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Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII FQ-300 [June 03 2003] The world is split up into two kinds of people. Dog people or cat people. Either you go for the playful, faithful, cute canine chumps or you favour those evil feline bxxxxxds. And the population gets polarised in other ways too. You either like New York or Los Angeles, Picasso or Van Gogh, PCs or Macs, but never both. You can see where I'm going with this, can't you? When it comes to rally-bred sports saloons, you either lean towards the Subaru Impreza or the Mitsubishi Evo. And somehow, it seems that every month there's a new iteration of one or the other or both. You may ask, how is this Evo different from those that have gone before? The standard Evo VIII has 276bhp. This FQ-300 has even more power and torque. That same two-litre four-cylinder engine has been tuned to extract 301bhp and 300lb ft of torque, 11 more than the standard model. The claimed 0-62mph time is 4.9 seconds - four-tenths quicker than standard. Although the top speed of 157mph remains the same. Figures, schmigures. You only need to know one thing: it's quick. Turbo power comes in at around 3,250rpm and then it's only a second or two before you reckon you've achieved enough velocity to escape the Earth's gravity. The FQ-300 moves and reacts about as fast as you can think. It feels balanced and sharp. You can tune into what each wheel is doing. The steering is quick and precise. Information on how much grip there is (usually loads and loads) goes directly to the parts of your brain that are instinctive and reflexive. Suddenly, I'm tweaking the throttle and correcting the steering with ease and speed, or I'm dabbing the superb brakes like I'm completely used to the car. The Momo wheel is a perfect size, the seats are firm and snug... hey, the gearchange is sticky and vague. In a sudden change of direction (easy in this car), I hit upon a down-side. The six-speed manual 'box is not the slick changer that I'd like. If I don't concentrate enough, I'll miss a gear or select the wrong slot. Maybe it needs more running-in miles, but it really needs to feel like second nature to go with the rest of the car. Other downsides? The dash design is a bit dull, but I'm getting enough thrills from other areas. Yes, the cabin's noisy and the ride is extra, extra firm. That's the nature of the beast. And it's fine by me. The big question is: does the ?28,995 FQ-300 represent a better buy than the standard model that's only 25bhp shy, but ?2,000 cheaper? I suppose it would be nice to have the top-of-the-range Evo, but I'm still to be completely convinced. One last little thing. I parked it outside the house of a friend of mine. Nearby, a group of teenagers were hanging around. When they saw the car they started doing the 'we are not worthy' actions. I guess I should have told them it wasn't my car, but it was easier and quicker to just smile and nod. I did feel, though, that I had encountered some kindred spirits who also preferred dogs, Picasso, New York and, of course, the Mitsubishi. Colin Ryan

Some pics of my car. Any comments? Thinking of selling though. Anyone interested? [email protected]

