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submitted: Aug 13th 2008 | by: DrPistonPower | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 515 | |

The commonly nicknamed Evo was born in 1992 initially to allow Mitsubishi entry into the World Rally Championship's Group A class and the SCCA Pro rally Championship. The first Evo's were only sold on Japanese soil initially and were modeled on the popular Lancer saloon.

The Evo was quickly in demand and as more and more interest developed they started to enter europe as a prized grey-market import. The growing excitement soon alerted Mitsubishi's attention and they sanctioned official imports to the UK in 1998.

The very first model had a 5 speed gearbox and a powerful 2.0 litre engine, brought together with a four wheel drive system, this car could bump out 244bhp which was pretty meaty stuff for a saloon. This was the president which was set for future standards for the Evo, and Mitsubishi didn't come off the gas at any point giving us many different and powerful versions of a classic motor car.

The Evo was built alongside the more family orientated Lancer Saloon, like a hot headed big brother, and though the evo got heavier, the power and the handling got better and better until Mitsubishi had literally evolved a cult classic. The Evolution developed respect amongst speed freaks and rally drivers alike and although the car wasn't a real eye opener to look at, under the bonnet punch was key to a long and successful life.

The Evolution IX was introduced in 2006 and was the final box edged Evo to grace us before a replacement model was drafted in. This model was a very different beast to the original and sported a lightweight aluminum roof and larger carbon fibre rear wing for better weight ratio and snake control. The engine was still a 2.0 litre turbo with variable valve control, and really kicked in with 345 bhp controlled by a 6 speed sports box.

This car could hit a top speed of 158mph and find its way to 60mph within 4.2 seconds, which is a real thrill, pressing you hard into the back of your bucket seat. So we know the Evo can shift, but it was popular for more than just the meaty engine. Rally drivers loved the Evo because of the fantastic handling system, very smooth, maybe one of the top handling hot saloons developed.

On a point to point race, tackling winding roads and tracks there are very few cars in the same class which could compete with the Evo, largely due to the four wheel drive and low centre of gravity. Bilstien dampers and Super active Yaw control gave the car handling which was second to none, so if you manage to get hold of an Evo, go steady. These cars can move.

A strong indication of what the all new Evolution X may look like was unveiled when they showed the Concept X showcar in 2005. Gone were the square lines replaced by cool modern styling and a smoother more aerodynamic bodystyle. Although the car's looks have been updated this car is still in tradition with the Evolution of old, she just had a nip and tuck to remain pretty.

About the Author

Richard McCombe writes informative articles about used cars for a popular auto vehicle website. If you want to see good used bmw car deals go to autoweb.

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