2010 Lancer Evolution Offers Greater Everyday Refinement With Turbo/Intercooled Engine, Super-All Wheel Control, And New Upscale MR Touring Model
10/01/2009
Mitsubishi
While remaining true to the core values that have made the Lancer Evolution synonymous with thrilling performance, the next-generation 2010 model offers new premium features and user technology options for a more refined everyday driving experience.
The boldly styled 2010 Lancer Evolution showcases the latest performance and handling technology, including an all-aluminum 291-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged/intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. S-AWC offers an extraordinary level of grip and control at each wheel, going well beyond the capabilities of other all-wheel drive systems.
Three different Lancer Evolution models will be offered in the U.S. market for 2010: the GSR with a 5-speed manual transmission and the Lancer Evolution MR and MR Touring, both with a 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), a new-generation automated manual transmission. The MR model is equipped exclusively with Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs, two-piece front brake rotors for better heat dissipation, BBS forged-alloy wheels, HID headlamps and additional interior features. The MR Touring model adds to the MR's impressive list of features with such premium options as a power glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, rear lip spoiler, automatic on/off headlamps, insulated front windshield glass, and improved sound insulation. The GSR is now also available in Rotor Glow Orange.
Design Evolution
The 2010 Lancer Evolution design makes a maximum performance statement, blending concept car themes and sound aerodynamic principles while conveying the brand's rally heritage. A shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the basic design. New for 2010 are updated larger side air dams, tail lamps with black extensions and a short pole 200mm antenna. The new Lancer Evolution looks the part of a street-wise sports machine with its unique front end, aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets, boxed fenders and 18-inch wheels.
Inside, the Lancer Evolution presents a "class up" approach and shows a new international flair. Available user technology, including high-end Rockford Fosgate(R) audio and navigation systems, reflects the tastes of a broadening customer base.
2.0-Liter Turbocharged Engine
A 2.0-liter intercooled and turbocharged DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, based on a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block, powers the 2010 Lancer Evolution. The 4B11 T/C engine employs a direct-acting valvetrain for reduced weight and MIVEC variable valve timing is used on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The rear-located (firewall side) stainless steel exhaust manifold helps improve weight distribution and the free-breathing exhaust system features a large-volume main muffler with dual tailpipe outlets.
Keeping with the Lancer Evolution's sporty background, the 4B11 produces a healthy 291 hp at 6,500 rpm and 300 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,400 rpm. Even with these solid power figures, the Lancer Evolution models feature a highway fuel economy rating of 22 MPG.
TC-SST Automated Manual Transmission
Exclusive to the Evolution MR and MR Touring models for 2010, the 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic ShiftTransmission (TC-SST) is an automated manual transmission capable of executing lightning-quick upshifts with no drop-off in engine power. The TC-SST features both a console-mounted shifter and magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters and offers manual and fully automatic modes.
Essentially, the TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, awaiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made - either manually or automatically depending on mode selected - when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are "swapped," which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.
The TC-SST offers three drive modes - Normal, Sport and S-Sport - and within each, the driver may choose automatic or manual shifting. Sport mode uses higher shift points (in Automatic) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. Sport mode is also useful for driving in mountainous areas or when engine braking is required. The S-Sport mode can be selected for performance driving situations, such as track events.
Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC)
In the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) regulates drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including: Active Center Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sports ABS brakes.
The ACD splits torque up to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels using an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. With input from the S-AWC computer, ACD regulates the differential limiting action to optimize the front/rear wheel torque split. The S-AWC computer takes data input from steering wheel angle, throttle opening, wheel speeds, and the vehicle's longitudinal and lateral movements to determine the vehicle's path of travel. As the previous Lancer Evolution did, the 2010 model offers three driver-selectable traction modes: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow.
The innovative AYC rear differential uses a torque transfer mechanism to control rear wheel torque differential for different driving conditions, enhancing cornering performance by limiting the yaw moment acting on the vehicle. The AYC differential in the 2010 Lancer Evolution model features yaw feedback control using a yaw rate sensor and also braking force control via ASC. Both models use a helical gear-type limited-slip front differential.
Specially Engineered Chassis
The super-stiff structure, optimized chassis systems, wider use of aluminum for the engine, body, and chassis components, as well as greater use of high-tensile steel, all play important roles in the Lancer Evolution's Super-All Wheel Control concept. The roof, hood, front fenders and both the front and rear bumper beams are aluminum. For better weight distribution, the vehicle battery and the windshield washer fluid tank are located in the trunk area.
The Lancer Evolution features its own unique suspension system, including inverted struts in front and a rear multi-link configuration. Race-proven forged aluminum components reduce unsprung weight. Both MR models substitute Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers for even better handling performance. Due to the high rigidity of the global C-platform, the Lancer Evolution's suspension can be tuned to provide a more compliant and stable ride without compromising handling performance.
The standard 18 × 8.5-inch wheels (Enkei cast-alloy on GSR and BBS(R) forged-alloy on MR) carry 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires. Both the MR and GSR models employ the same size rotors (13.8-in. diameter in front and 13.0-in diameter in the rear), and the MR models use two-piece front rotor construction to reduce weight. (The 2-piece disc is 2.9 lbs. lighter per wheel.) Both models use 4-piston calipers in front and 2-piston calipers in the rear.
Better Everyday Driver
Further balancing performance with value and luxury, Mitsubishi has been able to equip the
Lancer Evolution to be a markedly better car for everyday driving. A new high-contrast multi-color LCD instrument meter enhances visibility while a leather parking brake lever with chrome release button adds a premium feel. The MR and MR Touring see the increased addition of Phantom Black interior accents with storage compartments and a standard FAST Key(TM) entry system. FAST Key allows the driver to unlock the vehicle simply by having the remote in a pocket or purse and grasping the handle on either of the front doors or the trunk.
New for 2010, the Lancer Evolution MR Touring model offers a premium, upscale feature package geared towards everyday driving. Adding to the MR's premium feel, the MR Touring includes such further options as a power glass sunroof, leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, rear lip spoiler, automatic on/off headlamps, insulated front windshield glass, and improved sound insulation.
Available user technology, including Rockford Fosgate(R) audio and navigation systems, reflects the tastes of a broadening customer base. A hands-free Bluetooth(TM) cell phone interface system is now standard on all models, as well as an MP3 auxiliary input jack . The MR and MR Touring models now feature a standard Rockford-Fosgate Punch(R) 710-watt (max.) premium sound system with 10-in. subwoofer, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, and SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio and a three-month service subscription.
The available Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package for the Lancer Evolution GSR combines the HID headlights, large rear spoiler and the Rockford-Fosgate Punch(R) 710-watt (max.) premium sound system with 10-in. subwoofer, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, FAST-key and SIRIUS(R) Satellite Radio with a three-month service subscription.
Safety
The 2010 Lancer Evolution is built around Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design. The RISE body structure disperses energy loads during side and rear crashes and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and also helping to protect the fuel system during a rear impact.
The 2010 Lancer's safety package is one of the most comprehensive in the segment and includes an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver's knee air bag. The standard anti-lock braking system (Sports ABS) integrates electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and all Lancer models feature a tire pressure monitoring system.
Lancer Evolution Warranty
Lancer Evolution is covered by a bumper-to-bumper, New Vehicle Limited Warranty of 36 months or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first). The restraints system and the highly technical powertrain are covered by a 5-year or 60,000 miles Powertrain Limited Warranty, an Anti-Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty for 7-years or 100,000 miles and a generous 5-year, unlimited miles timeframe for roadside assistance. All warranties are transferable to subsequent owners; coverage time begins on the original in-service date (does not start over with resale.)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 430 dealers.