The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was modified again in 2003, this time sporting Super Active Yaw Control to handle traction and a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox depending on the model.
It was available with 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW) in four trims: the standard GSR model in Japan, the RS, with a steel roof, 5-speed gearbox, and standard wheels (lacking excess components, such as interior map lights, power windows/doors, and radio), the SSL (with a sunroof, trunk mounted subwoofer, and leather seats), and the MR, which came with a revised limited-slip front differential, aluminum MR shift knob, handbrake with carbon fiber handle, 17 inch BBS wheels, aluminum roof, and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution also sported Altezza taillights.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR uses slick-response Bilstein shocks for improved handling. The aluminium roof panel and other reductions in body weight have lowered the centre of gravity to produce more natural roll characteristics. Detail improvements have also been made to Mitsubishi’s own electronic all-wheel drive, to the ACD 5 + Super AYC 6 traction control, and to the Sports ABS systems. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII displayed at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show took the MR designation traditionally reserved for Mitsubishi Motors high-performance models (first used for the Galant GTO). Other parts on the MR include BBS alloy wheels, the aforementioned Bilstein shocks, and an aluminium roof. In the United Kingdom, many special Evolutions were introduced, including the FQ300, FQ320, FQ340, and FQ400 variants. They came with 305, 320, 340, and 400 hp (227, 239, 254 and 298 kW), respectively. It is rumoured that the 'FQ' stands for 'Fucking Quick'.
The FQ400, sold through Ralliart UK, produces 302.13 kW (405.2 hp) from its 2.0 L 4G63 engine, the result of special modifications by United Kingdom tuning firms Rampage Tuning, Owen Developments, and Flow Race Engines. At 202.9 hp (151.3 kW) per litre, it has one of the highest specific outputs per litre of any roadcar engine. With a curb weight of 3200 lb (1450 kg), it achieves 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-100 mph in 9.1 seconds, 1/4 mile in 12.1 seconds at 118 mph (190 km/h), and a top speed of 176 mph (283 km/h) while costing £47,000. BBC's television series Top Gear demonstrated that the stock FQ-400 could surprisingly keep up with a Lamborghini Murcielago around a test track. The Stig recorded a Top Gear Power Lap Times of 1 minute and 24.8 seconds, 4.2 seconds quicker than the Murcielago's time of 1 minute 29 seconds.In a similar test conducted by UK supercar magazine evo, the Evolution was able to lap the Bedford Autodrome faster than an Audi RS4 and a Porsche Carrera 4S.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII was also the first Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to be sold in the United States, spurred by the success of the Subaru Impreza WRX which had been released there just three years prior.The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII found its true competition in the Subaru Impreza WRX STI model the same year as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII's US introduction. However, the internal components for the American versions were largely stripped-down versions of the specifications for the Japanese Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII. No US-spec Evolution model prior to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X has active yaw control, including the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. The American 2003 and 2004 GSRs are without the helical limited-slip front differential and 6-speed manual transmission. The 2004 US spec RS models, however, do have a front helical limited-slip differential. All 2003, 2004 and 2005 RS and GSR models have the Japanese Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII's 5-speed transmission. The MR edition was introduced to the US in 2005, with ACD and the only model with a 6-speed transmission. The 2005 US spec RS and GSR have the ACD standard, and the front helical limited-slip differential is now standard on all models. The timing and tuning are also slightly lower than its Japanese counterpart, allowing it to adhere to the strict emissions regulations of the United States. Starting in 2005, the US model EVO's were also fitted with a 5000rpm limit on launching in 1st gear to protect the drivetrain. Even with the limiter in place, US-spec Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII's are capable of sub 5 second runs to 60, and quarter mile times as low as 13.4 for the RS and standard VIII, and some MR's have recorded low 13 second quarter mile runs.
Most Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIIIs have a carbon fiber rear spoiler with matching body-color endplates. Furthermore, the US versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII 2003-2005 were given bulkier rear bumpers than their Japanese counterparts to accommodate US safety laws in the form of the metal rear crash bar. All Evos have lightweight aluminum front fenders and hoods. MR and RS editions have an aluminum roof. Additionally, MR Editions come equipped with a 6-speed transmission, Bilstein shocks, and factory optional BBS wheels.
