New Lancer EVO VI A World Beater

A limited shipment of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VI, widely regarded as one of the world’s most exciting sports sedans, has now been landed in New Zealand. The Lancer EVO is the car which has carried Finn Tommi Makinen to three successive world rally championships.

Lancer EVO

The sixth generation model is a further refinement of an exceptional motor car. Its hot-blooded heritage is reflected in its distinctive styling. The big dual wing rear spoiler is adjustable, the very deep front bumper incorporates fog lights and air intakes that scoop air toward the front disc brakes and the 17 inch alloy wheels run 225/45ZR17 tyres. The aluminium bonnet incorporates two distinctive air louvres that provide cooling air to the turbocharger.

The flexibility of the Lancer EVO is one of the characteristics which has helped it maintain its popularity around the world.

"This car characterises the style and spirit of Mitsubishi vehicles," Mike Alexander, Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand’s marketing director says. "and its performance in rallies around the world highlights its strength and reliability under the toughest conditions possible.

"The two litre intercooled turbo DOHC engine produces a huge 205 kW of power, yet round town the vehicle drives like a standard Lancer sedan, comfortably idling through city streets."

Lowering the roll centre of the front suspension, changes to the rear suspension, including use of aluminium alloy arms and optimising the damping and stabiliser characteristics has improved the cornering performance of the new model. Other mechanical changes include adding cooling channels to the pistons, a high volume oil cooler and a larger air intake for the turbocharger to improve high-end power output and response.

Unlike the rally version of the EVO, the new road model is fitted with an ABS brake system that controls the 17 inch four pot calliper front brakes and 16 inch two pot rear discs. The handbrake works on a centre drum on the discs. Other refinements for the road sedan are dual air bags, automatic air conditioning, power windows and mirrors and central door locking.

Mindful of the potential performance of the new Lancer EVO VI, the designers have reworked the interior. Body-hugging Recaro seats hold driver and front passenger securely while the driver’s grip of the steering wheel is enhanced by the leather wrap.

Hanging on is important when the 205 kW engine’s huge 375 Nm of torque is unleashed. With a kerb weight of just 1,360 kg, the power to weight ratio of just 6.6 kg per kilowatt has few parallels among road going sedans.

Priced at $64,900 the Lancer EVO VI is an enthusiast’s car incorporating advanced engineering and componentry proven in the intense competition of the World Rally Championship.

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