2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

After a stint in the Maxima, editor-at-large Arthur St. Antoine took a more rewarding drive in the Evo. "Not as sharp-edged as its predecessor, but the X is a far finer car. 'Getting beat up' and 'great handling' are not synonymous; thus, my preference for the softer X. I don't notice that much-if any-handling loss, yet the driving experience is far more rewarding. The X turns-in nicely, rolls over a bit, but hangs on fine. The IX just smacked at you. Paddle shifters work quite well, and the X is great fun to spur along a twisting road. This isn't the kind of car I'd normally turn to-it's a bit too flagrant and boy racer-but I enjoy driving it. That's something I didn't say much about the IX."

Web producer Carlos Lago concurs: "I fully subscribe to the church of the SST. It's a great transmission."