Bred from legendary
racing DNA and a legacy of heart-pounding excitement on the FIA
world rally circuit, the striking new 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution IX was introduced today at the New York International
Automobile Show. Loaded with power and aerodynamic enhancements
culled from Mitsubishi's rally-racing success during the past 13
years, the Lancer Evolution IX further distinguishes the vehicle as
the undisputable leader in the high-performance compact sedan
market.
This latest edition to the Lancer Evolution model line, designed to
compete against far more expensive sports cars, easily lives up to
its Mitsubishi motorsports pedigree. By combining brute power and
graceful agility, the Lancer Evolution IX is sure to raise the
adrenaline of driving enthusiasts at every turn.
|
Specifications |
|
Engine |
|
Turbocharged, Inline-4 |
|
HP |
286 HP@
6500 rpm |
|
Displacement |
1998cc (122 cu. in.) |
|
Torque |
289 lb-ft @
3500 rpm |
|
Weight lb (kg) |
3285 (1490) |
|
Acceleration 0-62 mph |
-- |
|
Top speed |
-- |
|
Driveline |
All Wheel
Drive |
|
Price (approx) |
-- |
BORN
FROM A RALLY-RACING LEGACY
The 2006 Lancer Evolution is the 12th model in a series of
Mitsubishi Motors' award-winning, Evolution high-performance compact
sedans. It was originally introduced to satisfy FIA Group A rally
specifications that called for a production model. Beginning in
1992, Mitsubishi Motors exclusively offered it in the Japanese and
European markets, with no plans to bring it to the United States.
A continuous groundswell of rave reviews from automotive media and
ardent performance addicts worldwide, however, pressured Mitsubishi
Motors North America to introduce the Lancer Evolution to U.S.
drivers in 2003.
Since then, the vehicle has lived up to the hype. Mirroring the
success of the Mitsubishi rally racing program, the racing-inspired
Lancer Evolution has received numerous industry accolades. It is one
of Automobile Magazine's 2005 All-Stars and was Automobile of the
Year in 2004. Sport Compact Car awarded Lancer Evolution "Car
of the Year" for both 2004 and 2005, as well as named it the
best sport compact car of all time in its October 2004 issue.
EXTERIOR
True to its racing heritage, the Lancer Evolution IX also
features a number of exterior enhancements to further improve the
aerodynamics and cooling performance of the vehicle. A new front
fascia houses an oversize mesh grille and front center bumper air
inlets to improve engine-cooling efficiency.
In addition, all unnecessary openings on the undersurface of the
bumper have been closed to reduce air resistance. The rear wing
assembly features a carbon fiber hollow spoiler that lowers the
center of gravity of the Lancer Evolution IX. A new air dam
extension and rear-wing wicker bill also are available as dealer
options. These advanced aerodynamic devices improve the high-speed
handling and stability of the Lancer Evolution IX by increasing
downforce, reducing front and rear wheel lift and enhancing the
front-rear aerodynamic balance of the vehicle.
The Lancer Evolution rides on all-new 17x8-inch ENKEI"
lightweight cast aluminum alloy wheels, while the MR rolls on
17x8-inch BBS forged aluminum rims. All three models feature
235/45/17 Yokohama(TM) ADVAN(R) high-grip tires. The vehicle's
aggressive appearance is further updated with new extended smoked
front and rear lamp bezels.
