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Entered CNET Catalog: 09/20/2005
SKU: 100530522
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors
Product summary
The good: The turbocharger and the MIVEC system on the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX's engine deliver a jaw-dropping performance, while a smart differential system gives the car amazing grip even when pushed to extremes.
The bad: The lack of a trip computer and a GPS system in the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX is noticeable even while you're having fun out in the countryside, while an acceleration dead zone before 3,500rpm can lead to unpleasant surprises in traffic.
The bottom line: The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX is a fantastically fun car to drive spiritedly and show off to friends, but the lack of in-cabin technology and sudden engine power can make it a bit tiresome in everyday driving.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 12/07/2005
These systems all contribute to impressive performance. We managed 0 to 60mph in 4.45 seconds. The Brembro brakes, modulated by Mitsubishi's Sports ABS, can haul the car down from 60mph in a scant 115 feet. For the price, the only other car that is remotely close is fellow WRC contender and chief rival, the Subaru WRX STi. The option-free 2006 Evolution IX we tested came in at $31,399.
Our first look at the very aggressive nose of the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX told us this car is all about performance--just standing still, the thing practically screams for a speeding ticket. The most noticeable external change from the Evo VIII is the front fascia, which has been resculpted with larger air intakes below the front bumper and a single opening on the upper grille. Darker front and tail lamps add to the sinister appearance. The back end is far more sedate, if not bland, but the functional carbon-fiber wing and the large exhaust pipe are both big indications that this car isn't bluffing about its capabilities.Inside, there's no MP3-capable CD player, cruise control, or even a trip computer. On a 3-hour tour of the local back roads, we didn't mind too much--mainly because we had so much fun driving and listening to the engine wail. When we dropped to more sedate speeds, we noticed the six-speaker single-disc Mitsubishi stereo wasn't too bad, but the bass seemed a bit buzzy and muddled. Mitsubishi does offer a 315-watt Infinity seven-speaker system as part of the sunroof/leather option package ($3,120); however, the stereo is a standard DIN unit that isn't integrated with anything, so installing an aftermarket, satellite-ready MP3/CD player wouldn't be too difficult--it's what we'd do.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX wears its WRC heritage proudly with the nearly race-ready interior. The driver and front passenger both get manually reclining Alcantera/leather Recaro seats equipped with shoulder-height slots for a racing harness and substantial bolstering for both the seat back and cushion. When seated, we felt as if we were nestled in a comfortable cocoon (it's nice even for people with large frames) that also provided an amazing amount of lateral support, which we were most thankful for. When braking hard into a corner, we found the pedal positions ideal for heel-and-toe driving, an advanced technique by which we simultaneously brake, downshift, and match engine revs for the next gear.
The simple tilt-only, leather-trimmed Momo steering wheel was a delight to hold, but the short-throw five-speed gearbox, while above average, wasn't ideal. The driver also gets a large central tachometer, while the small speedometer sits off to the side almost as an afterthought. With the speedometer marked up to 170mph and only the even multiples of 10 labeled, it was quite easy to accidentally go over the limit, but we're not sure the CHP would take that as an excuse; fortunately, we didn't have to ask. A radar detector would be a sensible accessory.
Although the headroom for the back passengers is adequate, we found the legroom to be tight, a problem that is exacerbated by the hard plastic-back shell of the front seats. And while the trunk is relatively spacious, the rear seats don't fold down, making a ski rack a necessity for trips to the mountains. Additionally, we would have found a GPS system to be useful for taking the car out into the back roads without worrying about getting lost. But more important, we would have liked a trip computer to gauge average miles per hour and fuel consumption, a feature that should be standard on a $30,000-plus car. Don't forget: This car also requires premium fuel and synthetic oil, and it will likely go through the $1,000-per-set 235/45 R17 Yokohama Advan tires quickly, so be sure to budget accordingly.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX puts out some impressive numbers: 286 horsepower at 6,500rpm and 289 pound-feet of torque at 3,500rpm. All of this comes from a 16-valve DOHC 2.0-liter engine, thanks to an intercooled turbocharger that puts out a maximum 20psi of boost at 3,500rpm, falling off slightly to 16psi at 6,500rpm. New on the Evolution IX is the Mitsubishi MIVEC system, which adjusts the intake valve timing for optimal combustion, resulting in more horsepower and torque, as well as better fuel economy (EPA rated at 19mpg in the city and 25mpg on the highway) and emissions (federal Tier 1 and LEV).This technology translates to some impressive acceleration stats that are in the realm of Porsches, M-type BMWs, and AMG Mercedes-Benzes. Most reports have the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX arriving at 60mph in about 4.5 seconds, 100 in 12.5, and completing a quarter mile in 13.5. The best run from our own unscientific tests, achieved after a bit of practice and on low tanks, got us to 60mph in 4.45 seconds, 100mph in 12.55 seconds, and a quarter mile in 13.25 seconds. The Evo's only real competitor in its price range, the Subaru WRX STi, is generally regarded as being about equal or a fraction slower in these performance benchmarks.
