2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Review

Positive

Available automated clutch manual transmission; excellent handling and steering; long features list; powerful turbocharged engine.

Negative

Stiff ride; tilt only steering wheel; tiny trunk; driver seat doesn’t adjust for height; cabin materials don’t match lofty price of Evo.

Introduction

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a customized version of Lancer, designed and developed for compact sports sedan enthusiasts. It showcases more aggressive styling, dynamic handling and performance oriented technologies. Possessing track tuned performance and aggressive styling; the Evolution is a keen choice for driving enthusiasts on a budget. For 2012, it gains minor changes including optional auto dimming rearview mirror and soft touch door panels. This feather weight machine really packs a punch. Lightweight enough for lowering the Lancer Evolution’s center of gravity, the aluminum roof is also attached to its steel frame through the company’s proprietary self riveting process that makes it as strong as it is light. That means better cornering without sacrificing any safety. We thought it was such a good idea; Mitsubishi crafted the front fenders and hood out of aluminum as well.

Think of it as aging an already excellent scotch a few extra years, MR Touring gets top shelf sophistication to the sportscar you thought had it all, while its additional touches of class include, a trunk lip spoiler, heated front leather RECARO seats, power glass sunroof and more. Besides, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s already range topping aluminum hood, wide fenders and S-AWC drivetrain, it is a step upscale. Aerodynamics are as simple as allowing the wind to do its thing without getting in the way, and its signature shape is perfectly engineered to go with the flow, the airflow that is. Designed with better handling, shortened braking distances and weight reduction in mind, the Evolution is an aerodynamic star. The rear diffuser offers a path for air for exiting effortlessly as the Evolution gains up to speed, ramping up stability and decreasing drag. The spoiler works at higher speeds for creating downforce on the rear tires, thus increasing grip.

You have to make room for the wide 18-inch tires of 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s that’s exactly why its aluminum fenders are bulging. But that isn’t all those unique fenders are up to, they also smooth airflow along its flanks for reducing any drag those mega tires may cause. Special vents behind each front wheel also pull heat from the powerplant for increasing performance and optimizing engine cooling. Color coordinated vents on MR offer another level of style to an already elegant package. Covering the turbocharged engine is only one benefit of this hood. The vents in aluminum hood of Evolution provide the powerplant heat an escape hatch, while at the same time feeding air to the turbocharger via NACA duct. Aluminum offers the extra benefits of great muscle with reduced weight that enhances balance, handling and weight distribution.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution also known as Evo or Lancer Evo is a high-performance saloon produced and introduced by Mitsubishi Motors. There have been 10 official versions till date, and the each model’s designation is most commonly a roman numeral. All are propelled by 2.0 turbocharged powerplants mated to all-wheel drive systems. It was first designed and engineered for Japanese markets only, but demand on grey import market led the Evolution series to be available through Ralliart dealer networks in UK and in several European markets from 1998. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will not only appeal to your heart, but also to your head. Equipped with state of the art technology, it is better equipped and more refined than ever before. Yet one thing hasn’t changed: it still delivers the revolutionary robustness and reliability you expect, along with huge levels of performance you demand.