Other specifications:
| Position: |
Front
Engine |
| Configuration: |
Cast
Iron Intercooler-turbocharged 4G63 Inline 4 |
| Valvetrain: |
DOHC,
4 Valves/Cyl w/ MIVEC VVT |
| Redline: |
7000 |
| Bore: |
3.35
IN 85 MM |
| Stroke: |
3.46
IN 88 MM |
| HP/L: |
143
BHP per Liter |
| HP/LB: |
11.5
LBS per BHP |
| Compression: |
8.8:1 |
| Induction: |
Twin
Scroll Turbocharger w/ Intercooler |
| Drive
Wheels: |
Electronically
Controlled High-Performance 4WD |
| Length: |
178.5
IN / 4533 MM |
| Width: |
69.7
IN / 1770 MM |
| Height: |
57.1
IN / 1450 MM |
| Wheelbase: |
103.3
IN / 2623 MM |
| Front
Track: |
59.6
IN / 1514 MM |
| Rear
Track: |
59.6
IN / 1514 MM |
| Steering: |
Rack
& Pinion w/ Power Assist |
| Materials: |
Unit
Steel |
| Front
Brakes: |
Brembro
Discs w/ 4-Piston Calipers, ABS, EBD |
| Front
Brake Size: |
12.6
IN / 320 MM |
| Rear
Brakes: |
Brembro
Discs w/ 4-Piston Calipers, ABS, EBD |
| Rear
Brake Size: |
12.0
IN / 305 MM |
| Front
Wheels: |
17.0
x 8.0 IN / 43.2 x 20.3 CM |
| Rear
Wheels: |
17.0
x 8.0 IN / 43.2 x 20.3 CM |
| Front
Tires: |
P235/45R17 |
| Rear
Tires: |
P235/45R17 |
| Front
Suspension: |
MacPherson
Struts w/ Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Trailing Links, Lateral
Links, Stabilizer Bar |
| Rear
Suspension: |
Mulit-Link
w/ Bilstein Shock Absorbers, Trailing Links, Lateral Links,
Stabilizer Bar |
| Transmission: |
6-Speed
Manual |
| Fuel
Delivery: |
Electronic
Fuel Injection |
INTERIOR
Complementing the performance and exterior enhancements,
Mitsubishi Motors engineers also updated the Lancer Evolution IX
interior to further assure drivers they are riding in a very special
automobile.
Standard Recaro(TM) bucket seats feature Alcantara upholstery that
keeps occupants comfortable even on long journeys, while generous
side bolsters feature real leather accents and help hold passengers
securely in place during spirited driving. The new seat
configuration also makes it easier to slip in and out of the
vehicle, while adding a touch of understated luxury.
The driver is strapped in front of a racing-inspired new dark
titanium color, three-spoke, height-adjustable Momo" steering
wheel. Aluminum accelerator, brake and clutch pedals on the IX and
MR models provide additional cues to the Lancer Evolution IX's
high-performance roots. Rich, carbon fiber-style instrument, center
and shift panels further illustrate this is not your typical compact
sedan - designed as much for rally-racing as everyday driving.
The Lancer Evolution is equipped with a 140-watt Mitsubishi CD audio
system with six speakers. Audiophiles will enjoy the 315-watt
Premium Mitsubishi/Infinity(R) CD audio system featuring seven
speakers, including a subwoofer, available as an option on the
Evolution IX.
MECHANICAL
The 2006 Lancer Evolution features a standard two-liter DOHC
16-valve I-4 intercooled turbocharged engine, which is enhanced this
year with variable valve technology (VVT). This Mitsubishi
Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) system
utilizes a VVT sprocket to optimize valve timing relative to the
engine condition. This technological advancement, combined with
enhancements to the vehicle's turbocharger, produces higher torque
and better response for improved engine performance across the
Lancer Evolution IX's full rpm range. The improved powerplant
reaches 286 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 289 foot-pounds of torque at
a very low 3,500 rpm.
New gear ratios on the models' standard five-speed manual
transmission take full advantage of the increased torque to improve
the vehicle's already blistering acceleration. This transmission is
derived from the Mitsubishi close-ratio competition gearbox but has
a modified top gear ratio for improved high-speed cruising. The
Lancer Evolution MR features a six-speed close-ratio manual
transmission.
The Lancer Evolution also features front- and rear-limited slip
differentials, and four-wheel ventilated BREMBO(TM) disc brakes to
help control the beast.
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