Down low, the engine doesn't pull particularly well, but at 3,500rpm, the boost kicks in, and it feels like there's a JATO rocket pack strapped to the car. This kind of acceleration can be a lot of fun, but in everyday driving, we occasionally got going quite a bit faster than we wanted when the engine revs hit that magical 3,500rpm mark. When we did want to move off the line quickly, holding the revs high and slipping the clutch was a must to avoid the dead zone, but this will take its toll on the clutch after a while. For standing starts, the engine is initially limited to 5,000rpm in order to protect the front differential pinion from excessive torque. If you still want more out of your Evo, performance parts are now available from Mitsubishi's North America Ralliart program, which was rolled out at this year's SEMA show.
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX addresses the other half of the performance equation--grip and traction--with a MacPherson strut-front and multilink rear suspension, as well as a hydraulically controlled active center differential (ACD). Unlike electronic stability control, which uses engine-power reduction and selective braking to manage traction, the ACD distributes power to where it can best be used. The ACD offers three modes--Tarmac, Gravel, and Snow--that the driver can select with a button on the dash. The ACD computer looks at the steering wheel angle, the throttle opening, wheel speeds, longitudinal and lateral movements, and information from the ABS computer to decide how it will distribute power between the front and rear wheels. The front differential is a helical limited-slip unit that sends the power to the wheel with more traction, while the rear differential is a tried-and-true mechanical limited-slip system.
This hotted-up 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX behaves differently from the Subaru WRX STi, which we could rotate around corners using throttle oversteer. Instead, the Evo IX claws its way around corners much like a cat on carpet, with each corner putting down as much power as possible. The more power we put down, the more grip each wheel seemed to find. On a broken tarmac surface with some gravel, we were able to generate a lot of power without losing grip, holding 0.85g in a tight circle. On normal tarmac, we sustained 0.85g easily and clocked a peak of 0.92g on our performance analyzer without breaking traction.
With so much power and performance, the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX is definitely a car for experienced drivers. Things happen quickly in this car, and it is easy to get into trouble in a corner. To safely explore the limits, we'd suggest trying it in Solo II rallying or joining a club that has an occasional track day at a nearby racetrack. In either case, a performance analyzer would be a lot of fun to see just how much you can get out of the car in the proper environment.
The list of safety features on the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX starts with the Brembo brakes' 12.6-inch ventilated discs with four-piston calipers up front, as well as 12-inch-disc, two-piston calipers in the rear. The brakes are managed by the Sports ABS system, refined by Mitsubishi for the specifications of the World Rally Championship. The system takes into account steering input, lateral g-forces, and the vehicle's speed. The electronic brake-force distribution allocates the braking force to each wheel, resulting in optimizing braking performance while also compensating for changes in the road surface and the vehicle load. Published figures have the Evo stopping from 60mph in just 115 feet. Our single try was just 7 feet longer at 122 feet.Additional safety features include driver- and front-passenger SRS air bags, pre-tensioners and force limiters on the front seat belts, and lower anchors and tethers for child-seat installation. The warranty is also quite impressive, featuring a 10-year/100,000-mile power train limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable bumper-to-bumper new-vehicle limited warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile anticorrosion/perforation limited warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-miles roadside-assistance service.
User opinions
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The perfect car for speed lovers
Pros: 4WD , Turbocharged , small engine wit high performance , 286HP , one of the most powerful handling and suspension , very fun to drive anywhere anytime
Cons: for people who say that the sound of the evo is tiring , why do people bother buyin fast cars then???? go buy yourself a jaguar or something , that sound is what actually people care bout
out of 29 user reviews
You DON'T buy the car for its interior car tech
Pros: 290hp to the wheels/great handling
Cons: stock ****** is weak for the amount of power it has to cope with
As far as the interior goes you do have a blank canvas. That is why it is not for the shallow pocketed. Your paying just under $40,000 for a pure and simple race car. If you want a car with heated seats, navigation, etc built in...buy a Mercedes. The target market are people that know they are spending 40K for a stripped down performance machine. Which is all going to change when they roll out the Evolution X late in 08. With the MR or Special Edition running over 46K.
out of 29 user reviews
A road running rally car; this car rocks!
