EVO Neil, have the press driven the MR yet?

 

Yes

 

How does it feels?

 

I'd imagine it's like an fq330 that's on top gear

 

Sorry, driving impressions are embargoed until September 1st, so I can't talk about it. Look for a story in Motor Trend's October issue on sale around the beginning of September for a full test of the '05 MR against the improved '05 STi.

 

That fast .

I can't wait

 

the test against the sti sounds good but why the embargo until sept 1? btw, do you work for MT?

 

Manufacturers place embargoes so that everyone has a fair chance at getting the information out at the same time or to satisify some internal reason, like the car isn't available until the later date. Magazines have a two to three month lead time, while internet companies could go live with a story in days as can TV coverage, so it levels the playing field.

 

I seriously doubt it. At the National level Evos and STi s don't stand a chance in AS unless it rains.

The difference between an '03 GSR and an '05 MR is going to be slight - 5hp and 13 lb-ft are not going to make much difference in times. The ACD may hurt. The front LSD will help a little. The '05 MR is probably less than 50 lbs lighter than an '03 GSR. I would put good aftermarket adjustable shocks up against the new Bilstiens. The 6 speed will be a disadvantage on high speed courses.

All in all, the changes fall into the SEBs "best of breed" philosophy. It will stay in AS until it kicks Corvette *** (which ain't gonna happen).

 

yup.

yup

nope. i'll take bilstein's special MR tuning over random aftermarket dampers any day of the week. and the 6-speed basically has identical gearing in the 1st three gears...you'll never hit fourth in autox...heck it's very rare to even hit third.

yup.

 

ACD is going to help. The fron TORSEN will help even more. The MR may be heavier than a 03-04 VIII. It will be hard to class.

 

I'd agree with this, nicely put.

 

I'd also agree with you about the front helical limited slip but I'd disagree about the weight.

 

Yeah Evil E - don't forget the aluminum roof and side panels are new to MR and RS for 05

 

If it is lighter than '03 VIII I'll be very happy. I was not expecting it because:


- roof - door beams - wheels + 6-speed + ACD = ?

But neil if it is lower than the current VIII that would be great. Well done Mitsu.