http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_mitsubishi_lancer_evo_viii_fq300-1.jpg http://www.supercars.net/PicFetch?pic=2003_mitsubishi_lancer_evo_viii_fq300-2.jpg Universally acclaimed for its raw power, exceptional handling and an emotionally spine-tingling driving experience, the new generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII is about to hit the streets of Europe. In the last few months, Mitsubishi's motorsport and performance car division, Ralliart, has been moved in-house. Now part of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and Mitsubishi Motors Europe operation, Ralliart is to become a premium sub-brand. Mitsubishi Motors in the UK is the sole importer and supplier of official Ralliart products and accessories. Available in two specifications and with a top speed of 157mph, power output for the new Evo VIII is 276bhp as standard. However, for those customers who like a little more under the bonnet the FQ-300 performance package, developed in conjunction with the Mitsubishi World Rally Team, boosts power to in excess of 300bhp. The Mitsubishi Evolution series is all about continuous enhancement using performance technology and the new Evo VIII delivers on all counts. Improvements on its predecessor include the addition of Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) and a 6-speed close ratio gearbox; extensive improvements to and tuning of the engine, suspension and aerodynamics; a stiffer body and extensive reductions in weight. The result - the new Lancer Evolution VIII reaches new dimensions of on-road performance and driving exhilaration. Under the bonnet Beneath the Evo VIII's bonnet is Mitsubishi's latest version of the high-performance 4G63 2.0-litre intercooled turbocharged 4 cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine that boasts unmatched levels of maturity and refinement. Producing 276 bhp in standard tune at 6,500rpm, whilst delivering a class-topping 289 lb ft of torque at 3,500rpm. By adopting a 6-speed close ratio gearbox, maximum response from the engine and transmission is retained throughout the broad powerband. For the Evo VIII, Mitsubishi has further developed its famous 4G63 type 2.0-litre engine by redesigning the turbocharger, increasing the capacity of the intercooler and redesigning the intake manifold to reduce air-flow resistance by 20%. A 3-nozzle intercooler jet system sprays water on to the front of the intercooler which helps cool the compressed air going through the intercooler providing more power under hard acceleration. Engine durability and reliability have also been improved by up-rating the aluminium pistons and forged steel con rods. These detail improvements result in an engine that combines competition-ready but street-friendly power with outstanding durability. The exhaust pipe has been straight-lined to reduce exhaust back pressure and a variable back pressure valve has been added to the main silencer to improve quietness at low engine speeds. The combined fuel consumption figure for the Evo VIII is 20.5 mpg and CO2 is 334 g/km. Top speed is restricted to 157 mph and the official factory 0-62mph time has been given as a 'conservative' 5.3 seconds. The FQ-300 performance package statistics have yet to be officially confirmed, but early indications point to power in excess of 300bhp, an equally impressive torque exceeding 300lb.ft. and a 0-62 time of 4.9 seconds. Mitsubishi's advanced 4WD system The Lancer Evolution VIII has a revised suspension system, slightly lower slung to get the centre of gravity lower. A revised ACD (Active Centre Differential) and rear limited slip differential are used in conjunction with the new Super AYC (Active Yaw Control). Debuting on Evo VIII, the new Super AYC realises significant performance improvements. After carefully calculating torque requirements under simulated race conditions, Super AYC has been developed to transfer twice the torque of the current AYC. The ability to transfer more torque between the rear wheels further reduces understeer while extending cornering limits (in-house skid-pad testing has shown that Super AYC extends Evo VIII's cornering limit by 10% over the current system). Super AYC also acts like a limited slip differential by increasing inside wheel traction in race circuit and other high speed cornering situations, thereby preventing the wheel slip that can occur with the current system due to its smaller torque transfer capacity. ACD enhances acceleration and straight line stability. An electronically controlled multi-layer hydraulic clutch replaces the conventional VCU as the differential limiter, controlling front/rear drive power distribution on the centre differential and switching from free to direct-link status to maintain its front/rear drive force setting of 50:50 distribution while matching the driving conditions. This achieves a tuned balance between handling response and drive performance of the highest level. In addition, the driver can switch between the 3-modes TARMAC, GRAVEL, or SNOW settings, while the car is moving, to optimise control and to match road conditions. A computer controls the new active centre differential (ACD) and super active yaw control (AYC) systems with the ACD maximising performance when accelerating out of a corner, and AYC supporting performance during cornering. This new integrated control system provides better overall stability and performance compared to systems that control ACD and AYC independently. Transmission The new generation Evo VIII is the first to be given a 6-speed manual transmission. The 6-speed close ratio gearbox has been developed in order to maximise extra torque generated by the revised 4G63 2.0-litre intercooled turbocharged 4 cylinder, DOHC 16-valve engine. The close ratio set up maximises engine performance throughout its entire range but with improved flexibility at low to medium speeds. Outside and in In keeping with its principles, exterior restyling has not been about simple cosmetic improvement. Reducing drag and lift, the Evo VIII's new exterior lines give it better high-speed straight line stability and handling through corners and features significant advances in aerodynamic and cooling performance. The new exterior incorporates the defining elements of Mitsubishi's new design identity. A significantly restyled and more aggressive front end is distinguished by its integral grille-front bumper, the centre of which has been extended 35mm forwards, and by its V-shaped nose. The bonnet is noticeably different with the addition of a large single air intake for the intercooler. New rear light clusters, a large carbonate rear spoiler and new 17-inch alloy wheels set the new model apart from those which have gone before. Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel and fully automatic air conditioning match luxury with performance. Story by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation UK

Just install a Evo spoiler and tinting of rear lights.

Hi ! here's my family car .. think the rims too big, gonna change soon .. any good 15" rims to recommend (besides forged rims) was thinking united arrows s-05, Gram Lights 57c and OZ sl which is better ?

I am still deciding whether to do it for my car. I heard that grounding is only effective for the 1.6 CVT and not the 1.5 GDI, due to its more complicated ECU and engine electronics. Wonder whether anyone can share their field reports on this mod.