Pros: The performance: the power and the handling!
Cons: No luxuriness - Who CARES!
out of 29 user reviews
The best car I've ever owned
Pros: Getting sucked into the seat when boosting.
Cons: there's no coffee maker or microwave included.lol.
out of 29 user reviews
Great performance car
Pros: Performance accelration handling
Cons: Could use a few more electronics electric trunk or tempature/compass mirror
out of 29 user reviews
Does exactly what is was built for!
Pros: The fastest road going go-cart around!
Cons: smiling so much makes your face hurt!
out of 29 user reviews
Evo IX > WRX STI
Pros: Awesome Acceleration, Superb Handling, Love the Seats
Cons: None that I can think of.
out of 29 user reviews
2006 EVO IX
Pros: It's an EVO....
Cons: Again, it's an EVO...so....none, obviously.
out of 29 user reviews
help no gps i'm lost
Pros: this is a rice rocket not a wepons system
Cons: if you need gps you should stay home
out of 29 user reviews
The swiss army knife of performance cars
Pros: fast, handles like nothing else I've ever driven, and absolute blast to drive
Cons: fuel mileage, boy racer looks
out of 29 user reviews
Everything that you want and nothing you dont
Pros: Performance and a great sense of unity with the machine rocketing you forward. In capable hands this car will outperform many a $100,000 and above sports car.
Cons: Absolutely none. If you want to find one flaw it will have to be lack of more color choices.
For this reason the reviewer failed to understand this car.
Everything about the Evo IX is aimed to increase feedback control and power. You will never understand until you truly drive it. When you do, you will instantly forget the lack of navigation and other gadgets and appreciate this car for what it is.
It's said that when Michelangelo was asked how he was able to sculpt The David, he answered that 'Creating the David was easy - all I had to do was remove all that was not the David from the stone.' - And that is exactly what the Evolution IX MR is - all that you want and none of what you don’t.
When buying a car like this, would you rather pay for a nicer stereo or stronger brakes?
Case in point: The WRX STI (yep, the "i" is now capitalized) has a slightly better interior with climate control and nicer glowing buttons and gauges. Drive it back to back with the Evolution and you will see that all those "extras" robbed the STI of its primary function. Turn is not as crisp, high-speed stability is not as secure-feeling. Mid-corner damping is not as effective. The car just feels bloated. As if somewhere under all the extra packaging there is a true sports car but it’s distant. The Evolution on the other hand is exactly the opposite. Here is all that you need and all you came here for. Take it. It’s yours. Should you feel a need to add extras with time, feel free but this is what this car is. Nothing more and nothing less. A 4-door saloon capable of shaming most of the sports car "pretenders" out there.
Another example: Slide into a 350 Z and you will love the intimate interior and most of the materials used. It’s full of clever features. Drive it slow and you are amazed at how good the car sounds and how everything falls to hand. Drive it a bit faster and it falls apart on you. No power. Average handling. Poor suspension balance, etc. It’s a sports car for those who don’t want to drive a sports car but just want to look like they are driving one.
Again, the Evolution is the opposite. Drive it like your Grandpa and it feels restless. It wants to go out there and have fun. Sure it can play nice but its always saying "Come on, let me show you what I can do!” Once it does, the grin on your face will be permanent.
I drove many different cars, luxury, touring, sports, etc. My second car is an '06 Saab 9 3 (Named as the top sporty compact executive saloon by many automotive publications in Europe) and it serves its purpose which is to transport my wife, son, myself and whatever we bring along from point A to point B in great effortless and for most part completely uninvolving comfort. Yes, it’s our living room sofa on 4 wheels and it is very good at what it does. When the time arrived to pick out something for myself I went high and low in search for that magic feeling. I came close a few times but still came away feeling as if the absence of soul was often covered up with eye-candy and gadgetry. Until I drove the Evolution IX MR. Its does not pretend to be anything it is not and it’s everything it has to be to wear that carbon fiber wing.
