Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII Range Expanded For 2004
Published: 22nd December 2003
Lancer Evolution VIII 260
As with the MR, the Evolution VIII 260 makes use of Mitsubishi’s world-renowned 2-litre in-line 4-cylinder 16 valve DOHC turbocharged intercooled engine. For this model, the engine is mated to a 5-speed close-ratio manual gearbox and has been tuned to develop 263 bhp @ 3600 rpm, produce 262 lb.ft. of torque @ 3500rpm and has a top speed of 152mph.
The Evolution VIII 260 comes packed with equipment including Mitsubishi’s Super AYC, ABS and EBD, Recaro bucket front seats, 6-spoke 17" alloy wheels and optimised suspension. In fact, apart from the performance, the only exterior ‘visual’ difference between the current Evolution VIII and the new 260 will be the smaller rear spoiler. Priced at £23,999, the Evolution VIII 260 is expected to attract a raft of new customers who are looking for world-class performance in a vehicle under the £25K price threshold.
2004 is an important year for the Lancer Evolution not only in terms of its potential sales growth in the UK market, but as it also heralds the car’s return to motor sport with a full attack on the 2004 World Rally Championship. Mitsubishi Motor Sport has a new global motor sports organisation (led by Sven Quandt and based in Germany) a stunning all-new World Rally Car and a new driver line-up led by Gilles Panizzi – the fastest man on tarmac.
