Mitsubishi Confirms Production Of 2015 Lancer Evolution

The legendary Mitsubishi Motors Lancer Evolution sports sedan will continue to be present on the US market during 2015 model year. For the GSR trim level there is a host of new amenities packages, while the MR edition will get more standard features. All models are to be equipped with new heated side view mirrors with turn indicators and drop cup holder with lid at no cost. In particular, the GSR will add new Premium Package that includes Sight and Sound Package, leather seating, power glass sunroof, heated front seats, sound dampening enhancement and piano-black front console box with lids. On the other hand, the MR model will get the nine speaker 710-watt Rockford Fosgate premium sound system.

The top of the line MR trim will also be equipped with FAST-key entry system, auto dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, auto on/off headlights, color-keyed heat extractor vents, bright radiator front grille and beltline molding, sound dampening enhancement and like the GRS will feature the piano-black front console box with lids

Other standard features that were previously available include the FUSE Hands-Free Link System, automatic climate control, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, and aerodynamically-enhancing rear diffuser. What differentiates the GRS from the MR is that the first one gets as a standard a pronounced rear deck lid spoiler, while the second one - a lower-profile rear lip spoiler.

Under the hood of every Evo sleeps the turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine. It will be responsible for the 291 horsepower (214 kW) at 6,500 rpm and a full 407 Nm (300 lb.-ft.) of torque starting at 4,000 rpm. At the rear of the transversely-mounted engine there are mounted stainless steel exhaust manifold and turbocharger.

The GRS will get the five-speed manual transmission, while the MR – the advanced 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The latter offers three automatic drive modes: "Normal", "Sport" and "S-Sport". While the "Normal" mode delivers nothing exceptional, the "Sport" mode contributes for quicker shifting and the "S-Sport" – for the ultimate race-bred driving.

Furthermore, the 2015 Lancer Evolution will get the S-AWC. This abbreviation stands for Super All-Wheel Control. Mitsubishi states that this is one of the most sophisticated all-wheel drive systems ever developed for a production car. There are three selectable traction mode settings: "Tarmac" "Gravel" and "Snow". They will provide maximum tractability and performance in accordance to the weather and road conditions.

The S-AWC also includes various high-tech components and systems that also aid agility. Such are the Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sport Anti-lock Braking (ABS).

The new Mitsubishi model will also get inverted MacPherson struts up front with a multilink design at the rear and suspension control arms composed of aluminum. In addition, the Brembo braking system will deliver the perfect deceleration. It features 4-piston calipers with 13.8-inch diameter rotors at the front and 2-piston calipers with 13.0-inch diameter rotors at the rear, 4-channel Sport ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

MR trim will benefit from increased performance thanks to the lightweight two-piece Brembo brake rotors at the front. They save 2.9 lbs. of unsprung weight at each wheel. Additionally, they are accompanied by Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs. The power of Lancer Evolution will be transmitted on the road via the 18 x 8.5-inch wheels coupled with high-grip 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires.

In terms of safety features and technologies, the Lancer Evo benefits from Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE), Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), supplemental restraint system (SRS) with seven air bags, including knee and seat-mounted side-impact air bags.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR (2015)

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR (2015)

Source: Mitsubishi