Mitsubishi Motors just celebrated its 90th anniversary as an automaker, and was the first Japanese manufacturer to begin mass production of vehicles in 1917. The company has been in selling vehicles in North America for 25 years and the Lancer Evolution was first introduced to the U.S. market in 2003. The Lancer and Evolution models have been consistent winners in rally racing worldwide since their inception.

Two versions of the Evolution will be offered in the U.S. market for 2008. The GSR has a new five-speed manual transmission, while the MR features a new six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), an automated manual transmission with magnesium steering-wheel shifter paddles and a console shifter. The upgraded MR model is also equipped with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece brake rotors, BBS forged-alloy wheels, HID headlamps, and Bluetooth wireless capability.

Both models are powered by a 2.0-liter intercooled and turbocharged DOHC inline four-cylinder engine based on a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block. The 16-valve MIVEC does not use the balancer shaft used in previous models due to improvements in noise and vibration plus the use of hydraulic engine mounts. It produces 291 HP at 6,500 lb.-ft. and 300 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,400 RPM. This is a powerful and genuinely responsive powertrain system, and both the mated transmissions enhance the overall sharpness of acceleration and performance.

Although the thrust of the new Evo is slightly less than the 2006 model (there was no 2007 model), it should appeal to a wider audience because of the advancements now available on the vehicle.

With a totally new Lancer platform, the 2008 Evolution is further enhanced with aluminum roof, hood, front fenders, and front/rear bumper beams. The wheelbase is longer (104.3 inches), and the wider track (60.8 front and rear) allows improved handling and stability.

The Evolution has its own tuned suspension system that includes inverted MacPherson struts in the front and a rear multilink design with forged-aluminum control arms. There are stabilizer bars in both the front and rear on both models.

Very likable features on the new Evo are the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system with Active Center Differential four-wheel drive, and Active Yaw Control. The S-AWC regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of handling technologies. There is also a Sport ABS braking system (Brembo) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for added safety.

The S-AWC system was tested extensively by journalists on the track and through an autocross course at Firebird Raceway in Phoenix at the media introduction, and the S-AWC system and Active Yaw proved to be amazingly significant in vehicle control on tight turns at high speeds. "This low drag, very aerodynamic car offers the best handling ever," said Mitsubishi's Mike Evanoff, manager of product strategy.

While the sharply designed aerodynamic exterior of the Evolution has a new shark-nosed front end, rear spoiler, boxed fenders, and 18-inch wheels, the interior has plentiful offerings that make this an attractive car to consider. Now standard are Recaro sport seats integrated with new side airbags (seven total), a 140-watt audio system with six speakers and MP3 capability, available Rockford Fosgate audio and navigation system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power door locks and windows, front map lamps, cruise control, a high-tech gauge panel, and lots more. The Evo is comfortable, and the interior is nicely styled and sporty.

Overall, the new adaptation of the Evolution is a well-crafted car that provides solid steering and handling characteristics as well as thrilling powertrain performance with the combination of its new engine and two new transmission offerings. This unibody car looks goods and drives even better on its 18-inch Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires.

The GSR model will go on sale in February with an estimated MSRP of $34,000. It will be followed by the MR that will be released a few months later with a base price of $39,000.