First Drive: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X [Archive]

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12-10-07, 09:17 AM

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Offers Contemporary Styling, Sophisticated Technology and Stunning Dynamics

With stunning good looks, cutting edge technology and advanced driving dynamics, the 2008 Lancer Evolution continues the proud tradition of Mitsubishi’s award winning performance vehicles.
Design Evolution

Concept and prototype versions of the 2008 Lancer Evolution have won high praise for their attractive, contemporary and powerful styling cues. The production model of the Lancer Evolution stays true to the concept and the finished package hints at the agility and flexibility of the vehicle.

The 2008 Lancer Evolution design makes a maximum performance statement, blending concept car themes and sound aerodynamic principles while conveying the brand’s rally heritage. A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the basic new-generation Lancer design.
Building on those themes, the 2008 Lancer Evolution looks the part of the street-wise sports machine with its a unique front end and aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets.

All-New 2.0-Litre Turbo Engine

The 2008 Lancer Evolution’s 4B11 engine is an intercooled-turbocharged 2.0-litre DOHC inline four-cylinder, markedly different from the legendary 4G63 it replaces. The 4B11 is built with a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block versus the cast-iron block used in the 4G63, and aluminum is also used for the cylinder head and cover and the timing chain case. Unlike the 4G63, the 4B11 does not use a balancer shaft, made possible by the new engine’s inherently lower noise and vibration and use of hydraulic engine mounts.

A major divergence from the previous engine architecture is in the use of a direct-acting valvetrain in place of the roller rocker arm configuration for reduced weight. A timing chain replaces the belt, and MIVEC variable valve timing is used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts (the most recent 4G63 had MIVEC on the intake only). The rear-located (firewall side) stainless steel exhaust manifold helps improve weight distribution, and the freer-breathing exhaust system features a larger-volume main muffler with dual tailpipe outlets.

New TC-SST Automated Manual Transmission

Available on the entry level 2008 Lancer Evolution, and standard on the up-scale MR variant, the six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.
The TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, waiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made – either manually or automatically depending on mode selected – when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are “swapped,” which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.
The TC-SST offers three drive modes – Normal, Sport and S-Sport – and within each, the driver may choose automatic or manual shifting. Sport mode uses higher shift points (in Automatic) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required. The S-Sport mode can be selected for performance driving situations, such as track events.

Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)

In the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is not simply the name of a new all-wheel drive system. Rather, S-AWC regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including: Active Center Differential (ACD) four-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sports ABS brakes. Integration of ASC is new for all markets and also provides a significant advance in both dynamic capability and safety.
The ACD splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels using an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. With input from the S-AWC computer, ACD regulates the differential limiting action to optimize the front/rear wheel torque split.

The S-AWC computer takes data input from steering wheel angle, throttle opening, wheel speeds, and the vehicle’s longitudinal and lateral movements to determine the vehicle’s path of travel. As the previous Lancer Evolution did, the 2008 model offers three driver-selectable traction modes: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow.

The innovative AYC rear differential uses a torque transfer mechanism to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions, enhancing cornering performance by limiting the yaw moment acting on the vehicle. The AYC differential in the 2008 Lancer Evolution model adds yaw feedback control using a yaw rate sensor and also gains braking force control via ASC. Both models use a helical gear-type limited-slip front differential.

Specially Engineered Chassis

The 2008 Lancer Evolution is built on a longer wheelbase than the Evolution IX, with an increased front and rear track. The basic all-new Lancer platform, which is already stiffer than the previous-generation Evolution IX, gains further structural enhancements to the front and rear suspension areas to become the Lancer Evolution.

The super-stiff structure, optimized chassis systems, wider use of aluminum for the engine, body, and chassis components, as well as greater use of high-tensile steel, all play important roles in the Super-All Wheel Control concept. The roof, bonnet, front bumpers and both the front and rear bumper beams are aluminum. For better weight distribution, the vehicle battery and the windshield washer fluid tank have been moved to the boot area.

The Lancer Evolution again features its own suspension system, including inverted struts in front and a rear multi-link configuration. Race-proven forged aluminum components reduce unsprung weight. The MR model substitutes Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers for even better handling performance. Due to the high rigidity of the new global C-platform, the Lancer Evolution’s suspension can be tuned to provide a more compliant and stable ride than before without compromising handling performance.
Wheels are 18 x 8.5-inch - Enkei cast-alloy on GSR and BBS® forged-alloy on MR. Both the MR and GSR models employ the same size rotors, and the MR uses new two-piece rotor construction to reduce weight. Both models use four-piston calipers in front and two-piston calipers in the rear.