#cd9a

CD9A LANCER GSR Evolution

Test drive!!

The long-awaited Mitsubishi Lancer GSR Evolution has finally arrived! This car is the strongest model developed to win the WRC (World Rally Championship), and it has 250 horsepower despite being 2000cc.

It's a monster!!

Report: Shinichi Takase / Camera: Tetsuya Saito

Is this a car?

A car built to win rallies

If the Skyline GT-R is a car created to win races, then the Lancer GSR Evolution is a car developed to win rallies.

The GSR, which was originally a popular car, was equipped with an 1800 DOHC turbo engine and combined it with full-time 4WD, and was already an extreme car, but by replacing the engine with a 2000cc DOHC turbo with 250 horsepower, the original small and lightweight body was further enhanced with more power. It is a car with outstanding fighting power.

This is the engine

The most powerful in its class is 250 horsepower!!!

Based on the old Galant VR-4 inline 4 DOHC turbo, it has a large intercooler and a change to compression ratio. The engine is 10 horsepower stronger thanks to a combination of measures such as increasing the weight of the engine and reducing resistance inside the engine.

Furthermore, the engine's original characteristic of tenacity at low revolutions has also been improved, with the maximum torque generated at 3000 rpm, up from 3500 rpm, and increasing from the previous 31 kg-m to 31.5 kg-m.

What's more, the speed never drops off until it reaches around 5000 RPM.

This is how it runs!!!!!!

Acceleration, cornering, high speed, all running is sharp

The main changes to the GSR Evolution are a more powerful engine and matching tuned suspension and brakes.

Let's start with the engine. It is a completely different engine from the previous model, and the first thing I noticed when I test drove it was that it revved up very quickly.

Of course, it is true that the power is different, but what is more noticeable is that the acceleration feels sharper.

When you say it's just about power up, it just means that the engine has better power and acceleration at high revolutions, but this engine really revs well. It revs so lightly that you wouldn't think it was a large-displacement 2000cc inline-4 engine.

Of course, there is a boost from the power, but the power is explosive.

PIC CAPTION

The engine produces 250 horsepower, the most powerful in its class.

●Lancer Evolution test drive!!

It is an engine that spins so smoothly that it rises to the top with a whoosh.

This is also helped by the lightweight body weighing just 1,240 kg, and there was no sense of it holding back the powerful and sharp engine.

The impression I got from this engine was that it didn't suddenly build up, but rather the engine speed increased steadily and sharply, and the vehicle speed increased accordingly in an instant.

And yet, it has tenacity at low revolutions, and even when the revolutions are low and the gear is in a high position, the increase in revolutions is very sharp.

This suspension is suitable for sporty driving, with sufficient traction even on a series of sharp curves such as the pylon course, and with little forward lean when braking. However, the ride is surprisingly not stiff compared to the regular model. Even on rough roads, shocks are not directly transmitted, and the car remains stable and absorbs the shocks well.

On the high-speed circuit, it was incredibly stable even at speeds of over 200km/h, and even though there was quite a bit of crosswind when I was riding, I didn't feel it at all. There were some rough sections on the road, but even there, it was always stable, as if it was sticking to the road.

Although the shock when the ABS activates is a little large, it is understandable considering the power. In addition, the initial effect is sharp, so you probably won't activate the ABS on regular roads unless it's absolutely necessary.

The suspension has also been adjusted to match the power, allowing it to handle harder driving, and the brakes are equipped with large discs and opposed 2-piston calipers in the front, as well as ABS (anti-lock brakes).

This makes it a versatile bike that is perfectly normal and comfortable to ride around town, and yet has a high level of stability.

What is your impression of the room?

The interior has a more luxurious feel than a sporty one.

Recaro with special seat cover for Evolution only

It is fitted with a special seat belt and the door linings are covered in special fabric, giving it the feel of a special model.

But the coloring is bright

Therefore, it doesn't have the feel of an impressive sports car.

The seats are only Recaro.

It is comfortable to sit on and fits well.

Perfect for a thick-grip mom

○The leather-wrapped handle is also a nice touch.

It fits comfortably in your hand.

The operation system is basically the same as the GSR, but it comes with a fully automatic A/C as standard.

Aircon's operating status can be seen at a glance

Picture display. Convenient equipment with indoor and outdoor temperature display and quick cooling switch. Diversity antenna included.

A Full logic cassette is also standard equipment.

summary

The upcoming WRC will be a one-man show for GSR!!

GSR Evolution is a car built to win rallies, and is sure to be a hit not only in the WRC (World Rally Championship), where the old Galant competed until this year, but also in domestic rallies.

Moreover, the GSR Evolution is well equipped, has a comfortable ride, and is easy to handle in the city, so it can be used as a substitute for transportation. It is a car that is not just good at driving, but is popular with everyone, and it matches its flashy appearance.

It's a car you can drive into.

PIC CAPTIONS

↑Pylon course can be run accurately even at fast speeds.

↑A sporty handlebar made by Momo is standard equipment.

^The car is fitted with bucket seats made by the German company Recaro.

↑The GSR Evolution has a burst of acceleration.

↑The rear spoiler is bigger than that of the GT-R and is quite impressive.

R-EVOLUTION

Further evolving the Evolution Model.

An evolution model that evolved from a general-purpose model for competition use. However, there is still room for improvement. From drive system parts that further enhance 4WD drive power and emphasize efficiency and controllability, to the suspension and every corner of the vehicle. To enjoy drifting, to drive fast, to drive with ease, and to enjoy the thrilling feeling of handling with a strong sports 4WD. Cusco, who has done everything for the Lan Evo, has created a unique complete car with special parts.