All photos by Mitsubishi
07/12/2011
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There are factory tuned cars and there are truly tuned factory cars and the latter is where the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE stands. As long as you know what you're getting into with the Lancer Evo, the fun starts when you get behind the wheel.
Exterior
Many eyes have checked out the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE on their TV screen but in person is where everything really comes together. Our graphite gray test model came with an impressive exterior boasting fog lights, flared fenders, an aluminum roof panel, flashy aluminum front fenders with vents and an aluminum hood with heat extractor vents. These features combined make for a standout look on the Lancer Evo. The 18-inch alloy wheels with 245/40 R18 Yokohama advance tires and rear lip spoiler sent a clear message that the Evo is not just about looks but built for performance. The larger side air dams, tail lamps with black extensions and a 200 mm antenna were all updated for this model. The boxed fenders stand out on the road and reinforce the street wise Special Edition Lancer Evo. The dual chromed exhaust is for performance rather than aesthetics. Mitsubishi knows how to finish what they started with a tuned street ride.
Interior
The interior of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Special Edition 4-door sedan keeps it real with black fabric seats and a dashboard that has matured in time. The current model has a new, high-contrast multi-color LCD instrument meter to enhance visibility while a leather-clad parking brake lever with chrome release button adds a premium touch. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has mounted cruise control along with audio switches. The Recaro heated front sport seats hug the driver and passenger, security that we relished when taking on the worst of the road. Bluetooth hands free system coupled with a 140-watt CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers make life easier while driving. The overall interior won't compete with top of the line sedans when it comes to luxury features but, you have to remember, the Evo is built for speed so some sacrifices will have to be made when it comes to comfort.
Performance
Ah, This is where the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Special Edition 4-door sedan really shines. Our model sported a 2.0-liter DOHC I4 Mivec Turbo engine with twin clutch sportronic shift transmission which growled when we hit the gas pedal and downshifted. We admired the the ultra-high performance suspension package that employs Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, two-piece Brembo front brake rotors with remarkable stopping power and Mitsubishi's lightning-fast Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) that allows for split-second gear shifts via either steering wheel paddle shifters or the shift lever without a clutch pedal. The all-aluminum 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system deliver one of the most fun driving experiences I've had in a while. The Evo SE delivered remarkable handling and power (able to hit 60 in 4.6 seconds) on both the open road and in the city.
Overview
In an extremely crowded auto market and even tougher 4-door sedan segment, few cars stand out anymore. That is not the case with the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE. The tuned muscular appearance makes its mark on the road. This car is for the hardcore enthusiast who really appreciates speed and overall performance and the Evo SE delivers. Fuel economy leaves some room for improvement at 17mpg city and 22mpg highway with a smaller than expected tank to boot. For the streetwise looks and wildly fun performance the media loaner we cruised in stickered out at $36,550. The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Sport Edition will never make the top ten in the sales charts for 4-door sedans but for those who aspire to a superior driving experience, this car delivers satisfaction even on a short trip to the grocery store.
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