Car Review: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (aka Evo) has been around for 9 generations of them, the 4G63 engine has been in the United States industry for 17 years. In 2006, the Evo IX was released and compared to the Evo VIII, it doesn't seem to be much different but the performance has increased and so have some of the looks.

Let's start with power output. The Evo VIII had 271 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. The Evo IX has increased in 10 horsepower and 3 lb-ft of torque, which brings it at 286 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. Accelerating to 60 in under 5 seconds and running a quarter mile in under 14 seconds, it is the fastest Evo yet.

There were two significant changes made under the hood since the Evo VIII. The first one is the Evo IX uses the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control, also known as Mivec. Surprisingly, this only controls the valve timing and not the lift. The second significant change is to the turbocharger. The same twin-scroll turbo is used from the previous Evo's, but they had increased the compressor cover diffuser diameter to improve boost response. This allows the ECU to boost at 20.1psi at 3500rpm and 16psi at redline.

There were a few adjustments made to the exterior of the car also. The front bumper has nostrils added to it for better cooling and the front air dams are extended to expand the low-pressure area underneath the vehicle. There is a Gurney flap on the back of the spoiler to increase down force by accelerating wind underneath the spoiler. Lastly, there are little spikes on the roof at the rear of the vehicle. This is called a vortex generator which creates spirals of wind for stability and down force.

Conclusively, the Evo IX isn't much of an improvement from the Evo VIII but, it has improved. Fortunately, the Evo VIII was already an excellent vehicle and one of the top rated cars in the sport compact scene. It has participated in many rally events across the world and is raced across the tracks in America. The price for an Evo IX in your local dealership is around $32,000, which isn't bad considering you're getting one of the top rated cars on the face of this planet. It's also practical in the sense that it's roomy and you can do all your grocery shopping without a problem and fit 4 other people in there comfortably.

Specifications
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
Estimated Price: $31,099 (EVO); $28,999 (EVO RS) $35,999 (EVO MR)

Engine
Engine Code: 4G63
Type: Inline four, iron block, aluminum head, turbocharged and intercooled
Valvetrain: DOHC, four valves per cylinder
Displacement: 1997cc
Bore x Stroke: 85.0mm x 88.0mm
Compression Ratio: 8.8:1
Claimed Crank Hp: 286 hp @ 6500 rpm
Claimed Crank Torque: 289 hp @ 3500 rpm
Redline: 7000 rpm

Drivetrain
Layout: Transverse front engine, all-wheel drive
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Gear Ratios
EVO & EVO RS EVO MR
1st: 2.785:1 1st: 2.909:1
2nd: 1.950:1 2nd: 1.944:1
3rd: 1.444:1 3rd: 1.434:1
4th: 1.096:1 4th: 1.100:1
5th: 0.761:1 5th: 0.868:1
Final drive: 4.529:1 6th: 0.693:1
Differentials: Helical limited slip (F), active electrohydraulically controlled clutch type (C), clutch-type limited slip (R)

Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight: 3,263 lbs (EV0) 3,219 lbs (EVO RS) 3,285 lbs (EVO MR)
Weight Distribution F/R: 60/40
Overall Length: 178.5 in.
Wheelbase: 103.3 in.
Overall Width: 69.7 in.
Track F/R: 59.6 in./59.6 in.
Height: 57.1 in.

Suspension
Front: MacPherson strut, anti-roll bar
Rear: Upper and lower control arms, one trailinglink, anti-roll bar
Brakes
Front: 12.65-in. vented discs, four-piston Brembo calipers
Rear: 12.0-in. vented discs, two-piston Brembo calipers, Electronic Driving Aids/Inhibitors: ACD, ABS
Wheels and Tires
Wheels: 17x8-in. Enkei (EVO and EVO RS),17x8-in. BBS (MR)
Tires: 235/45ZR-17 Yokohama Advan AO46

(Specs provided by Sport Compact Web)