Mitsubishi Motors Co introduced the US-version of the new Lancer Evolution VIII at the 2003 Los Angeles Show and a week later announced a European version as weel.
The Lancer Evolution series has evolved over the years as a result of competing in the World Rally Championship and other leading motorsport events worldwide and has attracted a wide following of enthusiast drivers. The production model is currently in its 7th edition in Japan and has been shipped in limited numbers to other world markets by Ralliart (MMC’s motorsport affiliate) as a base model for use in competition.
American version
The U.S. market specification Lancer Evolution VIII derives from the Japanese market Lancer Evolution VII GSR. While sharing major parts and components with the upcoming Japanese market Evolution VIII, the U.S. model has been developed exclusively for the U.S. to meet crashworthiness and emissions requirements, user needs and preferences, and road and traffic conditions in that market. With a price tag of under US$30,000, Lancer Evolution VIII offers unmatched driving pleasure.
Exterior
Detail improvements for Evolution VIII over Evolution VII include: reduced air resistance; reduced, and optimized balance between, lift characteristics front and rear; improved engine cooling.
The front bumper with integral grille marks the new MMC design identity with a raised triangular base in the center of the grille that is embellished with a chrome silver 3-diamond logo. The bumper also improves intercooler performance with a larger air intake opening on its underside. While conforming to and meeting 2.5 mph impact and other U.S. market regulations and requirements, Evolution VIII is just 80mm longer than VII.
The air outlets in the aluminum engine hood are larger with shape and location optimized to give better radiator cooling performance and to reduce front lift.
The engine undercover features an optimized shape that reduces drag while generating greater downforce and also improves cooling of the drivetrain.
The rear spoiler uses carbon fiber reinforced plastic for both horizontal and vertical wings, a world-first on a production 4-door sedan, to reduce weight. The wing section design has been optimized to generate greater downforce without increasing drag. — Suzuki Makai concept at Los Angeles Auto Show.
Interior
Evolution VIII uses an off-black color scheme and the strategic placement of dark titanium-finish panels to create a functional and sporty interior space.
The sports instrument panel locates the tachometer in the center and features a full-scale speedometer that reads up to 170mph.
Leather trim with black-stitching are used on the 3-spoke MOMOR steering wheel, shift knob, shift lever boot and parking brake grip.
Evolution VIII is fitted with RecaroR front bucket seats developed exclusively for the U.S. market.
Powertrain
Evolution VIII is powered by Mitsubishi’s 4G63-type 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder DOHC intercooler-turbocharged engine which conforms to Californian LEV1-LEV emission regulations and has been specially tuned for gasoline octane numbers used in the U.S. Reduced weight and increased strength throughout the powertrain together with improved engine cooling performance result in outstanding dynamic performance, enabling Evolution VIII to boast maxima of 271 hp (275 ps) / 6500 rpm and 273 lb-ft (37.7 kgf-m) / 3500 rpm. Mated to the powerplant, MMC’s proven 5-speed manual transmission features detail improvements to realize slicker and smoother shifting. The fuel tank has been redesigned to conform with U.S. regulations and capacity has been increased by 5 liters over Evolution VII to 53 liters.
All-wheel drive & brakes
Evolution VIII combines Mitsubishi’s full time 4WD system, which uses a viscous limited slip differential in its center differential, with a mechanical LSD on the rear axle to give excellent traction and control for outstanding driving pleasure over all surfaces.
The new model is fitted with Brembo brakes, as used in the series since Evolution V. 17-inch ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers at the front and 16-inch ventilated discs with 2-piston calipers at the rear deliver positive and reassuring stopping power. — Mitsubishi Concept-RA.
Body, suspension, tires
To improve handling characteristics and ride quality, body and suspension stiffness have been uprated through the strategic placement of reinforcements that minimize weight increase. Reinforcements have also been added to conform with U.S. crash regulations.
Suspension is by McPherson strut at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Optimized damping characteristics combine synergistically with the stiffer body to improve handling stability at the limit, while enhancing the driving experience and the ride quality at all speeds.
Aluminum alloy road wheels are shod with 235/45ZR Advan A046 hi-grip tires developed specially for the U.S. market.
European version
For the next 12 months the UK will be the only European country where the new Lancer Evolution VIII is on sale. As the cars are manufactured in Japan early in 2003, they will be shipped to Mitsubishi in the UK. Sales are expected to start during March and around 1,000 units will be available in the UK this year.
Under the bonnet
Beneath the newly designed Lancer Evolution VIII’s bonnet is Mitsubishi’s latest version of the high-performance 4G63 2.0-litre intercooled turbocharged 4 cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine which produces 276 bhp in standard tune at 6,500rpm, whilst delivering 282 lb ft of torque at 3,500rpm.
The exhaust pipes have been ’straight-lined’ to reduce exhaust back pressure and a variable back pressure valve has been added to the main silencer to improve quietness at low engine speeds.. Combined fuel consumption and CO2 figures for Evolution VIII can only be confirmed during testing once the cars arrive in the UK The top speed will be restricted to 157 mph and the 0-62 mph speed of 5.3 seconds is likely to remain. The FQ model will have “you tell us” performance figures.
The FQ performance package statistics have yet to be announced but it is very unlikely they will be less than the current 305 bhp and 300 lbs ft of torque. — Toyota's sustainability concepts at Tokyo Show.
Mitsubishi’s advanced 4WD system
The Lancer Evolution VIII has a revised suspension system, slightly lower slung to get the centre of gravity lower. A revised ACD (Active Centre Differential) and rear limited slip differential are used in conjunction with the new Super AYC (Active Yaw Control).
ACD enhances acceleration and straight line stability. An electronically controlled multi-layer hydraulic clutch replaces the conventional VCU as the differential limiter, controlling front/rear drive power distribution on the centre differential and switching from free to direct-link status to maintain its front/rear drive force setting of 50:50 distribution while matching the driving conditions.
In addition, the driver can switch between the 3-modes TARMAC, GRAVEL, or SNOW settings, while the car is moving, to optimise control and to match road conditions.
Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) optimises and controls the difference between rear left and right wheels, as well as improving cornering performance and stability.
A computer controls the new active centre differential (ACD) and active yaw control (AYC) systems with the ACD maximising performance when accelerating out of a corner, and AYC supporting performance during cornering. This new integrated control system provides better overall stability and performance compared to systems that control ACD and AYC independently.
Transmission
The new generation Evo VIII is the first to be given a 6-speed manual transmission. The close ratio set up maximises engine performance throughout its entire range but with improved flexibility at low to medium speeds.
