The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes in two versions, the GSR ($32,990) and the MR. Both are four-door, five-passenger sedans and are powered by the same intercooled turbocharged four-cylinder engine and come with all-wheel drive. The GSR comes with a five-speed manual transmission, while the MR has an all-new, high-tech, twin-clutch, Sportronic, electronically shifted, six-speed manual transmission.
The GSR comes with automatic climate control, 140-watt, six-speaker, multi-media stereo, Recaro bucket seats with manual fore-aft and back angle adjustments, power windows, power door locks, keyless remote entry, floor mats and front map lights. Yokohama ASVAN asymmetrical-tread performance tires wrap around 18-inch, cast alloy.
The GSR can be ordered with two factory options. One is the Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package ($2000) that adds HID headlights with manual leveling; a 65-watt, Rockford-Fosgate premium sound system with eight, strategically positioned regular speakers plus one subwoofer; Sirius satellite radio with six months pre-paid subscription; six CD/MP3 in-dash changer; oversize rear spoiler; and FAST Key entry system, which allows keyless door unlocking and push-button start/stop for the engine. The other is premium, Phantom Black paint ($250).
Mitsubishi has kept the faith with its aftermarket vendors, which has yielded seven sets of goodies installed on the GSR either at the port of entry or by dealers. These comprise a 30GB HDD navigation system with digital CD/DVD capability ($1999; installation is extra on this and the remaining aftermarket pieces); a stand-alone, in-dash, 6CD/MP3 audio head unit ($399); a five-piece aero kit ($1999); side wind deflectors ($85); wheel locks ($40); cargo organizer ($58); and an interior sport package ($399) that replaces the leather-topped shift knob with an aluminum knob and dresses up the hand brake with an aluminum/leather grip.
The MR upgrades include the computer-shifted, six-speed manual, BBS forged alloy wheels, Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors (steel disc on aluminum hub for weight savings), hands-free Bluetooth cell phone functionality with voice recognition, the HID headlamps, the oversized rear spoiler and steering wheel-mounted audio controls (the toggle for the three all-wheel drive modes moves to the center console). The sole factory-installed option for the MR is a Technology Package, with the Rockford-Fosgate audio system, Sirius satellite radio, the 30GB HDD navigation system with 7.5-inch touch screen (that also displays video with the transmission in Park), the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication system (on-board computer and information system), and FAST Key.
Safety features include dual-stage frontal airbags, front seat-mounted side impact airbags, full coverage side air curtains and driver's knee airbag; electronic stability control; anti-lock brakes; electronic brake-force distribution; and tire pressure monitors.