Thanks to its potent turbocharged and intercooled powerplant, precision-tuned handling, communicative steering feel and 4-door configuration, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is an ultra-high-performance sports car that allows the driver to take to the track – along with several of his/her like-minded friends.
For the 2014 model year, the Lancer Evolution gains several upscale-oriented improvements to make an already very enjoyable ride an even more sumptuous experience. These new features include:
- 6.1-in. touchscreen display audio system
- HD Radio®
- SIRIUSXM® satellite radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription
- An available MMCS navigation system with 7-in. high-definition touch panel, voice command, 3D mapping, point-of-interest information, real-time traffic and Mapcare® including two updates
Pulse-Pounding Turbocharged Power
With a ready 291 bhp on tap at 6,500 rpm and a full 300 lb.-ft. of torque beginning at 4,000 rpm, the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-4-cylinder engine feels completely willing and able at virtually any mark on the tachometer.
This 4B11 T/C powerplant features a "square" design with a bore and stroke each measuring 86.0 mm, a compression ratio of 9.0:1 and a reinforced cast-aluminum engine block and an aluminum cylinder head. Power production is further maximized by the installation of a high-volume free-flow exhaust system with dual exhaust outlets, while weight balance is improved with the turbocharger and stainless steel exhaust manifold positioned close to the firewall at the rear of the engine.
Rally Racing-Derived Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)
Having won numerous drivers' championships – including four straight from 1996 through 1999 with Finnish racing legend Tommi Mäkinen – in the extremely challenging on- and off-road circuits featured in the World Rally Championship (WRC), this specialized racing discipline has proven to be the fertile real-world test bed for developing Mitsubishi Motors' exceptionally capable Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system.
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution employs a network of highly advanced components in the company's trademark Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system to achieve maximum tractability, safety, handling and performance. These include an Active Center Differential (ACD) and a rear differential with Active Yaw Control (AYC), a Sport ABS braking system and Active Stability Control (ASC).
Allowing up to a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels, the Active Center Differential (ACD) controls the power routed to the wheels via an electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch based on a number of parameters including steering wheel angle, throttle opening, and individual wheel speeds.
The Active Yaw Control (AYC) controls torque distribution to the vehicle's rear wheels through yaw rate sensors, brake force control from the Active Stability Control (ASC) and the planetary gear rear differential.
The Active Stability Control (ASC) oversees the traction and stability control systems and helps prevent wheel slip and regulates brake force and power distribution at each individual wheel for improved stability and traction when cornering.
The Sport Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) utilizes data from the S-AWC and the yaw rate sensors, along with advanced brake pressure, to rapidly decelerate the vehicle with exceptional poise and control.
Mitsubishi Motors' Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system may be complex, but the system greatly simplifies matters for the driver, thanks to three selectable traction modes – Tarmac, Gravel and Snow – for maximum performance on low-grip surfaces and/or in poor weather conditions.
Chassis/Suspension: More Than Up to the Task
Underpinning the 2014 Lancer Evolution is the same well-engineered global platform that serves as the foundation for not only the Lancer sports sedan and the stylish 5-door Lancer Sportback models but also the popular Outlander and Outlander Sport crossover vehicles.
The competition-based high-performance suspension on the Lancer Evolution consists of inverted MacPherson struts at the front of the vehicle with a multi-link design at the rear. In addition to the suspension's aluminum control arms, this strong yet lightweight alloy can be found throughout the vehicle to help reduce overall vehicle weight: the front fenders, hood, roof and front and rear bumper beams are composed of aluminum. In a further nod to reducing vehicle mass and while improving weight distribution for better overall driving dynamics, the battery and the windshield washer fluid tank have been relocated to the trunk.
Decisions, Decisions: Lancer Evolution GSR or MR?
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR combines all of the athleticism and performance that we have come to expect from the legendary Lancer Evolution lineage – including a precise short-throw 5-speed manual transmission – along with a very attractive price.
A long list of welcome standard features and amenities are included on every Lancer Evolution GSR model: highly supportive Recaro® semi-bucket sport seats; leather-wrapped sport steering wheel; lightweight Enkei® alloy wheels; Yokohama Advan® high-performance tires; Brembo® brakes; and a large, eye-catching rear deck lid spoiler.
The 5-speed manual transmission-equipped 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR achieves an EPA-rated 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway.
Perhaps the most prominent feature that separates the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR from the GSR edition is a very special transmission that is nothing short of an engineering masterpiece.
Mitsubishi Motors' Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) performs virtually instantaneous split-second shifts through its 6-speed gearbox, whether the transmission is operating in "automatic" mode or is being "manually" shifted by the driver via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters or by pushing forward/pulling back on the console-mounted gear shift lever.
Mitsubishi Motors engineers programmed three automatic drive modes for the Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST): Normal, Sport and S-Sport. In Normal mode, the Lancer Evolution drives similar to most automatic transmission-equipped vehicles. In Sport mode, the shift points are moved higher in the rpm range and shifting has been quickened. The S-Sport mode goes further, holding each gear close to redline, and is optimized for the racetrack.
Other 2014 Lancer Evolution MR exclusive features include an upgraded sport-tuned suspension fitted with Bilstein® shock absorbers and Eibach® springs, BBS® forged-alloy wheels, special lightweight two-piece Brembo® front brake rotors (each set 2.9 lbs. lighter than those found on the GSR model), and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights.
The 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR with the TC-SST twin-clutch gearbox has an EPA mileage rating of 17 mpg city/ 22 mpg highway.
And whether a 2014 Mitsubishi Motors Lancer Evolution customer eventually chooses a GSR or MR model, these vehicles feature a jam-packed standard features package including a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with cruise and audio controls; an aerodynamically-enhancing rear diffuser; power windows, mirrors and door locks; automatic climate control; form-fitting Recaro® front bucket sport seats; remote keyless entry and Mitsubishi Motors' FUSE Hands-Free Link System® that allows users to wirelessly connect to their Bluetooth®-enabled cell phone, iPod® or USB drive by using their voice.
Safety and Warranty: Additional Piece of Mind
Helping to protect the 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution occupants in the event of an accident are Mitsubishi Motors' patented next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) technology to help disperse energy from the cabin section as well as the fuel system, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors and a total of seven air bags: a driver's side knee air bag, two advanced dual-stage front air bags with occupant seat position sensors, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags and two side curtain air bags.
An extensive vehicle warranty includes a fully transferable 3-year/36,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty; a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty (applicable to the vehicle's original purchaser); a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty; and a 5-year/unlimited miles roadside assistance program.
Source: Mitsubishi