2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Unmistakingly Styled Sports Sedan with Incredible Performance
07/15/2014
Mitsubishi
Having been discontinued in many of the other markets around the world, Mitsubishi Motors' legendary Lancer Evolution ultra-high-performance sports sedan continues on for the 2015 model year in the United States with a host of new amenities packages for the GSR trim level along with the welcome addition of numerous new features to the standard equipment package for the top-flight MR edition Lancer Evolution model. These new-for-2015 model year highlights include:
All Models
New heated side view mirrors with turn indicators and drop cup holder with lid
GSR Model
New Premium Package includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights with manual leveling; 9 speaker 710-watt Rockford Fosgate(R) premium sound system with 10-in. subwoofer with Punch Control(R), DTS(R) Neural Surround, PremiDIA-Wide(R) surround and Dolby(R) Volume; FAST-key entry system; leather seating, power glass sunroof, heated front seats, sound dampening enhancement, gloss-black front console box with lids, and scuff plates
MR Model
9 speaker 710-watt Rockford Fosgate(R) premium sound system
FAST-key entry system
Auto dimming rearview mirror
Rain-sensing wipers
Auto on/off headlights
Color-keyed heat extractor vents, chrome front grille and beltline molding accents
Gloss-black front console box with lids
The 2015 Lancer Evolution's standard features include Mitsubishi Motors' convenient and user-friendly FUSE Hands-Free Link System(R) that allows users to wirelessly connect to their Bluetooth(R)-enabled cell phone, iPod(R) or USB drive by using voice commands; automatic climate control; leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with cruise and audio controls; an aerodynamically-enhancing rear diffuser; a pronounced rear deck lid spoiler (standard on GSR) or a lower-profile rear lip spoiler (standard on MR).
Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC): High-Tech AWD Bred for the World Rally Championship
One of the most sophisticated all-wheel drive systems ever developed for a production car, the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, working in concert with the Lancer Evolution's superbly engineered suspension, provides an otherworldly degree of performance and tractability for the 2015 Lancer Evolution.
What's more, to more precisely maximize the S-AWC system's performance, the driver can choose between three selectable traction mode settings - "Tarmac," "Gravel" and "Snow," the latter setting providing maximum tractability and performance in poor weather/road conditions and/or on low- grip surfaces.
The S-AWC system found in Mitsubishi Motors' four-door sports car includes numerous high-tech components/systems to deliver such a remarkable level of traction and agility: Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Stability Control (ASC) and Sport Anti-lock Braking (ABS).
Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Controls torque distribution to the vehicle's rear wheels through brake force control from the Active Stability Control (ASC) system, as well as from the planetary gear rear differential and yaw rate sensors.
Active Center Differential (ACD)
Manages the power routed to the wheels via an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch based on a number of parameters including throttle opening, individual wheel speeds, and steering wheel angle. The Active Center Differential (ACD) allows for up to a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels.
Active Stability Control (ASC)
Oversees the traction and stability control systems and helps prevent wheel slip and regulates brake force and power distribution at each individual wheel for improved traction and stability when cornering.
Sport Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Utilizes data from the yaw rate sensors and the S-AWC system, along with advanced brake pressure, to rapidly decelerate the vehicle with exceptional control and aplomb.
The Lancer Evolution's suspension features inverted MacPherson struts up front with a multilink design at the rear, with suspension control arms composed of aluminum (the Lancer Evolution's hood, roof, front fenders and front and rear bumper beams are also made from the strong yet lightweight alloy).
Every 2015 Lancer Evolution is fitted with a race-ready Brembo(R) braking system with 4-piston calipers with 13.8-inch diameter rotors (front) and 2-piston calipers with 13.0-inch diameter rotors (rear), 4-channel Sport ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). The MR trim level further increases the performance quotient thanks to the fitment of lightweight two-piece Brembo(R) brake rotors up front (saving 2.9 lbs. of unsprung weight at each wheel), accompanied by Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs at all four corners.
Additional road-hugging performance is attained through the addition of high-grip 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires wrapped around 18 x 8.5-inch wheels (Enkei cast-alloy on GSR and BBS(R) forged-alloy on MR) at all four corners.
High Potency Turbocharged/Intercooled Powerplant
Based on the design that powered Finnish racing legend Tommi Mäkinen to four straight titles in the grueling World Rally Championship (WRC), the turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 2.0-liter engine found beneath the hood of every 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model delivers instantaneous power and torque at virtually any rpm within the powerband.
Consisting of a reinforced cast-aluminum block and an aluminum cylinder head and fitted with the latest edition of Mitsubishi Motors' innovative MIVEC variable valve-timing system, this impressive engine's architecture features a "square" design as both its bore and stroke measure an equal 86.0 mm, accompanied by a compression ratio of 9.0:1.
The power output from this whirlwind of an engine is rated at 291 horsepower at 6,500 rpm with a full 300 lb.-ft. of torque starting at the 4,000 rpm level.
The Lancer Evolution's distinctive and throaty exhaust note is due to the free-flowing dual exhaust outlets. The stainless steel exhaust manifold and turbocharger are located at the rear of the transversely-mounted engine and close to the firewall, which helps to improve weight distribution.
Lancer Evolution models are available with two distinct transmissions - a rifle bolt-precise short-throw 5-speed manual transmission for the GSR trim level with the premium MR model rapidly toggling through its gears in a split-second thanks to its highly advanced and lightning-quick 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic(R) Shift Transmission (TC-SST).
Shifting almost instantaneously up or down through the gears via paddle shifters behind the steering wheel or by the console-mounted gear selector, the twin-clutch transmission utilizes a pair of multi-plate wet clutches to perform its rapid-fire shifting duties at a much faster rate than that of a conventional automatic transmission or manual gearbox.
Furthermore, Lancer Evolution pilots get to choose between three automatic drive modes to get the most out of the Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST): "Normal," "Sport" and "S-Sport." In "Normal" mode, the vehicle drives similar to most automatic transmission-equipped vehicles. With the "Sport" mode, shift points are moved higher up in the rev range, with the actual shifts occurring at a quicker pace. The "S-Sport" level kicks things up a notch, holding each gear closer to the redline - the ultimate drive mode for competition days out on the race track.
The 5-speed manual transmission-equipped GSR model has an EPA fuel economy rating of 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway with the dual-clutch TC-SST transmission-equipped MR version achieving 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway.
Exemplary Safety Features and Mitsubishi Motors' Outstanding Warranty
Owners of the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will find protection not only in the form of advanced safety features and technologies included on every vehicle as part of its standard equipment package but will also benefit from the Japanese auto manufacturer's outstanding vehicle warranty.
Helping to protect the vehicle's occupants in the event of an accident are Mitsubishi Motors' patented next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) technology to help disperse energy from the cabin section as well as the fuel system; a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors and a total of seven (7) air bags: a driver's side knee air bag, two front air bags, two front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and two side curtain air bags.
Every 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model includes an extensive vehicle protection program consisting of a 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty (applicable to the vehicle's original purchaser); and a 5-year/unlimited mile roadside assistance program.