The basic RS Edition does not come with power windows, locks, or mirrors, an audio system, map lamps or an anti-lock braking system. All Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII RS models sold in the US have an air conditioning system. Power windows, locks, and audio systems could be had in the RS model through the addition of the "Urban Jungle" comfort package.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR uses slick-response Bilstein shocks for improved handling. The aluminium roof panel and other reductions in body weight have lowered the centre of gravity to produce more natural roll characteristics. Detail improvements have also been made to Mitsubishi’s own electronic all-wheel drive, to the ACD 5 + Super AYC 6 traction control, and to the Sports ABS systems. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII displayed at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show took the MR designation traditionally reserved for Mitsubishi Motors high-performance models (first used for the Galant GTO). Other parts on the MR include BBS alloy wheels, the aforementioned Bilstein shocks, and an aluminium roof. In the United Kingdom, many special Evolutions were introduced, including the FQ300, FQ320, FQ340, and FQ400 variants. They came with 305, 320, 340, and 400 hp (227, 239, 254 and 298 kW), respectively. It is rumoured that the 'FQ' stands for 'Fucking Quick'.
The FQ400, sold through Ralliart UK, produces 302.13 kW (405.2 hp) from its 2.0 L 4G63 engine, the result of special modifications by United Kingdom tuning firms Rampage Tuning, Owen Developments, and Flow Race Engines. At 202.9 hp (151.3 kW) per litre, it has one of the highest specific outputs per litre of any roadcar engine. With a curb weight of 3200 lb (1450 kg), it achieves 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-100 mph in 9.1 seconds, 1/4 mile in 12.1 seconds at 118 mph (190 km/h), and a top speed of 176 mph (283 km/h) while costing £47,000. BBC's television series Top Gear demonstrated that the stock FQ-400 could surprisingly keep up with a Lamborghini Murcielago around a test track. The Stig recorded a Top Gear Power Lap Times of 1 minute and 24.8 seconds, 4.2 seconds quicker than the Murcielago's time of 1 minute 29 seconds.In a similar test conducted by UK supercar magazine evo, the Evolution was able to lap the Bedford Autodrome faster than an Audi RS4 and a Porsche Carrera 4S.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII was also the first Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to be sold in the United States, spurred by the success of the Subaru Impreza WRX which had been released there just three years prior.The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII found its true competition in the Subaru Impreza WRX STI model the same year as the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII's US introduction. However, the internal components for the American versions were largely stripped-down versions of the specifications for the Japanese Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII. No US-spec Evolution model prior to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X has active yaw control, including the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX. The American 2003 and 2004 GSRs are without the helical limited-slip front differential and 6-speed manual transmission. The 2004 US spec RS models, however, do have a front helical limited-slip differential. All 2003, 2004 and 2005 RS and GSR models have the Japanese Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII's 5-speed transmission. The MR edition was introduced to the US in 2005, with ACD and the only model with a 6-speed transmission. The 2005 US spec RS and GSR have the ACD standard, and the front helical limited-slip differential is now standard on all models. The timing and tuning are also slightly lower than its Japanese counterpart, allowing it to adhere to the strict emissions regulations of the United States. Starting in 2005, the US model EVO's were also fitted with a 5000rpm limit on launching in 1st gear to protect the drivetrain. Even with the limiter in place, US-spec Mitsubishi Lancer EVO VIII's are capable of sub 5 second runs to 60, and quarter mile times as low as 13.4 for the RS and standard VIII, and some MR's have recorded low 13 second quarter mile runs.
Most Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIIIs have a carbon fiber rear spoiler with matching body-color endplates. Furthermore, the US versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII 2003-2005 were given bulkier rear bumpers than their Japanese counterparts to accommodate US safety laws in the form of the metal rear crash bar. All Evos have lightweight aluminum front fenders and hoods. MR and RS editions have an aluminum roof. Additionally, MR Editions come equipped with a 6-speed transmission, Bilstein shocks, and factory optional BBS wheels.
The basic RS Edition does not come with power windows, locks, or mirrors, an audio system, map lamps or an anti-lock braking system. All Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII RS models sold in the US have an air conditioning system. Power windows, locks, and audio systems could be had in the RS model through the addition of the "Urban Jungle" comfort package.
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