The 2010 Lancer Evolution offers a simplified model lineup with styling differences, more standard luxury, an optional handling package and a number of other model year improvements.
Lancer Evolution is an ultra high performance, five passenger sports sedan that showcases several cutting edge technologies, including Super All Wheel Control (S AWC), which was named best new technology by the Automotive Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) on February 11, 2009.
Two models for 2010: Lancer Evolution GSR and MR
Two Lancer Evolution models are offered in Canada, the GSR and the MR. Both are meant for normal street use and as such have many comfort and convenience features as standard equipment. Lancer Evolution GSR features a 5 speed manual transmission. Lancer Evolution MR features the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST). And both models are equipped with Super All Wheel Control (S AWC).
What's new for 2010 – selected items
Models: Base GSR has Lancer Ralliart type rear wing spoiler; GSR with available Handling Package has larger rear wing spoiler (formerly on MR models); MR model has no rear wing spoiler; Premium Package is now standard equipment on MR; RS model discontinued
Standard Equipment: colour Multi-Information Display; new instrument panel gauge design; intelligent washer; short pole antenna; improved interior door trim; redesigned side air dam; leather wrapped parking brake handle; flat wiper blades
Available GSR Handling Package: Bilstein®/Eibach® suspension; 18 inch BBS forged alloy wheels; Brembo® 2-piece front rotors; large rear wing spoiler
Premium Package Upgrades: full leather seats, front and rear; Rockford audio system now 710 watts; HDD Navigation system now 40GB, music server portion now 10GB; Rain-sensing wipers and Auto light control; floor console box lids; chrome pin molding accent; rear wing spoiler deleted
Two bold looks consistent with a World Rally Championship heritage
The 2010 Lancer Evolution makes a strong visual statement consistent with its world rally heritage. A shark nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge like profile and crisp taut lines highlight the Lancer Evolution design. And it looks the part of a street wise sports machine with its aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets, boxed fenders and 18-inch alloy wheels with Brembo® brakes. GSR models feature a rear spoiler; GSR models with the optional Handling Package have a large rear spoiler while the MR does not have a rear spoiler.
291 horsepower: a 2.0 litre intercooled-turbocharged engine
The 2010 Lancer Evolution's 4B11 engine is an intercooled-turbocharged 2.0 litre DOHC, 16 valve, MIVEC, inline 4-cylinder. The 4B11 is built with a reinforced cast aluminum cylinder block and aluminum is also used for the cylinder head and cover and the timing chain case. The 4B11 does not use a balancer shaft, made possible by its inherently low noise and vibration and the use of hydraulic engine mounts. This engine produces 291 hp at 6,500 rpm and 300 lb-ft of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. It also has a broad torque curve and the turbocharger yields quick response at low engine speeds.
A direct acting valvetrain is used in place of a roller rocker arm configuration, for reduced weight. A timing chain is used instead of a belt and MIVEC variable valve timing is used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The rear located stainless steel exhaust manifold helps improve weight distribution and the free-breathing exhaust system features a large volume main muffler with dual tailpipe outlets.
The TC-SST: A brilliant automated manual transmission
Standard equipment on Lancer Evolution MR for 2010, the 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning quick upshifts with no drop off in engine power. The TC SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.
Essentially, the TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, waiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made – either manually or automatically depending on mode selected – when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are "swapped," which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.
The TC-SST offers three drive modes – Normal, Sport and S-Sport – and within each, the driver may choose automatic or manual shifting. Sport mode uses higher shift points (in automatic mode) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required. The S-Sport mode can be selected for performance driving situations, such as track events (S-Sport mode can be engaged only with the vehicle at a complete standstill, with the transmission in "PARK". Push the mode selector switch forward as far as possible for three seconds and S-Sport will engage).
Allowing drivers of all abilities to shift rapidly up and down through the gears, the TC SST delivers satisfying acceleration while also returning superior fuel mileage, thanks to its high efficiency power transmission mechanism.
Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
In the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) is not simply the name of a new all-wheel drive system, but an advanced vehicle dynamics control network that reads and reflects driver intent in real time. This brilliant new system regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies. These technologies include: Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive; Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential; Active Stability Control (ASC); and Sports ABS brakes; all of which provide feedback to the S AWC system.
S AWC is the culmination of more than 20 years of Mitsubishi road and rally four-wheel drive innovation and experience. By introducing S AWC to the 2010 Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi is continuing to advance four-wheel drive performance technology. As a result, the new Lancer Evolution offers an extraordinary level of dynamic control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems. The benefit of S AWC is that it helps the driver maintain control of the vehicle during acceleration, deceleration and cornering, under all driving conditions, at all times.
Below is a short description and benefit for each technology. (Note: A separate S AWC technical release contains more detailed descriptions of each technology)
ACD – Active Centre Differential
The ACD splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels using an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. With constant input from the S-AWC computer, ACD regulates the differential limiting action to optimize the front/rear wheel torque split. The S-AWC computer continually takes data input from the steering wheel angle, throttle opening, wheel speeds, and the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral movements to determine the vehicle's path of travel and continually sends instructions to the ACD. The 2010 Lancer Evolution offers three driver selectable traction modes for the ACD, changeable while the car is moving: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. In each mode, S AWC adjusts the center differential locking behavior to suit the road conditions. An information monitor, located between the tachometer and speedometer, displays the selected ACD mode and also provides status indicators for ACD and AYC operation. The driver can see at a glance how each differential is acting. The benefit of ACD is improved steering response and better traction.
