still hall ***

 

All I have to say is remember all the magazine comparisons with the STi? Everyone of them commented on how the STi was nicer inside and even some people on this site complained how our Evo's are a $30k car with a base interior. I myself bought the Evo for it's performance and nothing else. But others want the best of both worlds luxury and ***** out fast handling. Other cars are providing it. So why would Mitsubishi not try and do the same. Bottom line I think they are looking at what critics and Evo owners have said What would make the Evo better?

 

The CT9A is already pretty porky at 3200+ lbs. The new Evo X is reported to be at least 200 lbs heavier. Add some luxury options and the final weight will probably be pushing 3500 lbs. Hardly a lightweight!

Emre

 

I had a 91(last year) E30 M3!! That was the best handling car I ever owned! Should have never sold it!

And yes they are softening the X! And opening the door to non enthusiasts!

 

In a worst case scenario only the unibody will be heavier by two hundred pounds. That's what all the articles pointed at, the body, because of the extra welds and material to increase chassis stiffness.

If you take into account of the lighter aluminum engine, aluminum hood, aluminum roof, aluminum trunk, aluminum fenders, and aluminum doors, it should weigh about the same as the current Evo. My best guess would be 3,285 pounds. Than again, what I just said is pretty much still speculation. We have to wait see.

 

That's one of my all-time favorites. Here's my own E30:





Not an M3, but it gets the job done! At 2600 lbs, it's a bit lighter than the M3. With a Turner J-stock suspension and lots of tweaks, the handling is not too different from a well-prepped M3 (even with a massive M20 lump up front).

Emre

 

I have had 2 E30 M3s and when I find a good one it will be 3.

 

well i also read in an article talking about the new 2008 lancer which will come with alot of options and eventually AWD. Now to me it sounds great but what will separate the lancer to the evo?? of course there's the turbo but by the 2 cars sharing the same powerplant all you'll have to do is get a turbo kit (whenever they come out of course) and you'll pretty much will have an evo except certain things here and there. this pretty much concludes that the 06 evo will probably be the last true WRC platform Mitsu.

 

The problem I have with X going more upmarket is that there are lot's of cars in that market niche already (VW R32, Audi TT, G35/Skyline, 335i/M3, Audi S3 and S4, etc..). Why would we want another overweight luxo-gt saloon/sedan? The Evo has always been what was needed, nothing more, nothing less.

I see, in the future, an Evo with adaptive cruise control, messaging seat backs w/heat, power seats, hot and cold cup holders and so on..

I wasn't worried before, and was in the wait and see camp, but not anymore. The Media seem to have a consensus, the next Evo will be slower, heavier and more comfortable. So what's more important? Speed and agility or a comfy place to relax?

 

I hate to break it to anyone, but our benchmark Evo, the CT9a, was already watered down from the Evo IV-V-VI series. Yes, the Evo X will be a less raw machine. But dont act like our VIIIs and IXs were raw beasts. Go look at an Evo V, or better yet look at an Evo III.

Heres my issue. Over the past 4 years people have complained daily about the lack of refinement and "cheapness" of the VIII-IX. So what did you expect Mistu to do? Did you think going more upscale wouldnt have weight penalties? Honestly, this site is full of whining without logic. The way I look at it, if the X is softer it will be a perfect addition to my garage as a daily driver in a few years. Ill keep the VIII as a track car.

 

Here's my issue with your statement:
I have never complained about general cheapness or lack of creature comforts, I applaud Mitsubishi for their restraint in not adding useless items. I realize that there are people who make complaints, but regardless of what it becomes, they will always complain!

In the past the next evolution was as fast as the last or faster (i concede that during the WRC years the I-VI where unique in their Evolution). They evolved the 4g63 but added weight with Each new series (II-III, IV-VI, etc) but the car was still agile and fast.

By making the X softer the only thing it adds is more sales. The Evo will lose it's edge and then lose it's focus, it will become another eclipse. Sure people will buy it, and we can't fault Mitsubishi for wanting to be successful, after all it is a business. My question is, where too after it's downfall with the enthusiast? Does it become a M3 (3500 lbs with a V8 under the hood), a TT (3400lbs with a V6) or something else?