Lancer EVO VIII in RHD in Spring

29 December 2003: The new Lancer Evolution VIII MR will be launched in Europe-specification RHD form in April 2004.

The car made its debut at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show in October and uses Mitsubishi’s own 4WD control system and a Bilstein suspension.

Forged alloy road wheels reduce the unsprung weight, while the centre of gravity has been lowered by the use of aluminium for the roof panel and weight reductions to the upper half of the body.

There have been detail improvements to the electronic 4WD system, and to the ACD (Active Centre Differential) + Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) handling systems. The engine has been tuned for competition use with emphasis on power output in the mid-to-high speed bands.

Exterior and interior trim elements include Recaro full-bucket front seats with mono-tone suede leather, carbon-finish dashboard and black headlamp reflectors.

A cheaper and less powerful version, the Evolution VIII 260, with its engine tuned to develop 263 bhp @ 3600 rpm. It has a top speed of 152mph.

©2003 irishcar.com