After progressive ‘evolutions’, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is about to go out of production. Mitsubishi has previously announced that the petrol, FWD Lancer will be the last Evolution badge in that guise as the Evo line-up will most likely be electric or hybrid SUV models in the future.
This last Evo will go down as the most powerful across 10 different generations. Its 2 liter turbocharged engine develops 226 kW of power and 414 Nm of torque. All final Evos will take the power through a five-speed manual gearbox sending drive to all four wheels.
Lancer Evo XI.
Importantly for Evo fans, the final iteration has a small power advantage over its arch rival, Subaru’s WRX STI, which develops 221 kW and 407 Nm.
Mitsubishi said it boosted power in the Final Edition through better cooling efficiency, which allowed the engine to generate higher outputs and improve performance across the middle and high rev torque ranges. The engine has a reinforced alloy block, aluminium cylinder head and the latest edition of Mitsubishi’s variable valve-timing system.
According to Mitsu, “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.”
You get a full alphabet soup of electronics/ Once again, from the press handouts, “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 Brake force Distribution and Limited Slip Differential to deliver a remarkable level of traction and agility.”
However, it does look more than a trifle ‘dated’ by now.
