Mitsubishi 2008 Lancer Evolution GSR
Mitsubishi refines the diamond to perfection with the 2008 Lancer Evolution GSR. We reviewed it and as far as were concerned when you get to the Mitsubishi showroom this will be the first vehicle to grab your attention. You’ll know what to do instinctively from that point on as long as you have a pulse.
What makes it so special?
Instant wow factor, the sleek and sexy all-wheel-drive sport sedan. The 2008 Lancer Evolution GSR evolves from a line of legendary rally cars that initially became popular in the World Rally Championship. Worldwide demand grew and the first Evo model was exported to the United States. The Evo VIII a/k/a Evo 8 had arrived states side. The Lancer-Evolution reputation preceded its North American arrival through the exposure it received on the Grand Turismo video game.
Why is it so hot?
Full and in effect ground effects package, 18” Enkei wheels and custom designed low profile Yokohama Advan tires. Mitsubishi didn’t stop there, they’ve included more standard equipment that will grab attention, the 150 watt Rockford Fosgate sound system (or you can really get it crunk with the optional sound system upgrade and take it to 650 watts) and inclusive in the package is it’s rear diffuser (spoiler kit) that is at an optimal height to somewhat diminish rear end visibility. Lancer Evolution GSR is the vehicle that demands attention. Rally style foglamps - adjustable HID lamps in front with the intercooler bling through the lower grille. These nuances attribute to the double takes we received driving down Ocean Drive in South Beach. We were also impressed with the fully functional central NACA scoop that introduces cool air to the intake manifold and two flanking vents that create exhaust ports to release trapped hot air from under the hood. By the way, just keep the key in your pocket and when you’re ready to go simply open the door by utilizing the “Fast Key Entry” your hand unlocks the door, no key or clicker required! When you’re ready to lock up, just push the tiny button on the door handle with your index finger and that’s it! It’s almost as if the Evo recognizes your biorhythms. What will the engineers at Mitsubishi think of next?
Bottom line, Lancer Evolution GSR delivers the “Wow Factor”
What’s inside?
Specially designed Recaro sport seats that incorporate side airbags. Wide enough to support a average-sized bad boy or good girl as well as the larger sized average Joe or Josephine’s. Seats adjust forward and back manually, although I did miss being able to adjust my seat height, this would help drivers of all sizes find a good seating position and eliminate any blind spots especially if your height challenged like me. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has at-hand controls for the Super All-Wheel Drive system on the left and cruise controls on the right. The steering wheel features a tilt adjustment, but is mysteriously lacking a telescoping function.
Creatively accented in silver throughout the interior, with carbonite type trim enhance the dashboard. The Evo’s digital control panel centrally located between a pair of silver tachometer and speedometer gauges create an aesthetic balance and control panel displays various operative features and monitor all functional vehicle status. The center console aesthetics are impressive as well with three manual controls (temperature, air intensity, and directional airflow) that allow you to control a comfortable climate inside the vehicle regardless of the elements that occur outside the vehicle. Storage compartments conveniently placed under the climate system controls, center console as well as all four doors. The five-speed sport-shifter comes with a ergo-friendly leather stitched baseball shifter knob!
The Rockford-Fosgate AM/FM/Sirius Satellite radio is fully equipped with an in dash six-CD changer, in-trunk mounted amp and sub-woofer. I can only tell you not only can you play your favorite music loud enough for everyone to hear as you ride down the block, but you can feel it too!
The trunk-mounted battery and window washer reservoir are strategically placed and attribute to the aerodynamics of the Lancer Evolution GSR to reduce the wind drag and increase fuel efficiency.
Is it the typical four cylinder?
Is the NASA X-43A your typical jet? I think not! You will never get the beep from the driver behind you as you merge onto the thruway. The robust power of the 2.0 - liter DOHC 14 MIVEC TURBO packs some serious get up and go. This four-cylinder powerhouse is equipped with Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing system. Intercooled and turbocharged the EVO’s engine produces 291-horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.
Driving in South Miami can test a driver and their vehicle. Surprisingly I now have experienced a four-door that responded to my every action as if it were an expensive sports car! With features that you can’t see but make the difference in maintaining control of the vehicle on the road like Front Helical Limited Slip Differential, Rear Limited Slip Differential, Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars and Front Inverted Shocks all attribute to a drivers confidence in all weather conditions. What is equally impressive, Mitsubishi’s engineers enabled the driver to engage automation aspects of the aforementioned features through a simple push button located mid level on the left side of the dash labeled “ASC” (Active Stability Control). Push the ASC button and the Lancer Evolution GSR disengages the Active Stability Control. This is only recommended for those of us that want to feel the heart beat of the Evo and take control. Mitsubishi went a step above and equipped the Evo with the Brembo front and rear ventilated disc brake system with ABS and EBD to add that extra confidence of surefooted safety, should it become a necessity.
Why buy it?
So the hot girls wink at you when you roll up and willingly give you their real cell number. You enjoy being the center of attention at the stoplight. In the past, you haven’t been so lucky with the opposite sex. You want a car that gives you absolutely no reason to spend any money for aftermarket parts when you drive off the dealership’s lot.
Who won’t buy it:
Those who prefer more conventional methods of transportation like the bus? People who have no interest in having fun driving, hanging out, having a good time or grabbing the attention of the opposite sex.
The Lancer Evolution weighs in as a middleweight at 3,517 lbs. Mitsubishi claims mileage in the neighborhood of 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, $32,990
Sight, sound and spoiler package, $2,000; Destination, $675. / Vehicle reviewed: $35,615
Warranty:
(a) 5 year - 60k miles – Powertrain
(b) 7 year - 100k miles - anti-corrosion/
(c) 3 year – 36k miles - bumper to bumper
(d) 5 year – Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance
Vin# JA3AW86V98UD43209
Color: Octane Blue
Reviewed by: Rainysongs Entertainment / November 7th – 12th, 2008
Copyright 2008 Rainysongs Entertainment, LLC
Rainysongs Website: www.rainysongsentertainment.com
Mitsubish Web Sitei: http://www.mitsubishicars.com/
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
