Evo X MR with dual-clutch hits U.S. streets in June

Posted Thu May 22 2008 2:07 PM by Nelson Ireson

The Mitsubishi Evolution X GSR has already been on sale for some time, but the twin-clutch, or SST, MR variant hasn't seen much in the way of sales outside of Japan yet thanks to a few hang-ups in producing the transmission in volume quantities. But the problems are past, and the car is now on its way, promising accessible performance to a whole new market of drivers.

The five-speed manual of the GSR is perhaps what the more hardcore enthusiast would seek anyway, but the six-speed twin clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission in the MR promises to make split-second shifts and rev-matched downshifts accessible to the average driver rather than the domain of footwork specialists.

Toss in the eminently streetable fully-automatic mode, and the MR may just be the Evo X for the masses - a fully fit, AWD terror with nearly lossless instant shifts on one hand, and a tame and manageable weekday driver on the other. And you can even drink your coffee while caught in bumper-to-bumper mayhem. All Evo X variants get the same 291hp, 300lb-ft turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder.

The starting price for the MR is $38,290, though expect to see that bumped up a bit if demand is higher than supply in your area. An optional technology package adds a 30GB hard drive, 650W Rockford-Fosgate sound system and prepaid Sirius Satellite Radio service to the mix, along with FAST Key entry, which lets the driver unlock the car simply by having the remote in his pocket while grasping the door handle.

Sales of the MR start at dealerships across the U.S. in June.

Mitsubishi Evo X GSR and RS

Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X GSR and RS

See Full Gallery

Reader Comments

Thu May 22 2008 3:49 PM
Gus says

As far as technical capaility for the price, this car cannot be beat.
If I didn't want a convertible sporty car, and I could only have one car, this would be it. It would be so much fun to emberass cars costing twice as much or more...
Fri May 23 2008 4:49 AM
bambam says

One car, this would be the real winner.
It can be a family sedan,
a sport car
a tuners dream
but there's no luxury model
we'll just have to do it our self
Fri May 23 2008 8:29 AM
Alan says

for it's price this car is very competent at being sporty and practical, but i find the new one not quite as exciting as Evo of old, this one is too heavy and looks bit tamed. For about the same size, i really like the JDM Civic type-r
Fri May 23 2008 9:48 AM
Mothra says

Everyone goes on & on about how Hyundai is the one to watch out for. I say people may also want to keep an eye on Mitsubishi bc they have come a long ways in a short amount of time. It was not that long ago that people predicted that they would pull out of the US like Isuzu.
Fri May 23 2008 10:01 AM
chris says

It's cars like the EVO and STi that make me wonder why the hell volvo wont come out with a tuned S40 with the i5 and AWD. all you need to do is increase the boost pressure on an already great engine. and its FRIGGEN VOLVO. who would turn down a volvo for a mitsu or sub?

saw what you want about the styling.. I really like the idea of this car. it more or less goes under the radar. in fact, if the base car wasnt so ugly compared to this, i'd be tempted to switch out the body panels when i bought it anyways.

as far as performance cars go, I'd stick with the MS3, even though it doesnt have AWD. the MS3 is just a really well done car. the interior reminds you that you're in a tuner car, but without blinding you. and the exterior is nearly unchanged. brilliant.
Thu Aug 7 2008 7:18 PM
sicwitit says

thats sic wit it foo

MotorAuthority