The company planned to market the 8th generation Evolution in the year 2003 to United States after witnessing the success Subaru had in that market with their Impreza WRX, a direct rival in other international regions. Japanese spec vehicles were limited by gentlemen’s agreement for advertising no more than 276 horsepower, a mark already reached by Evolution IV. Thus, each subsequent variant has unofficially evolved above the advertised power figures, with the Japanese spec Evolution IX reaching an alleged output of 317 horsepower. Several versions offered in other markets, especially United Kingdom, have official power outputs up to 405 horsepower. The 10th generation Lancer Evolution was introduced in the year 2007 in Japan 2007 and in 2008 in overseas markets.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is distinctive amongst its rivals in World Rally Championship in that it was a homologated Group A car little customized to be able to race competitively against, from 1997 season onwards till San Remo Rally in 2001, World Rally Car class cars. However, in late 2001 the Evolution was replaced by the company’s original World Rally Car, called Lancer Evolution WRC that lasted in works hands, driven by Freddy Loix, Makinen, Francois Delecour and Alister McRae till the company took a time off from the championship at the end of 2002.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution won ConsumerSearch’s best Aggressive sports sedan in Best Sports Sedans in June 2006; it won six most significant awards, being declared “Playboy Sports Car 2004″ in Poland, “Sports Car of the Year” in France and Scotland, “Sport Compact Car of the Year” in 2004 and 2005 (Sport Compact Car magazine), “2005 All-Star” (Automobile magazine) in the United States, Motor magazine’s Best “Bang for Your Bucks” Australia and “Best New Production Car Under €60,000″ in Greece. The Lancer Evolution X was named by Canadian TV show Motoring 2009 as “Best Performance Car under $50K”, and won Automobile Journalists Association of Canada’s 2009 “Best New Technology” award.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is involving, more sophisticated and technologically advanced than ever before. It integrates every bit of knowledge the company has gained from decades of competing successfully at the highest levels of international rallying and through the creation of previous nine generations of the Evolution. Most significantly, the Lancer Evolution X interacts and connects completely with the driver in all situations, offering the very highest levels of driving pleasure for matching its mighty performance. The large ‘jet fighter’ style front grille and impressive vents of Lancer Evolution X offer all the cooling and air the engine requires for generating amazing power. Extra front air ducts ensure a cooling airflow over the 2-piece front brake discs. As well as looking breathtaking, the advanced aerodynamics of Evolution keep you glued firmly to the road, raising high speed stability and cornering ability to new heights. The rear vortex generator and carbon fiber front lip spoiler hint at FQ-360 model’s superior performance potential.

There are very few new vehicles in the market, which can deliver driving excitement without breaking the bank. The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution can certainly be counted amongst the less expensive thrills group that manages to distinguish itself from the rest of the pack. Based on standard Mitsubishi Lancer saloon, the Evolution is a performance vehicle, with its all-wheel-drive system, turbocharged engine, bigger brakes, stiffer chassis, sporty body cladding and a sport tuned suspension. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in five seconds and weaves through the slalom at speeds approaching 70 miles per hour.

One of the best characteristics of 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the available automated manual dual-clutch transmission that enables the control of a manual gearbox with the convenience of automatic. Using the steering wheel mounted paddles, you can simply keep it in automatic mode while battling traffic or you can rip off super-quick shifts for maximum performance. Newly padded door panels for 2012 definitely help in this matter, but the interior is still a disappointment for the price. Amongst the competition of 2012 Evolution, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI will always be its archrival for all-wheel-drive supremacy. The Ford Mustang GT with its burly V8 engine is a strong contender of Evolution, though its handling certainly isn’t as sharp like the Mitsubishi.

Variants, Body Types and Features

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a performance oriented compact sedan, which is offered in MR and GSR trims that correspond to the transmission choices. The MR gains an automated manual “Sportronic” gearbox with shift paddles, while the GSR gets a 5-speed manual.

The base GSR comes standard with foglights, 18-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, a large rear spoiler, cruise control, automatic climate control, a leather wrapped tilt only steering wheel, keyless entry, Fuse voice activated electronics interface of Mitsubishi, Recaro sport bucket seats, a six-speaker sound system with an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod/USB audio interface and a CD player and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. The MR is identical but has a smaller rear lip spoiler; BBS alloy wheels, softer suspension calibrations and xenon headlamps.

Optional on the GSR is a Sight and Sound package that adds keyless ignition and entry, a Rockford Fosgate premium surround sound audio system with satellite radio, an in-dash six-CD changer and 10-inch subwoofer and xenon headlights. Also available is a Sun and Leather package, which includes leather upholstery, a sunroof, added sound insulation, an upgraded center console with covered bins and heated front seats. Offered on the MR trim level is a Premium package that includes chrome exterior trim, the Rockford Fosgate audio system, keyless ignition and entry, the upgraded center console and leather and faux-suede upholstery. The Touring package is also offered, which adds heated mirrors, the sunroof, full leather upholstery, automatic headlights and wipers, an auto dimming rearview mirror, added sound insulation and heated front seats.

Either trim can also be had with a hard drive based navigation system, which boasts digital music storage and real time traffic.

