Review Car

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution might look like a tuner sedan, but as soon as you get behind the wheel, it’s apparent that it’s the work of engineers with four rally world titles to their credit. Upon introduction, the Lancer Evolution is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 271-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2011 2011 Lancer Evolution is all-new for 2011. Under the hood, the Evolution uses the venerable 4G63 in-line four-cylinder engine. The engine has belt-driven dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder in an aluminum-alloy head, with numerous subtle refinements. Hollow camshafts, tapered valve springs and aluminum retainers, and natrium-filled exhaust valves reduce valvetrain inertia and help response. The cams, as well as a magnesium-alloy cam cover, help reduce the engine’s topside weight and thus its center of gravity. There are also more compact balance shafts to reduce inertia.

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at the rear, the A-shaped upper control arms and three subsidiary links per side are all forged aluminum in place of sheet steel, as is the suspension crossmember. The rear dampers and anti-roll bar are of larger diameter, while low friction and stiffer bushings are used all around. Brembo brakes are fitted, with 12.7-inch-diameter front and 11.8-inch rear ventilated discs. Four-piston aluminum calipers are used at the front, with twin-piston rears. The ABS has been upgraded for improved braking stability. Enkei cast aluminum seventeen-inch wheels, with spun ribs to reduce weight, are shod with exclusive P235/45R-17 Yokohama Advan tires. A twin-scroll turbo design helps improve mid- to low-end throttle response and torque output. Maximum boost is 19 psi at 3500 rpm. One of the coolest features is an automatic water-spray system for the air-to-air intercooler, which delivers two-second sprays of cold water every five seconds to lower air temperature.

The system can be activated manually with a switch on the center console. The relationship among pedals, steering wheel, seat, and shifter is just right. The clutch is smooth and fluid, and the shifter has short throws and a sweet, easy action. The Evolution is easy to place, and outward visibility is excellent.The single most impressive feature on the car is how idiot-proof it is, how easy it is to drive really fast. You don’t need to have been to a racing school or to have learned to tame high-speed oversteer to go really, really fast in an Evolution. Cornering grip is outstanding-Mitsubishi claims lateral grip of 0.97 to 0.99 g-and the handling balance depends on your driving style. If you want to go obscenely fast cross-country with minimal effort and still have a car that is practical family transport, The 2011 mitsubishi lancer Evolution is the real deal.