Mitsubishi Motors Launches Lancer Evolution VIII MR Hi-Performance 4WD Sports Sedan

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) today announced that the Lancer Evolution VIII MR1 high-performance sports sedan will go on sale at dealerships throughout Japan on February 13. The new series is offered in GSR, RS 5M/T and RS 6M/T trim levels, with prices ranging from 2,740,000 yen up to 3,398,000 yen. MMC is targeting sales of 3,000 units.

The Lancer Evolution series went on sale in the United States for the first time in January 2003 where it immediately proved a great success claiming two major accolades in being named 2004 Car of the Year by Automobile Magazine and by Sport Compact Car Magazine. Sales of the series began in Europe in January this year and Germany's Sport Auto magazine recently chose the car as its Sportiest Car 2003.

Lancer Evolution VIII MR builds on this reputation, pushing the performance envelope even further. It is the first production model in Japan to use a lightweight aluminum roof panel. Other distinguishing features include exclusive Bilstein shock absorbers developed jointly with Bilstein, and BBS lightweight forged alloy wheels (factory-fitted option). The turbocharged engine is tuned to deliver maximum power over the mid-to high-rev band and generates 2.0-liter class-topping torque of 40.8kg-m (400N-m) at 3500 rpm. Detail improvements to the ACD + Super AYC + Sports ABS electronic all-wheel drive control system realize a more natural and better-mannered driving feel and a closer man-machine interaction for true driving pleasure of the highest quality.

MMC retired its works team from the World Rally Championship for the 2003 season to concentrate on developing a new WR Car and rebuilding its motor sport organization around a new subsidiary, MMSP GmbH. The company returned to WRC competition at the 2004 Rallye Monte Carlo in January when the new Lancer WRC04 finished a very creditable sixth on its first outing. Once it receives FIA homologation, the Lancer Evolution VIII MR is expected to provide the base vehicle for professional and amateur competitors alike in motor sport events around the world, the Production Car World Rally Championship included.