full story here
http://autoweek.com/cat_content.mv?p..._code=05031754

 

Mitsubishi trimmed 146 pounds of ¡§nonessential¡¨ items from its already-stellar Lancer Evolution for even more performance. Those items include the wing; HID lights (replaced with halogens); rear wiper; air conditioning; ABS; power motors for the windows, doors, locks and side mirrors; the entire audio system; trim in the trunk; vanity mirrors; rear assist grips; map lights; lots of sound-deadening material and even that little piece of leather wrapping that goes around the parking brake lever.

Then it added a helical limited-slip differential to replace the Evolution¡¦s open diff, a crossbar over the spare tire hole in the trunk, and a strut tower brace in front.

Is it really better? Maybe on an autocross.

We drove several Evolution and Evolution RS models back-to-back on the big track at Willow Springs in the California desert, where speeds of more than 100 mph are the norm for most of the course, and we couldn¡¦t feel the difference. The RS¡¦s limited-slip grabbed better going into some turns, but the rear wing starts generating downforce at 86 mph, so the non-RS felt a little more stable in the faster sweepers.

Lauchlin O¡¦Sullivan, Mitsubishi¡¦s SCCA ProRally driver, said he thought the RS was lighter under braking and acceleration, and he should know. The spec sheet shows there should be a difference, but it would be a difference measured in tenths of a second, well within the limits of driver error.

Performance measures aside, Mitsubishi says the lack of stuff makes the RS more ¡§customizable.¡¨ You can add your own stereo, for instance.

There are no RS badges anywhere, either, just blacked-out door handles and mirrors to let everyone know you¡¦re serious about motorsports. Mitsubishi says the 700 RS models for the abbreviated 2004 model year will go on sale at the end of January. More will come for 2005. Pricing will be under $27,000.

Is it evolutionary or de-evolutionary? That may be for you to decide.

 

ugly

 

how come everything is ugly to you??? hehe...

 

bleh

 

WTF a stock evo has an open diff?
Anyway, unless this RS is priced to compete with a WRX (~$20k) its completely pointless. Article says under $27k? Ooo I'm impressed MMC

 

I want that done to an STI (aka spec-c!)

 

This is the way I would go if I were in the market for a new car. I don't need the bling wing or garish graphics or wannabe rice body kits. This is the way Chevrolet used to build their highest performance cars in the '60s and is still the way for other companies to build it now. Bare bones, lightweight (or at least lighter than a standard model), ready for competition prep work. Form follows function.

The only concession I would want regarding creature comforts is air-conditioning. It's hard for me to drive around in 90 to 100+ degree weather in the summertime without it. Unfortunately, a/c is one of the heaviest systems on any car.

Props also to Mitubishi for (hopefully) trying to sell the car at ~$27k, instead of charging a higher premium for a limited edition car. I buy cars to drive, not as a collector or investor. Nothin's worse than seeing your dream car driven by some valet parking attendant at a shopping mall or upscale restaurant.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

 

Sweet car! But, like the other poster mentioned, life w/o A/C in California sucks!

 

teh Spec C has a spoiler, I jsut want to get teh Spec C suspension & tuning goodies put on when I get my STi!

 

I'm all for making cars lighter, but.....NO ABS!!! I don't car how good of a driver you are (unless you're Kimi Raikkonen or Michael Schumacher), but ABS should be standard on a car w/ that much performance potential.

 

no AC in a car is torture! forget that!

 

If you could get the AC + HID kit as a option,. it wouldn't be too bad. i would pay ~25k for it, but not 27K without AC.

 

I like the fact that it costs less. $25k would seriously take a bite out of the WRX market, but I think 27K is only going to push people already thinking of the evo over the edge.

Good move in general, hopefully this will get Subaru to bring out a Spec C!

 

The front diff in the current USDM Evo is open, VC middle and Torsien rear.

This car will have a diff in the front like the STi in addition to the two already in the car.

--kC