Final Edition nearly sold out
Only about 12 (as I write) lucky owners will be able to get their hands on the very last Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model, the Final Edition, with 18 of the 30 allocated to New Zealand already sold.
And the very last one of the set, the 30th, will be sold in a special auction later in the year.
“We don’t often get so many Evos sold at once,” says marketing communications manager Daniel Cook, “but I guess this is a special occasion”.
Already known for its extraordinary performance, the Lancer Evolution Final Edition increases power to 226kW at 6,500rpm and 414Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm.
This has been achieved in part through the application of sodium filled exhaust valves which increases cooling efficiency, allowing the engine to generate an even higher output and improving engine performance across both middle and high rev and torque ranges.
Based on a design that powered Finnish racing legend Tommi Mäkinen to four straight titles in the gruelling World Rally Championship (WRC), the turbo-charged and inter-cooled twolitre DOHC four-cylinder engine delivers instantaneous power and torque.
Consisting of a structurally reinforced cast-aluminium block, aluminium cylinder head and fitted with the latest edition of Mitsubishi Motors’ MIVEC variable valve-timing system, this impressive engine’s architecture features a square design with both its bore and stroke measure an equal 86.0mm with a compression ratio of 9.0:1.
Previously used in the highly successful Lancer Evolution VII, VIII and IX engines, as mentioned the cylinder head valves are sodium-filled. The valves are hollowed out and then filled with specially formulated sodium. This achieves a weight reduction and improved heat dispersion compared to standard valves.
The Lancer Evolution’s distinctive exhaust note is due to the systems free-flowing dual exhaust outlets. The stainless steel exhaust manifold and turbocharger are located at the rear of the transversely-mounted engine and close to the firewall which helps to improve weight distribution.
Lancer Evolution Final Edition comes standard with a short-throw, five-speed manual transmission.
Performance is further enhanced by the use of world leading motor sport suppliers including light weight two-piece Brembo brake rotors up front, accompanied by Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs at all four corners.
One of the most sophisticated and rally proven all-wheel drive systems ever developed for a production car, the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, working with Lancer Evolution’s superbly engineered suspension, provides performance and tractability like no other.
The S-AWC system allows the driver to choose between three selectable traction mode settings – tarmac, gravel and snow providing maximum tractability and performance in all weather and road conditions.
The S-AWC system is also complemented by the Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sport Anti-lock Braking (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Limited Slip Differential to deliver a remarkable level of traction and agility.
The Lancer Evolution Final Edition’s suspension features inverted McPherson struts up front, using Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs. Front suspension also includes a stabiliser bar and aluminium control arms. The Brembo brakes are lightweight with two-piece rotors.
Rear suspension is an independent multi-link low mount design with stabiliser bar with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs.
Helping protect the vehicle’s occupants in the event of an accident are Mitsubishi Motors’ patented next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) technology to help disperse energy from the cabin section as well as the fuel system and a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors and a total of seven airbags: a driver’s side knee airbag, two front airbags, two front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and two side curtain airbags.
The Lancer Evolution Final Edition also comes with a rear view camera, while inside there are such items as Recaro partial-leather seats.
Price: $68,990.