The official C|Net review did not do this car justice. This is not a car you can review the same way you would a Toyota Avalon. This is not a car for everyone and thus its true beauty may elude the average person but for those who understand what a sports car should be - this is the perfect choice. In a way, the 9 MR is more Porsche than Porsche.
In the end let me just say this: If you want your car to feel closer to your home or apartment, forget about the Evo. If you want your car to tell you where you need to go or to figure out how much cold air to blow out to keep you cold, don’t even look at the Evo. On the other hand, if you want your car to follow your every move and react to your every input with purity and precision - do yourself a favor and drive the Evolution 9 MR. Trust me, you will not care about navigation or the sound system. I've owned the car for a week now and I am yet to turn on the radio. The unearthly mechanical sounds this car makes when you apply a bit of your right foot's weight are enough to form the perfect driving sound track.
out of 29 user reviews
did you seriously just call it the "eye-ex"?!?!
Pros: on a track, can hang with a ferrari
Cons: interior; turbo lag; um... ??
I generally enjoy your concise -- albeit a bit superficial -- reviews, and always amazed at your precise and admirable diction when reviewing a product in such brief times.
However you clearly missed the mark on this vehicle and your peculiar pronunciation of its name as the "Eye-Ex" suggests you do not know of this car's heritage: this is in fact the NINTH Evolution iteration, hence it is the Evolution Nine, or "Evo Nine" for short, and it was built to do ONE thing better than nearly any other car in production: go around racing circuits very quickly, and it does so at a pace comparable to cars costing many MANY times its sticker price.
I suggest you pull up some Top Gear episodes on this car; you will be amazed.
out of 29 user reviews
this site doesnt know how to rate cars AT ALL
Pros: this site doesnt know how to rate cars AT ALL
Cons: this site doesnt know how to rate cars AT ALL
out of 29 user reviews
This is the Evo "eye exx" and I'm an idiot! It's 9 in roman numerals you moron!
Pros: Toughest 2.0L 4 cyl motor ever designed, 16 years of revisions and EVOLUTION
Cons: Car has no cons, best performance sedan ever
Best handling, performance, package ever imported in the states.
Technology? This guy could not spell turbocharger, let alone know what it does.
Very dissapointed!
out of 29 user reviews
CNET SHOULD STICK TO COMPUTERS
Pros: Fast, responsive, and more communitive than most cars with 2X+ the price tag
Cons: None. The lack of electronics is why i bought it. IT'S CALLED ACD!!
This car is for the hardcore populus only. It's not for everyone but for those that love a one of a kind drive this car is for you. If you're into that "luxury sports" area...sorry...there's really no such thing. To cover what the "editor" forgot to mention:
Specifications
Engine
Type: Inline-4, Turbocharged
Displacement cu in (cc): 122 (1997)
Power bhp (kW) at RPM: 286(213) / 6500
Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: 289(392) / 3500
Redline at RPM: 7000
Brakes & Tires
Brakes F/R: ABS, vented disc/vented disc
Tires F-R: 235/45 R17
Driveline: All Wheel Drive
Exterior Dimensions & Weight
Length × Width × Height in: 178.5 × 69.7 × 57.1
Weight lb (kg): 3285 (1490)
and a 0-60 in a lil over 4 seconds.
As for technology the Evolution has something called Active Center Differential where the driver can select how the center differential acts in different driving conditions at the touch of a button (rite next to the guage cluster on the left side) but CNet didn't say that....cus they were too mesmerized by the F***in dash!
out of 29 user reviews
Dont Listen To That Ass Wipe!
Pros: AWD, ACD, 2.0L Turbo 4cyl, Brembo Brakes
Cons: Lack Of Cruise Control
Also here are some of the features that he doesn’t really cover:
-All wheel drive with Active Center Diff.
-Limited Slip Differential and a Rear Mechanical 1.5 Limited-Slip Differential.
-Brembo Brakes (4 piston front & 2 piston rear) with brake force distribution
-Front Mount Intercooler to cool off intake charge temp.
-MIVEC - a form of variable valve timing to that the engine produces more torque lower in the power band and better gas mileage
-New larger revised turbo - TD05HR-16G6-10.5T
(Twin Scroll Turbine)
-Built in launch control
-286 HP & 289 TQ
-Lightweight 17" Wheels
If you want to really find out about this car visit www.evolutionm.net and if you want to find out what evo owners think about this guy and his review vist:
http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?p=2839351#post2839351
out of 29 user reviews
great car, duh
Pros: its quick, 4 doors, upgradeable.