I just witnessed this tonight. Around 7:30 pm... I was waiting for the traffic light to change at Nicoll Highway (3rd lane from the left), towards Guilemard Road. It was quite dark already, and I was kinda tired. Then I suddenly heard loud revving from behind in the adjacent lane, followed by loud screeching....and I see 2 headlights stopping inches away from my rear left bumper. Followed by another set of screeching tyres...scrambling for traction as the other car purposely overtook the stopped car from the left most lane. The car that had stopped inches away from me immediately took off with a screech of tyres. Now I was able to see clearly that the car that stopped next to me was a purple 91-94 Elantra, and the other one was a silver 96-00 Lancer. They carried on racing towards Guilemard Road, and I followed (not speeding) at a distance, watching the spectacle unfold before my eyes. I told my wife (who was busy reading something) that we might be able to witness an accident, and reassuring her that we would not be part of it. 300m along Guilemard Road, the pair of cars drifted in and out of the right and centre lanes. and Suddenly the Elantra (who was behind) accelerated in front of the Lancer and immediately braked (smoke, screeching and all). The Lancer driver braked and immediately swerved to overtake on the left. But the Elantra straight away gunned his car in front of the Lancer (by cutting into the left lane) and braked again. He waited a couple of seconds, and took off with a lot of wheelspin,...only to brake 20m in front. The Lancer decided to wait at a distance...and I lost sight of them as I carried on home. All the other cars following in the first 2 lanes also came to a halt...as they wanted to avoid getting involved. However, there was a motorcycle rider (on a Super4) who was so pissed off at them that he cut in front of the Elantra and sped off, only slowing down as he came parallel with me. I wonder if they kept their stand off or if they carried on like this... (anyone else saw this?) I suppose that along Nicoll Highway one of them must have cut in front of the other, and then they carried on this tit-for-tat game... I did notice a pair of lights that were coming quite fast behind me.... but the cars didn't catch up with me, so I didn't think much about it. Happy to say... I was not involved

Hi, after reading up on all you posts, this is my virgin post. Below is also my Virgin car.

recently my 99' lancer speedo fail to function all of the sudden...nw i am looking for a replacement...anyone knoes who will i be able to get a 2nd hand meter..stock meter..not those fanciful ones..thnx

Hi all, was wondering whether any bros know of a good place to buy spark plug wrenches? Tried autobacs and Stamford tyres, but those wrenches they sell are the std, twist type, virtually useless as they don't deliver enough torque. What I am looking for is for those tyre of wrenches that the mechanics use, long extension with a torque wrench and of course the all important socket head. Any place to recommend to check out for this?

Spot this Lancer, along Dunearn Road last Saturday afternoon, with a 'M3' badge . Identity crisis I think . (sorry pic a bit blur, cause the Lancer have started to move off from the Traffic junction).

Mitlover, Lightspeed, Lufu & the rest of Mit owner & ex-owner & those who knows.... For a Mit Lancer GDI - 1.6 Automatic I just called one dealer and he quoted the yearly depri is around 7k... Is this cheap or EX?

Check this out guys...not sure if u all know about this...seems it came out 2 months ago in JP Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia Sports with tiptronic with steermatic (like the Evo7GTA!) Pearl Blue dash inserts (like Evo7 GTA) Sports edition GDI 1500 DOHC 16 valve * 2WD INVECS-III sport mode 6-CVT still comes with rear drums though :( Click here for the Japanese Page Click here for the English Translated page

Here's my ride dudes... Negative comments will be accepted without grudges

From wat i know, the cheapest depreciation for MR now is bout $7200-7500, GLXi is $6500-6700, MX is $6500-6800. The new Mit 1.5GDi is bout $6200-6500. All depends on the COE, OMV and years left. But some people say 6K can get a 99 Lancer. True ?

Hi all! I need advice on the MItsubishi Lancer (92/93) with COe renewed already. How much does the 1.3 auto cost? Since I am a student, I really need a cheap but reliable car for transportation purposes only. Or better still are there any other COE cars of 1.3/1.6auto but in the region of below 35K? Thanks in advance. PS: I dont trust the adverts in ST!

To all the owners of Mit Lancer. (Not sure have anyone asked before) Need your advice. What is the diff between those lancer where some have sunroof and some don't? Understand that those lancer made before 97 have some problem... How about the newer ones? What is the normal depri for lancer? Need info to decide on my next wheels.

Hi! Wondering if anyone knows where I can get these projector headlamps for lancer (comes in one single piece instead of the normal 2) I've attached 2 pics, 1 of the original lamps (2 pieces) and the projector type (1 piece)

hello~ just askin for opinions... they dun say much about it in the webside.. heh thanks~