What Is It?
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
What's Special About It?
Mitsubishi hasn't given consumers a whole lot to get excited about lately, with a product line notable only for its consistent mediocrity. This year, though, the marque gets a much-needed shot in the arm thanks to the arrival of the Lancer Evolution on U.S. shores.
High-performance vehicles always succeed at getting one's juices flowing, and in this regard, the Evolution boasts an enviable pedigree; the vehicle has earned its stripes on the tracks of the World Rally Championship and other racing venues. Additionally, the Evolution VII — a forerunner of the model being introduced — has already garnered a starring role in 2 Fast 2 Furious, the upcoming sequel to the international box office hit The Fast and the Furious. The Evolution has been available to consumers in Japan, but until now, it's been unobtainable in the U.S.
Mitsubishi says the Evolution's exterior is designed to "heighten the vehicle's sense of purposeful aggression." That's not nearly as scary as it sounds. In front, the sedan features Mitsubishi's signature split-grille design; multiple chiseled intakes with sculpted inlets and a rear spoiler help drive home the point that yes, this is a high-performance vehicle. Inside, the Evolution utilizes the same four-passenger layout as found within the Lancer series. Materials are somewhat low-grade and hard plastics prevail, but hey, the Evo never claimed to be a luxury cruiser.
Equipped with a full-time all-wheel-drive system, the Evolution is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 271 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated with a five-speed manual transmission.
Why Should You Care?
Do you like your cars, um, fast and furious? If you value vehicles with high-performance chops and aftermarket appeal, the Evo's definitely worth a look. — Warren Clarke
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
What's Special About It?
Mitsubishi hasn't given consumers a whole lot to get excited about lately, with a product line notable only for its consistent mediocrity. This year, though, the marque gets a much-needed shot in the arm thanks to the arrival of the Lancer Evolution on U.S. shores.
High-performance vehicles always succeed at getting one's juices flowing, and in this regard, the Evolution boasts an enviable pedigree; the vehicle has earned its stripes on the tracks of the World Rally Championship and other racing venues. Additionally, the Evolution VII — a forerunner of the model being introduced — has already garnered a starring role in 2 Fast 2 Furious, the upcoming sequel to the international box office hit The Fast and the Furious. The Evolution has been available to consumers in Japan, but until now, it's been unobtainable in the U.S.
Mitsubishi says the Evolution's exterior is designed to "heighten the vehicle's sense of purposeful aggression." That's not nearly as scary as it sounds. In front, the sedan features Mitsubishi's signature split-grille design; multiple chiseled intakes with sculpted inlets and a rear spoiler help drive home the point that yes, this is a high-performance vehicle. Inside, the Evolution utilizes the same four-passenger layout as found within the Lancer series. Materials are somewhat low-grade and hard plastics prevail, but hey, the Evo never claimed to be a luxury cruiser.
Equipped with a full-time all-wheel-drive system, the Evolution is motivated by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that delivers 271 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated with a five-speed manual transmission.
Why Should You Care?
Do you like your cars, um, fast and furious? If you value vehicles with high-performance chops and aftermarket appeal, the Evo's definitely worth a look. — Warren Clarke
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