£23,999 To Own The World's Most Acclaimed Performance Saloon

• Introducing the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII 260

Gutsy, exhilarating, powerful, outstanding, breathtaking, spine tingling…. just a few of the words people have used to describe the experience of driving the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII. Through eight generations or ‘Evolutions’ these cars have acquired a cult status that’s rare in any car at any price.

With the introduction of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII 260, true rally car handling has become accessible to a wider range of customers. Priced at £23,999 on the road, the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII 260 is available now from all Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers across the UK.

Powered by Mitsubishi’s formidable rally-bred 2-litre engine, the new Evolution VIII 260 produces a 261bhp punch at 6,500rpm and shifts from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. To better suit European requirements, the acclaimed Recaro front seats have been widened slightly from the version sold in the Japanese market and a stereo radio CD with six speakers has been added as standard equipment. The only exterior ‘visual’ difference is the new more subtle small rear spoiler, which is standard for the UK market.

Improvements on its predecessor (Evolution VII) include the addition of Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) and a revised 5-speed close ratio manual gearbox; extensive improvements to and tuning of the engine, suspension and aerodynamics; a stiffer body and extensive reductions in weight.

The UK performance car sector, in which the new 260 competes, has increased by 285%, rising from 9,321 cars in 1999 to 26,587 units last year. This increase has been primarily brought on by an influx in lower priced, maximum appeal performance cars. Customers are now constantly shopping around for the best combination of product performance, image, value for money and customer service. Lancer Evolution VIII 260, priced at £23,999 epitomises these values and will help double sales in 2004 to around 2,000 units.

The launch of the new Evolution VIII 260 has worldwide significance for Mitsubishi Motors. For the first time the new Evolution VIII 260 meets strict European homologation regulations and is now sold in 35 countries spanning from Russia to Portugal.

At £23,999 the Evolution VIII 260 represents exceptional value for money for customers. Add to this the support and expertise of a fully trained network of Mitsubishi Ralliart dealers and the security of a comprehensive 3-year warranty, and you have an exceptional package for one of the most coveted performance saloons on the road.