What’s Beneath the Hood of 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Motivation for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes from a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is good for pulsating 291 horsepower with 300 pound feet of torque. The MR comes standard with excellent automated manual six-speed transmission with steering wheel mounted shift paddles of Mitsubishi, while the GSR gets a 5-speed manual transmission. Standard on both trims is a sophisticated all-wheel drive system that sends power to all the four wheels.

In performance testing, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in the time range of 4.9 seconds, while the MR in flat five seconds. The estimated fuel economy for MR is 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 19 mpg in combined driving, while for GSR is 23 mpg highway, 17 mpg city and 19 mpg in combined driving.

Safety & Reliability

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes with standard safety features, which include front seat side airbags, antilock brakes, a driver’s knee airbag, full length side curtain airbags, a variety of sophisticated handling technologies and stability control. In brake testing, the Lancer Evolution came to a stop in 113 feet from 60 miles per hour. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave Lancer its top score of “Good” in side impact, roof strength and frontal offset tests.

Special Features and Cockpit Design

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s modern interior offers maximum support and reassurance with the perfect combination of functionality, comfort and style. The driver focused dashboard offers ideal ergonomics with sporting appearance, enabling you to get on with enjoying the superb drive on offer. The front Recaro seats trimmed with techno and leather suede in higher models have been designed especially for Evolution and hold passengers securely, yet in complete comfort. High contrast instruments keep you fully informed at all times.

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes packed with equipment for entertaining and keeping you up-to-date on any journey. GSR model specification includes a Rockford Fosgate premium surround sound system especially designed for Evolution featuring nine speakers with an 8-channel 650-watt power amplifier. Also standard for GSR models, the Mitsubishi Multi Communication System with music server and HDD navigation uses a super quick 30GB hard disk drive. All models provide Bluetooth functionality enabling you to make calls while keeping your hands where they should be: on the steering wheel.

A vehicle with 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s performance prowess needs seats, which can support passengers when it really does its thing. No ordinary seats, RECARO seats feature heavy bolsters and exceptional support for supporting the passenger and driver through any corner, sharp and hard though it may be. Leather upholstery or supple sports fabric both fit right in with Evolution’s overall style, while airbags built into seats provide additional level of safety. Extra touches of MR Touring include, a trunk lip spoiler, heated front leather RECARO seats, power glass sunroof and more, besides Evolution’s already range topping S-AWC drivetrain, wide fenders and aluminum hood.

Driving Impressions

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a sportscar in compact sedan clothing. At the heart of Evolution X is an all-aluminium engine, which in FQ-300 models pumps out a 295PS and 407Nm of torque. With S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) working in full harmony with the sophisticated suspension system and precise steering featuring Eibach coil springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, you can put every bit of the available muscle to the tarmac with total confidence, maximum enjoyment and absolute control.

The Evolution’s powerplant gets variable timing and direct valve activation for both exhaust and intake valves for enhancing performance at all speeds. In spite of its high output, the new die-cast aluminium engine block is positioned 10mm lower and 12kg lighter unlike in Evolution IX, resulting in a lower centre of gravity. The turbocharger uses aluminium for the compressor wheel and titanium for the turbine wheel that’s 18 percent more efficient than before. The magnesium paddles shifters behind the steering column enable you to make quick gear shifts without taking hands off the wheel, providing you with full control of the vehicle in maximum comfort. It also provides 3 driving modes, including the Super Sport mode, which keeps engine speed above 4500rpm for maximum control and responsiveness in sporting environments like race tracks.

The S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution integrates and controls 4 advanced mechanical and electronic devices, which work together for adapting the way the car responds to the conditions and driver. It works flawlessly to keep the power under control and can be customized to gravel, tarmac or snow surfaces at the flick of a switch. The ACD/AYC system uses many sensors for closely monitoring the behavior of Evolution X and offers control effectively and quickly, without disrupting driver involvement. Sensors measure longitudinal and lateral acceleration, individual wheel speed, yaw rate, steering angle, engine torque, engine speed and brake fluid pressure, all working to ensure that you remain in control, even during on-the-limit driving.

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