The US press sure is covering this japanese model an awful lot.. hint hint.. We dont' hear about any of the other upteen model s in many other countries.. why this one? hmmmm.. I suspect popular mechanics and autoweek have been dropped some information to warrant publishing this info.. This time of year, I doubt they're hurting to fill space so much that they're just pulling hot cars from foreign markets to write about.. If so why not Skylines, or even the Subaru Spec C mentioned in the article.. mmmmmm.. <tingles>. Been burned on first year cars too many times.. This time I hope my lessoned learned pays off in the form of an 05 MR... with cruise control, 6spd SMT, and full underbody aero...

 

Didn't see the word "grey" in there. I laughed because medium purple mica is the available color on the JDM EVO's, and the color on the MR is definately not medium purple mica. I wasn't aware that the name for this grey color is Medium Purple GREY Mica.

 

Interesting theory.. hmmm. The gears are turning..

 

Yeah just read on Popular Mechanic:

Evo 8 MR 300 HP and will be import in USA 2005' ... true?

 

I sure hope so!

 

Nono. it's same hp rating but 300 lb. tq. Popular mechanics like to bull**** people, I can bet money the MR isn't coming.

 

Hey Mitch what have you heard that indicates it is not coming?

 

Well DC(daimler chrysler) is having financial troubles, and they want to clean up mitsu(they own most of it). The evo can be gone before you know it, so that only makes things worse. Also, mitsu feels it would have no market in the us with the MR becuase of how expensive it will be. It should be about 35,000 to 40,000 dollars and also they wont' really resort to bringing it unless Subaru brings the STi Spec C(mmmmm).

 

If a US MR version started with the current platform, and only changed the aluminum roof, minor engine imporovements ( more torque ), bilstein shocks, lighter rims, and possible paint colors, it should only cost $1.5k - $2k more. It would run about the same as the STi.. The current JDM MR with ACD, AYC, 6speed might run $37k, but that is what many enthusiasts want, the exclusivity price brings, and the goods they are lacking in the current US Evo. Thats about the same price as the Nissan 350z Track, so I'd say it's a good place to be, and offers much more. Either way they have many more variables floating around to make their decision, between the D/C/M parts bins..

Are they making any Evos in japan without the aluminum roof? or are they all now MRs

 

Those rims would already be about 1.5K. The shocks aren't cheap, the roff is, and the engine too. I would say 3 grand for what you listed. I'm not trying to blow your bubble, I mean
I want this car hear too, but it just wouldn't be smart for mitsu. And yes, the make evos with out the Aluminun roof, they have normal GSR's, RS's, etc. there too. MR is brand new.

 

man, we'll all be rich if mitsu discontinues the evo in the USA... just think what happened to MKIV supra values in the states once they discontinued that puppy. I know of more than one import fan who wishes for a time machine to 1996 so they could pick up a few supras...

 

I seriosuly doubt the rims would cost nearly $400 more each than the current rims. Time will tell, but there is an awful lot of US press showing up for this Japanese car. Why aren't we hearing about other cars.. Something is up.. I'm sure Mercedes and Dodge/Chrysler would like to offer some sporty cars with Aluminum roofs.. Hmm SRT4 CR?

 

Just like the Eclipse changed drastically from the 1g/2g to the current 3g, and Evo might change in the same fashion.. 2.4L shared SRT4 motor with AWD and ralliart headlights anyone? Heck maybe even a non turbo all aluminum Mivec V6.. That'd put one right through the enthusaists hearts.. But every corproate blow hard knows that V6s are more enticing than an inline 4 to potential buyers... Who knows how many bad decisions could occur..

 

Don't know if this has been mentioned, but on Popular Mechanics site I saw this.

2005 Mitsubishi Evolution MR

Fueled by a generation of drivers who expect and demand rapid change, the sport compact car market segment is constantly seeing new and revised models. One of the segment's premier cars, Mitsubishi's Evolution, won't remain untouched for long. There is already a lighter-weight, less expensive 2004 RS model. Next year we will get this high-strung MR model. The MR will use Bilstein shock absorbers for improved handling, an aluminum roof for weight savings, and Mitsubishi's electronic all-wheel-drive system with a stability control enhancement. Though horsepower is said to stay the same, modifications to the engine should yield an increase of almost 30 ft.-lb. of torque, bringing the grand total to 300, the same as archrival Subaru WRX STi.


It's on the Asia Spy Report, so I don't know when they say WE if they mean the US, or if they mean Asia. I thought US because they state it 2005 unless the MR is already considered a 2005 model. I guess it could be. Hrm *shrugs*

http://popularmechanics.com/automoti...a_spy_reports/

 

I'm seeing too many coincidences pointing to the MR showing up.. BUt then again, I can't fork over a check for one, so I'll just hold out for another 6 months and see.. a handful of car payments left and plenty of track time this year, so I'll stay busy and just keep adding to the MR fund...