"Regardless, the Evo X is one fabulous car. "

hmmm

 

LOL @ you thinking the new interior looks even remotely decent, especially when Mitsubishi is trying to attract a new spectrum of customers. The American market like aluminum trim, real leather shift boots, and a not-so-bland looking dashboard. The car is a total miss IMO even if it does handle like a mini through california 1.

Now I won't judge it's performance numbers, but I will judge that they tried to please everyone. It's history that everytime you try to please everyone you end up failing miserably; they wanted to keep some enthusiasts whilst picking up the general public and now it's a car with no direction. Paddle shifters? It's not a ferrari mitsubishi you should've stuck to the grass roots like Subaru, either way I love my IX and it's definitely my last mitsu.

 

Good post

 

Not to mention that they have not released the RS version yet. If the GSR/MR are about the same as the IX in a straight but faster in the twisties, it stands to reason that the RS will be faster in both and the model geared for all of the...how should I say it, "fanboys."

 

I am really curious who is going to want the Evo that didn't before. I don't believe people are going to think the car looks amazing for the price. Also, mitsubishi doesn't have the name people know and are willing to pay for. If someone between 30 and 45 were choosing between 2 cars, do you really think they are going to chose the one with the large spoiler?

Than you have us. The ones who like the old evo style and performance. Are we going to like a slower car? I don't think so.

In my opinion, they are losing a lot of people who enjoy the car for the performance and are not going to gain many people with the looks, ok performance, and price.

 

Maybe. But I wasn't looking at this car as my next do-everything-on-the-track car. I was actually looking at this car for exactly what was quoted in this article about pulling up somewhere and everyone not thinking you're a part of the F & F scene!

Besides, I already have a 400 whp track car! I need a great daily driver with some zip now!

 

You're mistaken about the appeal of the new car. I can tell you of three people I know personally that would never consider an 8 or 9, but are very interested in the X. They love the speed of my car, but not so much the rawness. They also don't go for the ricer look with the fat exhaust and wing. These three currently drive an A4, 3 series, an Acura TSX and I'm sure at least one and maybe all three will end up with an EVO X if the performance is as expected.

The interesting thing is they all 3 came up with the idea that the new X looks like a cross between an Audi front end and and Acura. I'm not really sure about that, but I do like the look.

 

Actually, I haven't seen the interior, but it's hard to imagine that it doesn't blow the current models away. I realize that's not making much of a statement. What's really LOL is your hyperbole, a "total miss" seems just a little bit over the top don't you think.

I'm willing to bet the new EVO beats the current model in both sales and through the turns at the track.

 

For a time, I was interested and planned to switch to Mitsu.
Now, it is very difficult to make the switch. X does not have to go faster
than IX. But taking the steering feel away and toning down the car's liveliness
is just sad.

 

I have not seen the schematic for the transmission, so these are guesses:

(1) I am sure there will be a launch control capability that can be tweaked with ECUFLASH

(2) my guess is that the car would act like an automatic (in certain conditions) and just go into neutral -- to save gas

 

I agree 100% Robert...As for performance and feel -- my guess is everyone will be blown away with the car in stock form (comments like 'smooth as my dad's 5 series, but faster than his f430' come to mind)...with the improved handling and transmission, this should definitely be a better street car. For the less than 10% that have their cars gutted and are running SCCA or club events competitively, only time will tell how the car does in the racing circuits.

 

These questions and concerns are on most everyones minds that are future purchasers. I will be in the market for another Evo in about a year from now. I am sure that in the other parts of the world these same discussions were happening when they introduced the Evo VII. The VI was and still is an all out badass car. People must have been concerned about the release of the VII wondering if it would be just as fast, more nimble and more superior. Well, we all know how that turned out. The question I keep asking myself is, Will Mitsu make this X into an XI in about 2-3 years from now. And then into a XII 2-3 years from then? With MR editions to also have their place. Taking the same steps as they did with the VII - IX. And the same way with the I-III, and the IV-VI.

As I see it now, the current IX is all true Evolution. With all the cry of "bankruptcy" Why would Mitsu build a car worse off then the car it is replacing? Not gonna happen. Profit is everything. Even when focus is on catagory performance. When they designed the new Lancer, Mr. Evo and his team of engineers were handed a platform model and I'm sure was told "Do your thing. This is what you have to work with to build the next Evolution." Not, build an Evolution, and when you're done, we'll chop it down from there and offer it as a Lancer. Our cars are based off the regular Lancer, but with a ton of major upgrades structurally and performance wise. Its how the system works.

I on the other hand am holding true to my gut feeling that this new X will be an all out better car. There will always be some discontent about the new design from someone. Remember, this car is in the mid $30k area. Just like a current IX MR. So, a decent income is needed. Unless you are a cellar dwellar at your parents house, and all your income goes to the car...you will only own one used a few years from now. So, their marketing angle is to put more finer accomidations to the driver. I am almost 30 yrs old now. And have been working for Volvo for 11 years, I see what the public wants when spending $30k+ on a car. They want something nice. They want options. With the new generation among us very soon, we will now have these options. you want a bare bone Evo, buy an RS. Want some of the glitz and comforts buy a GSR. At this point who knows what the MR will be. Its a lot of money to spend. We all know we bought our cars for one thing. Performance value. All other cars that perform like the Evo, are higher end cars. Costing double, triple or more. So, being sacrificial to obtain true performance over luxuries was the choice we made. Now with mass production, and lower manufacturing costs on electronics, decides to put a few into the new car. Not a crime, but more of an appeal to draw in more purchasers. Which would mean more sales and units delivered. More Profit. If navigation is offered in the next Evo when I go to buy, you damn right I am opting for it. Along with a sunroof. Most people tend to forget that you have the right to choose options. I bought an Evo as a daily driver. Most wouldn't. I don't track my car. So why couldn't I or anyone else choose some of the accomidations for comfort? If i can choose power windows, AC, sunroof, leather, nav...etc for my daily driver. Sweet. Why deal with the lack there of with an RS model. Save that for the track junkies.

Just look how tunable these cars have been over time. This car won't be any different. Just time will answer on tuning. Honestly, I am excited for this to debut here in the states. And then the top tuners will have their hands on it and surely have great things for all of us!!


_Tim

*Sorry for the long post

 

I think that sums it up. If you want that speed racer image, keep CT9a, if you want something a little more refined to go up against the higher end sport sedans, then this is a pretty decent entry into that catagory.

 

why is mitsu not using the 6 speed manual on the evo?

 

I think this says it all..

"When all is said and done, it’s hard to compare the old Evo to the new one. They are two very different vehicles. One is more refined and easier to drive fast. The other has similar driving characteristics, but it is much more freewheeling, more drive-by-the-seat-of-your-pants fun. Regardless, the Evo X is one fabulous car. " —Chuck Tannert