Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
Mitsubishi has announced the next generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the Evo IX. Compared to the current Evo VIII, the Evo IX gets minor improvements all around. The biggest change is the use of Mitsubishi's MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) variable valve timing technology on the intake side. In addition, the turbocharger has been improved to produce more torque and be more responsive across the whole rpm range.
Lots of fancy gadgets are also incorporated in the Evo to make it handle better. Like the previous Evos, the new Evo comes with a 4WD system. The system is controlled by the ECU, which controls the ACD and the AYC and the ABS, not to mention the LSD and the EBD. Okay, too many acronyms.
The ACD is the Active Center Differential which controls the differential between free and locked states. The AYC is the Active Yaw Control which transfers torque to the rear wheels. The ABS is of course the anti-lock brake system, which prevents the brakes from locking under extreme or slipper conditions. The LSD is the limited-slip differential which improves traction by controlling wheel spin between the wheels. And finally, the EBD is the Electronic Brake Force Distribution which distributes brake force between front and rear tires, to minimize brake fade and improve overall braking.
Bottom line is, all these techno gadgets improve the Evo IX's performance, handling, braking and safety. That's all I needed to know, without having to worry about all the acronyms' details.
Mitsubishi has also made improvements to the aerodynamics and cooling of the vehicle. Openings in the underpinning of the car have been minimized to reduce lift. A rear diffuser has been added to the rear bumper to reduce drag. A rear spoiler also adds downforce to keep the car planted at high speeds. A larger mesh grill in the front lets more air flow into the engine, keeping it cooler and sending more air to burn.
Several other features have been carried over from the previous generation Evos. The engine remains the same 2.0L turbocharged and intercooled engine. I'm not sure what the power output of the Evo IX is, but the torque is 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm for the GSR model and 407 Nm (300 lb-ft) @ 3000 for the RS and GT models.
For more details read the article on FastDrive.
Published on March 2, 2005
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