2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

We've already done more than a few hot laps in Mitsubishi's new 2008 Lancer Evolution, but until recently, we hadn't yet driven the MR version, which is equipped with Mitsu's much-hyped new twin-clutch tranny. So we put the MR through our test regimen, took it out to the track, and drove it in the real world to see how the top-tier Evo stacks up.

Despite the Evo MR's fancy launch controlled sprint, the best 0-60 time we could manage was 5.2 seconds. Quick, but not exactly awe inspiring. The MR covered the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds at 100 mph flat.

On the skidpad, the Evo tilted the world back on its axis breaking the 1.0g barrier for lateral acceleration. It also flew through our figure-eight test in 24.7 seconds and pulled 0.77 g in the process. When stomping on the binders, the 3608-pound car went from 60 to 0 in a scant 104 feet.

After crunching the numbers, it was off to the Reno-Fernley Raceway in Nevada for some track time. Thin and hard, the Evo's tiller gives the impression that you're hardwired into the car; the action is light, accurate, and unnervingly fast at first. Once underway, the precision of the Evolution makes it easy to relax and focus on the technical, 2.74-mile Fernley track. It has a planted feel and little body roll, which means 115-mph entries into the double S-turns can be taken with a lot less pucker.

The all-wheel-drive Evo does have a problem of keeping its nose pointed in the right direction. But, oh, what a problem to have; at wide open in the MR, four-wheel drifts are an enviable distraction, easy to control or simply avoid once you learn to trust the car. The trick is to fight the instinct to slam on the brakes and, instead, keep the throttle pinned. The Evo's fancy Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system takes care of the rest by sending just the right amount of power through three differentials; accelerating the outside rear wheel, retarding the inside rear wheel, or shifting up to 50 percent of the power to both front wheels.

Thanks to the MR's paddle-shiftable six-speed Twin-Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST), the Evo always seems to be in the right gear as well. For fast lapping, we've learned to leave the MR in Super-Sport mode and ignore the paddles-so spot on is the TC-SST's automatic shift logic. We've come to expect perfect throttle-blipped downshifts and gears run to redline from these types of transmissions, but are impressed that the MR always has us high in the right gear, even in the slowest of corners. Test editor Scott Mortara can't say enough about it, "The Evo has the best version of this kind of transmission to date. It's just amazing."

Out on the open road, over potholes and expansion joints, the Evo rattles like an empty Danish cookie tin. On long hauls, the stiff chassis tuning and lack of sound-deadening lay siege to the senses.

Despite the rough ride, a few editors feel like the tradeoff would be worth it. Says Mortara, "I'll give up a better interior for a car that to me performs better, looks better, and has a distinct personality-the Evo MR."