Spy Shot
Exclusive Track Video: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Hot lapping with the 2008 Mitsubishi Evo X
There's only one reason why the 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution X would be driving around the high desert of Southern California and it has nothing to do with cold medicine. It's called the Streets of Willow road course and it's one of the best strips of pavement around for wringing out small cars with powerful engines. And after watching Mitsubishi's engineers take in Palmdale's finest cuisine and posh motels, our spy shooters followed them to Willow Springs to catch the Lancer Evo X in action.
A considerable hike through the sagebrush was required to get anywhere near the desert racetrack, and when they got there our shooters were a bit disappointed. Instead of all-out, tire-shredding hot laps, Mitsubishi's engineers seemed content to keep the Evo X down to more moderate speeds. This despite the fact they reattached the trademark rear wing that was absent during the previous day's street trials.
Our shooters also noticed some new blood in the pack of test cars accompanying the Mitsubishi prototype. Along with the Subaru WRX STI and Volkswagen GTI, Mitsu's engineers also brought along a BMW M3 to benchmark against their prototype. They must have liked it, too, as the M3 put in far more laps than either the Subaru or VW.
We were told at the Detroit auto show in January that this Evo is looking to become a more refined sport sedan, one that will attract a broader audience of enthusiasts than its narrowly focused predecessor. We doubt that will translate into a car as polished as the BMW M3 for $10K less, but even if it's close that will be a huge improvement over the current model.
See also: Exclusive Spy Video: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
A considerable hike through the sagebrush was required to get anywhere near the desert racetrack, and when they got there our shooters were a bit disappointed. Instead of all-out, tire-shredding hot laps, Mitsubishi's engineers seemed content to keep the Evo X down to more moderate speeds. This despite the fact they reattached the trademark rear wing that was absent during the previous day's street trials.
Our shooters also noticed some new blood in the pack of test cars accompanying the Mitsubishi prototype. Along with the Subaru WRX STI and Volkswagen GTI, Mitsu's engineers also brought along a BMW M3 to benchmark against their prototype. They must have liked it, too, as the M3 put in far more laps than either the Subaru or VW.
We were told at the Detroit auto show in January that this Evo is looking to become a more refined sport sedan, one that will attract a broader audience of enthusiasts than its narrowly focused predecessor. We doubt that will translate into a car as polished as the BMW M3 for $10K less, but even if it's close that will be a huge improvement over the current model.
See also: Exclusive Spy Video: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
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