Mitsubishi launches Lancer Evolution IX MR and Lancer Evolution Wagon MR

Tokyo, Japan - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that the Lancer Evolution IX MR high-performance 4WD sports sedan (GSR/RS) and the Lancer Evolution Wagon MR high-performance 4WD sports wagon (GT/GT-A) go on sale at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan on August 29, 2006. The MR designation is an abbreviation for Mitsubishi Racing, and is restricted to the most prominent sports model in Mitsubishi's line-up. The new models are the second group of MR models released by MMC; the first being the Lancer Evolution VIII MR launched in February 2004. Tax inclusive prices range from 2,856,000yen to 3,622,500yen for Lancer Evolution IX MR (GSR/RS), and from 3,412,500yen to 3,486,000yen for Lancer Evolution Wagon MR (GT/GT-A).

The new models mark the 14th iteration of the series that began with the Lancer Evolution in October 1992. The sedan and station wagon are third-generation compilation models and are designed with a focus on on-road sports driving. They will also be the last models to use the famed 4G63 2L DOHC intercooled turbo engine. The current engine incorporates new improvements to the turbocharger and other areas to enhance response, teamed with Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers used on earlier models to produce a package that includes tuning to lower the ride height. The Super AYC*1 control system is also tuned to give a sportier feeling, achieving superb handling performance that is particularly faithful to driver input in on-road sports driving. This advances the all-wheel-control (AWC) concept, delivering intuitive steering combined with outstanding stability.

The Lancer Evolution IX MR is available in two grades: the GSR, with a 6-speed manual gearbox designed for excellence in everyday driving as well in sports driving; and the RS, which has a 5-speed manual gearbox and is stripped down for motorsport competition. The Lancer Evolution Wagon MR also has two grades. The GT is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox enabling the driver to enjoy sports driving to the fullest. The GT-A has a 5-speed automatic gearbox with sports mode to provide flexibility in a wide range of scenarios from easy driving to sport driving.

*1 Super AYC (Active Yaw Control)

Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control system uses electronic control to transfer torque between the rear wheels while maintaining drive equally to both wheels, thereby controlling the yaw moment acting on the car body. Road conditions are sensed from handling, lateral G forces, etc., and drive is actively allocated to left or right rear wheels through a planetary gear and acceleration/reduction gear mechanism.
The control acts as a limited-slip diff to enhance traction and deliver high cornering performance.

Product features

Lancer Evolution IX MR (GSR/RS)


Lancer Evolution Wagon MR (GT/GT-A)

1)	Engine
	-	Like the Lancer Evolution IX MR, the GT with the 6-speed manual gearbox has a newly-optimized MIVEC continuously variable valve timing system, and the material used for the turbocharger's turbine wheel has been changed from Inconel to a titanium-aluminum alloy and the compressor wheel inlet diameter has been reduced, the combination of which provide improved response. The specifications for the engine used in the GT-A with the 5-speed automatic gearbox are unchanged from earlier models.
	-	Maximum power and torque are unchanged from existing models. (206 kW (280 PS) at 6,500 rpm, and 392 Nm (40.0 kg-m) at 3,000 rpm for the GT. 200 kW (272 PS) at 6,500 rpm, 343 Nm (35.0 kg-m) at 3,000 rpm for the GT-A.)
	-	Japanese 10-15 mode fuel consumption performance is 10.0 km/L for the GT and 8.3 km/L for the GT-A. Both are compliant with 2000 exhaust emissions regulations.
2)	Exterior
	-	Like the Lancer Evolution IX MR, the shape of the air dam to left and right under the front bumper has been modified, extending it slightly downwards, which reduces the flow of air under the car with the dual effect of reducing air resistance and increasing downforce at the front. The concave shape formed on the air dam's left and right surfaces is designed to take the airflow away from the sides of the vehicle, eliminating the accumulation of air in the wheel houses.
	-	Four body colors are available for both the GT and GT-A, Cool Silver Metallic, White Pearl, Medium Purplish Gray Mica, and Solid Red.
	-	The headlamp extension sections are painted in Dark Clear to give a tauter impression at the front.
	-	The MR emblem is emblazoned on the rear gate in glossy red.
3)	Interior
	-	Like the Lancer Evolution IX MR, the instrument panel ornaments and center panel are painted in Piano Black with a paint that gives a real sense of depth, producing a strong premium impression. Aluminum scuff protectors with "LANCER Evolution" markings are fitted to the floor of the door openings.
	-	Front seats are full bucket seats by Recaro, trimmed in a combination of Alcantara and genuine leather, with red stitching added to provide accents. The rear seats in Alcantara and protein leather have the same red stitching.