I've been trying to figure out exactly why I (really) like our modified 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR. Its quickness and its point-and-shoot handling certainly are part of it. And, even it's not cool to do so, I like that the car is loud.
Is the exhaust maybe a little too loud to be practical? Yeah, and I've paid my dues in the form of dirty looks from neighbors and strip-mall patrons.
But the rest of the existing engine modifications on our long-termer are right on. Much as Chris wrote earlier, they help the Evolution X feel a little more like the Evo IX. They don't restore the high-rpm rush of the old iron-block engine, but the GSR still feels like it might explode as the turbocharger ramps up to full boost. And whether you're on or off throttle, various interior panels are buzzing and vibrating as the car attempts to shake itself apart.
This is a good thing. This car is hard-core and demands that you accept it as such. That means there's compromise: It will never be as tight and rattle-free as a BMW 3 Series or Lexus IS. I don't care what anyone says, though: The ride may be noisy in our Evo GSR, but the ride quality is just fine.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 13,208 miles
sgude says:
11:31 AM, 11/26/08
Awesome! Tell 'em your opinion and don't give a damn what they think! As Marv Albert says, "YyyEEEESSSSS!!!"
That top-end rush is why I still like the Evo IX, but to be fair, I have not driven the X. Yet...
huyracing says:
02:58 PM, 11/26/08
i'll tell you why you like it... its fast and cheap. you can drive it everywhere without much worry about maintenance or getting a dent or scratch. you cannot do that in an expensive supercar... in those you cannot even go up a driveway very fast. when i had my WRX, i would charge up driveways and catch some air. yee hawwwwww! it might as well be painted orange with a confederate flag on the roof...
stingray454 says:
08:17 AM, 11/28/08
"And whether you're on or off throttle, various interior panels are buzzing and vibrating as the car attempts to shake itself apart.
This is a good thing. This car is hard-core and demands that you accept it as such. "
If a car like the Chevy Cobalt SS had buzzing and vibrating interior panels, it would be considered a piece of American junk with sub-par quality, instead of a "good thing." Right, Erin? Come on, fess up.
eriches says:
02:10 AM, 12/ 1/08
No need, stingray. I happen to like the Chevrolet Cobalt SS -- http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=125288. If I could stand the way the car looked, I might even buy one because I dig how it drives. -ER