well, im guessing mitsubishi did things backwards this time. usually, they would build the lancer and then turn that base into the evo that we have come to know.

this time around, i think mitsubishi planned out the body frame especially for the evo and used it to make the base lancers. benefits are that the base gets the strong body with race inspired engineering. the engine and other amenities are easier to assemble and produce, thus we get the base lancers first.

As you say, the engine compartment looks kind of empty, but if my theory is right, its empty because it was made specifically for the evo x. once the x is out, i think the engine bay will fill up pretty nicely. will there be room for improvement? probably, but i dont think to the point you make it seem.

As for one thing we can all agree on, we just cant wait to see the car and get one!

 

Perfectly stated.

 

That was pretty much the point I was making. The engine compartment of the Lancer really shows what to expect for the Evo. However, the majority of upgrades involve replacing parts not adding them, so the large available space bodes well even if the space is taken up with the Evo's enhancements.

But if you haven't looked under the hood of the Lancer, I think you should. As engine compartments go, there's an amazing amount of space back there.

 

2008 lancers look really good

 

Well, i think the turbo system, intercooler, dsg/sst, super all wheel controll, active yaw control, and active skid control are all add on parts, not just replacements.

I should take a look at the new lancer though, just to see where youre comming from.

 

Oh, definately, if only to satisfy your own curiosity. But you'll see what I mean. Even the most basic small cars have crammed engine compartments, but the lancer is different. And I bet if you remove the exhaust manifold I could fit my head and maybe shoulders between the block and firewall. Though not comfortably.

We both agree that the new Lancer was designed from the start to become the Evo. Or possibly, the Lancer was *derived* from the Evo's design.

What I meant by that was upgrading the Evo, not the Lancer to the Evo. My point about the space under the hood is two-fold. 1. That the added features of the Evo have already been planned into the design and won't be crammed in. and 2. That even with all the Evo's toys, there will be plenty of room to grow under the hood.

 

they could have given the lancer a little more hp, 152 is pathetic.

 

More or less. I think the engineers have been working on the new evo x for a while now, and started off with the frame first. while the rest of the components are being made/tested, the base lancers got to use that frame and just added the basic components it has.

 

well, it is the base model...very econo

Also perhaps less potential x buyers?

 

Do your homework before you make statements like this. This issue has been beaten to death in other threads. You're a fool if you think the X isn't a real evo.

 

I checked out the Lancer too...here's my take on it + a video clip of the engine bay:

http://www.evoxforums.com/forums/sho...?p=654#post654

 

Glad they had the GTS there, the dealership I went to only had the lower models. :P

I wouldn't classify the plastic intake manifold as a negative. The LS1-based engien uses one, and there are forced-induction vettes out there making huge power. One of the big bonuses to a plastic intake manifold is that it wont' heat-soak as easily, and it won't retain heat as well as metal either.

I was interested to hear about the column-mounted paddles. This doesn't bode well for the Evo's DSG. It can't possibly be so difficult to mount them on the wheel.

The video was helpful and shows a lot of what I meant about the engine compartment. The GTS is a touch more cluttered than the lower models, but I think that big plastic engine cover is the biggest culprit, that should be able to come right off. You get a good shot of the space behind the block.

In the video you can see how the intake path from the airbox goes down in front of the engine then back up into the intake manifold. FMIC piping will probably follow the same path. So no more routing pipes through the fenders or in large loops. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks to me like the VIII and possibly the IX run the IC piping along the bottom of the front air dam and in through the fenders. If so, this new routing should shave a couple feet from the IC piping path. That should be a big help with reducing lag.

 

Column mounted paddles are a good thing, IMO. Try shifting a VW/Audi DSG when you're launching and making a hard turn... I always end up having to resort to the stick instead of the paddles.

l8r)

 

This sounds like exactly the condition where you'd want wheel-mounted paddles instead of column mounted. With your hands on the wheel in the 9&3 or 10&2 position, your fingers are pulled away from column mounted paddles when you turn. Wheel mounted paddles will follow the turns of the wheel, so your fingers are always in reach of the paddles.

The only time I can think of where wheel mounted paddles are difficult to use is when you're near or at full-lock. But I don't think you should be going up through the gears under full-lock. I think under track conditions, wheel-mounted paddles are a better choice.

 

I hear ya, BUT a metal intake is much easier to modify. You can't really port plastic.

I agree 100%. Big let down in that respect for something so easily remedied.

Yeah, I was half tempted to pop off that plastic cover just to have a peek, but I don't think Kerbeck mitsu would have appreciated that much. lol.

Overall, I think it's going to be a good engine bay to work in.


Yeah, simple IC piping is always nice. That's one thing that the subarus have going for them. Now, the evo won't be far off.

More throttle response than lag, but ultimately it's about the same to the driver.