European Debut Of The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
Published: 14th January 2003
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. This is the most torque in Evo’s class of fast road car. By adopting a 6-speed close ratio gearbox, maximum response from the engine and transmission is retained throughout the broad powerband.
For the Evoultion VIII Mitsubishi has further developed their the famous 4G63 type 2.0-litre engine by redesigning the turbocharger, increasing the capacity of the intercooler and redesigning the intake manifold to reduce air-flow resistance by 20%. A 3-nozzle intercooler jet system sprays water on to the front of the intercooler which helps cool the compressed air going through the intercooler so providing more power under hard acceleration.
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 0-62mph 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. This development work is being undertaken by the UK based Ralliart Europe who develop and prepare the ‘works’ WRC cars.
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. This achieves a tuned balance between handling response and drive performance of the highest level.
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.
The torque transfer system housed in the rear differential uses a computer to provide optimal control to match road conditions. It compensates for power distribution and tyre adhesion differences between the two rear wheels to control yaw moment (cornering force).
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.
Warranty
In keeping with Mitsubishi’s tradition of after-sales
service, the Evolution VII comes with a comprehensive warranty
package, a 3-year Unlimited Mileage Warranty, a 3-year Pan
European Recovery Service and a 3-year Anti-Corrosion Perforation
warranty.
