I really didn't think Mitsubishi would be able to improve upon the current Evolution platform, but then I thought the Pussycat Dolls would have a hard time replacing Carmen Electra until Nicole Scherzinger sashayed her way into my heart. Much like Nicole's hotiness is ever-so-slightly hotter than Carmen's, the changes to this new Evo model are more evolutionary (if I may be so punny) than revolutionary. The knife-edged lightweight RS and top dog MR (Mitsubishi Racing) return to the lineup in addition to the standard issue IX and these '06 Evolution models will already be on sale (late October) by the time you read this.
But the biggest news of the Nine is ten, as in the horsepower increase over the outgoing model. The venerable 4G63 2.0 liter turbo four soldiers on and the lab coat brigade found much of this power with the inclusion of Mitsu's existing variable valve timing system, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control, if you care.) Although in the Evo the system only controls timing and not lift. Some Evo loyalists, purists, and forum freaks alike have been panicking at the inclusion of MIVEC, citing a lack of aftermarket potential, but we're sure the brighter crayons in the tuning box will find a way to make power here (see VTEC tuning for reference).
This new Evo uses the same twin scroll turbo design from the Eight but a larger impeller housing improves boost response while said boost is now up to 20 psi. In order to reduce oil consumption, stronger pistons and a more efficient two-piece ring package replace the previous three-piece ringset. Finally the new five-layer head gasket serves as a Wonderbra desperately straining to contain the engine's ample power now rated at 286 hp @ 6500 rpm with 289 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm.
U.S. models still don't get the Active Yaw Control but the Active Center Differential is unchanged from the U.S.-spec VIII. The MR's six-speed manual is carried over and the RS and IX also keep the same five-speed manual gearbox but with higher first, and lower third, fourth, and fifth gears. The MR's fleet feet are still shod with the same sweet set of lightweight forged BBS rollers and the RS and IX are treated to new split five-spoke Enkei wheels that are slightly lighter than the solid six-spokes from the Eight.
Not much has changed in the cabin of the Nine, which is a good thing. The perfectly bolstered Recaro seats are still in place and updated with Alcantara centers to help keep your butthole tight (ly planted in the proper driving position, that is). All models also received new pedals and the same MOMO wheel now comes with black spokes. Like any major makeover a big chunk of the time was spent on the Nine's look, of which owners of the Eight will surely try to perpetrate. Listen up, Eight owners, I'll break it down for you, but you're on your own as far as part numbers are concerned.
The Nine's biggest visual cue is the front end. Thankfully Mitsu deleted the nasty looking body colored middle section of the grille and IX can now enjoy the Evo family resemblance that the VIII never had. To put it bluntly, the Nine looks like an Evo while the Eight reminds you of the brother who looks like the mailman.