AYC – Active Yaw Control
The innovative AYC rear differential uses a torque transfer mechanism to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions, which enhances cornering performance by limiting the yaw moment (rotational forces) acting on the vehicle. The AYC differential in the 2010 Lancer Evolution model adds yaw feedback control using a yaw rate sensor and also gains braking force control via ASC. Like ACD, AYC is controlled by the S-AWC computer, using inputs from the steering wheel angle, throttle opening, individual wheel speeds, and longitudinal and lateral movements. By controlling the amount of torque transmitted to the rear wheels when there is less or more traction, or a difference in grip on the road surface, AYC helps to improve acceleration and stability on slippery roads.
ASC – Active Stability Control
Integrated management of the ASC and ABS systems allows S-AWC to effectively and seamlessly control vehicle dynamics when accelerating, decelerating or cornering. The ASC system, which includes stability control and traction control, helps to maintain optimum traction by regulating engine power and the braking force at each wheel. ASC helps the driver follow a chosen line more closely by comparing the car's path (as determined from yaw rate sensor data) to the desired path (as determined from steering inputs) and applies individual wheel braking or throttle control to correct any divergence. ASC also enhances vehicle stability by helping to prevent wheel spin on slippery surfaces, and helping to prevent sliding as the result of sudden steering inputs.
Sport ABS – Sport Anti-lock Braking System
With Sport ABS, the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) uses information from a steering angle sensor that detects steering inputs as well as from lateral g-force and vehicle speed sensors to apportion pressure to each of the four wheels independently. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), an integral part of Sport ABS, optimizes allocation of braking force between the front and rear wheels. By increasing the pressure applied to the rear wheels when braking close to the limit, EBD reduces the load on the front wheels, to realize better anti-fade performance. The result is improved steering response under braking. The system also compensates for changes in surface and vehicle load conditions to ensure predictable and consistent stopping performance.
Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
The 2010 Lancer Evolution is built on the latest global performance platform. This is essentially the same platform used for all Lancers but has further structural enhancements to the front and rear suspension areas to become the Lancer Evolution.
The super-stiff structure, optimized chassis systems, wider use of aluminum for the engine, body, and chassis components, as well as greater use of high-tensile steel, all play important roles in the Super All Wheel Control concept. The hood, front fenders and both the front and rear bumper beams are aluminum. For better weight distribution, the vehicle battery and the windshield washer fluid tank have been moved to the trunk area.
Lancer Evolution features its own unique suspension system, including inverted struts in front and a rear multi-link configuration. Race proven forged aluminum components help reduce unsprung weight. The MR model plus GSR models equipped with the optional Handling Package substitute Eibach® springs and Bilstein® shock absorbers for even better handling. And due to the high rigidity of the new global C-platform, the Lancer Evolution suspension has been tuned to provide a more compliant and stable ride than before without compromising handling performance.
The standard 18 x 8.5-inch wheels (Enkei® cast-alloy on GSR and BBS® forged-alloy on MR and GSR with the optional Handling Package) carry 245/40R18 Yokohama® ADVAN® asymmetrical performance tires. GSR models employ the same size Brembo® rotors, 350 mm (13.8 in.) diameter in front and 330 mm (13.0 in.) diameter in the rear, and the MR model and GSR models with the optional Handling Package use a two-piece rotor construction to reduce weight. The 2-piece disc is 1.3 kg. (2.9 lbs.) lighter per wheel. All models use 4-piston calipers in front and 2-piston calipers in the rear.
A lot more convenient, a lot more comfortable
With brilliant performance assured, Mitsubishi has equipped the 2010 Lancer Evolution with a host of standard comfort and convenience features including:
- Recaro® front seats
- colour keyed door handles & mirrors
- fog lamps • sport leather wrapped steering wheel
- leather wrapped gear knob
- leather wrapped parking brake with chrome accent
- aluminum pedals
- tilt steering
- power windows
- central locking
- variable intermittent wipers
- remote trunk release
- cruise control
- automatic climate control
- keyless entry
- steering wheel mounted ACD controls (GSR)
- AM/FM/CD stereo with 6 speakers (GSR)
and more.
Handling Package, extra cost option on Evolution GSR:
- Brembo® 2-piece front rotors
- Bilstein® front and rear shock absorbers
- Eibach® coil springs
- BBS® 18x8.5" forged alloy wheels
- Large rear spoiler
Premium Package, standard on Evolution MR:
- Power glass sunroof with sunshade
- Full leather seating surfaces
- Auto rain-sensing wipers
- Auto on/off headlamp control
- Phantom black and silver interior accent panels and trims
- Center console storage with lid
- Insulated front windshield glass
- Improved sound insulation
- Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS)
- GPS navigation with Diamond Lane Guidance
- 40GB hard drive with digital Music Server
- In-dash DVD/CD player
- Multi-function 7" colour LCD touchscreen
- 710W (max) Rockford Fosgate high performance audio system
- Sirius satellite radio with six months complimentary service
- Steering wheel mounted audio controls
- Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface system with voice recognition
The MR model also features:
- HID headlamps
- body colour hood and fender vents
- FAST-key entry system
- extra sound insulation.
Passive Safety
The 2010 Lancer Evolution is built around Mitsubishi's Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design. The RISE body structure disperses energy loads during side and rear crashes and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and also helping to protect the fuel system during a rear impact.
The 2010 Lancer Evolution's safety package is one of the most comprehensive in the segment and includes an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors; standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags; a driver's knee air bag; height adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters; LATCH system for CRS; Sport ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD); plus all Lancer Evolution models feature a tire pressure monitoring system.
Source: Mitsubishi