Cons: kinda pricy
i ex...***, shut up and get a life you frickin gafbag.
out of 29 user reviews
If looking for handling & performance this is it! If looking for comfort & features, look elsewhere.
Pros: Performance oriented handling & performance like that of super cars. Excellent feel. Great seats. No gadgets like traction, stability controls.
Cons: Not exactly the 'best backed car in the world', interior materials, quality that of a sub 20K car.
out of 29 user reviews
The guy in that video is an idiot.
Pros: The EVO IX is the best EVO ever made, and one of the best cars on the road period.
Cons: I don't have time to drive it 24 hours a day.
out of 29 user reviews
Does what it's meant to do perfect.
Pros: Best bang for the buck in the US. Astounding performer.
Cons: Uptight American Reviewers don't "Get it".
out of 29 user reviews
awesome car
Pros: everything
Cons: stupid people who review it
out of 29 user reviews
I agree with the editor
Pros: AWD system
Cons: Where to Start
out of 29 user reviews
it's a rally inspired car for god sake !!!!!!!!!!
Pros: super exotic performance that doesnt leave you bankrupt.
Cons: insurance cost., cops following you . young teeny popers trying to race you in there moped honda's
out of 29 user reviews
2 know is 2 love
Pros: The Evo Rocks.....a real sports car
Cons: To many people own and test Evo's and dont know what they are all about
out of 29 user reviews
Evo with a radio
Pros: AWD, BOOST, SWOOSH
Cons: Price, rough ride if daily driving
If I want music or DVD, I use my Explorer. If I need a GPS, I buy one for $150 or better, read a map. In PR you don't need a GPS. Our Island is so small you can go from one side to the other in just 3.5 hours with reasonable traffic. If you get lost here you are a moron and don't deserve a driver's license.
You better keep reviewing XBOX360, PS3, computer hardware and gizmo's. Stay away from performance cars. He he he
Oh, and check your reviewing wizard. Out of the box? Documentation? That was fun.
out of 29 user reviews
This is a review of an Evo IX MR, and you don't know what you're talking about.
Pros: The Evo is the best performance bang for the buck at this price point
Cons: It's not a woman.
Where did you get your horsepower information? The IX went from 276 last year on the 8 to 286 this year on the IX, not from 260 to 280. And 5.7 seconds to 100kph (because that's what 62 miles an hour is, but who uses that in the good 'ole USA. We use 60 mph here, FYI)? Whose grandmother was driving the car? EIther you got the slowest Evo in the world or your fact gathering is very, very sloppy. And the IX has a revised turbo, but again, I guess that kind of information is reserved for reviewers who do some kind of research into what they're writing about.
And the point of MIVEC isn't for fuel economy, it's to increase performance. While there may be some fuel efficiency improvement, the big bonus comes from spooling the turbo quicker by adjusting the intake cam.
As for electronics, how about ACD and EBD (Active Center Differential and Electronic Brake Distribution)? Last time I checked, Mario Andretti didn't need Bluetooth in his race car and that's what the Evolution is--a race-bred rally car for the street.
The people who get this car 'get it.' Wayne apparently doesn't, and I'm sorry Wayne. Maybe you'll be happier in your Camry.
out of 29 user reviews
GO BACK TO REVIEWING ELECTRONICS
Pros: 286 bhp, awd, go-kart like handling
Cons: Price is a little steep, but you get what you pay for.
out of 29 user reviews
5.7 seconds??
Pros: Tossable vehicle with high fun factor quotient
Cons: Rough ride if you want to consider this as your daily driver
Quote:
"Gamers' dream car
Mitsubishi made the long haul over to Germany for the show, bringing along the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, a favorite of Need For Speed gamers. This version of the Evo goes from 0 to 60mph in 4.8 seconds with its 280-horsepower engine."
out of 29 user reviews
Performance is what it is all about!
Pros: Quick little car that feels as if it rideing on rails.
Cons: Still not enough horse power to match the STI.
That beeing said the price is a bit steep for what you get. The Evo is suposed to be an affordable racer geared to a younger audiance. Unless you live in a place like Buck County Pa. you wont see much of mitsubishis target croud tooling arround in the sweet little boy racer Evo VIII.
