Vehicle Profile: 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Vehicle Profile: 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (EVO for short) has always been known for being one of the best high-performance luxury sports sedans on the market, and for 2013 it’s no different. With its turbocharged engine, unique all-wheel drive system and precise handling to match, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution proves why it’s gained such a big following among performance enthusiasts. 

  

For 2013, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes available in two different trims: the base level GSR and top-of-the-line MR.

Don’t let the word ‘base’ fool you, as both trims come standard with a 2.0-liter MIVEC turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces an incredible 291 hp and 300 lb/ft of torque.

Trims 

Lancer Evolution GSR

The Lancer Evolution GSR trim comes standard equipped with a five-speed manual transmission that is responsive to the driver, and a very impressive set of standard features including RECARO semi-bucket racing seats, Brembo brakes (with four-piston calipers in front and two-piston calipers in the rear), and Enkei^® alloy wheels that come along with high-performance asymmetrical Yokohama ADVAN^® tires. The GSR is also equipped with a large, stylish, rear deck-lid spoiler and an aerodynamic rear diffuser. 

Interior features include a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry and an LCD multi-information display. 

The GSR gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway. Pricing for the GSR trim is $34,695.

Lancer Evolution MR

The Mitsubishi Lancer MR takes the above features and adds more high-tech features including Mitsubishi's six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) and an upgraded suspension package that includes Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers. 

The MR adds less weight to each wheel thanks to its lightweight two-piece brake rotors up front. To top it off the MR is equipped with BBS forged-alloy wheels and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps.

Fuel economy figures for the Lancer Evolution MR are 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway EPA rating thanks to the above named TC-SST which uses two clutches to toggle through gears, making it shift much faster than a standard automatic or manual transmissions. 

The MR offers three automatic drive modes:  “Normal,” “Sport” and “S-Sport”.

Normal mode is for your regular everyday driving. Sport raises shift points higher in the rpm range and makes shifts even faster. S-Sport makes gears shift closer to the redline for optimal racetrack performance. 

The Mitsubishi Lancer MR is priced at $37,895.

Performance and Handling

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution comes with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), which features three traction modes depending on the performance needs: Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. It puts together several technologies including a rear differential with Active Yaw Control (AYC), an Active Center Differential (ACD), a Sport Antilock braking system and Active Stability Control (ASC). 

The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s suspension is equipped with inverted MacPherson struts in the front with a multi-link setup in the rear. It is lighter than before but made with strong components such as an aluminum roof, hood, front fenders, front and rear bumper beams, and exhaust outlets. The battery and windshield washer fluid tank were also moved inside the trunk to improve weight distribution.

Luxury Features

The 2013 Lancer Evolution has a great set of features including a six-speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with a digital signal processor (DSP) and USB auxiliary input and automatic climate control.

One cool thing about the sound system is that it comes standard with Mitsubishi’s FUSE Handsfree Link System, which gives users wireless access with their mobile phone, as well as a USB drive interface in case you want to bring your music with you (which you can control through voice commands).

If you still want more, the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution offers an optional 710 watt, nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate system as well.

Safety Features

The Lancer Evolution comes equipped with the Mitsubishi Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, which features crumple zones around the vehicle that send the energy from a collision around the body of the vehicles, and away from the fuel system, instead of the passenger compartment, protecting occupants from all directions and greatly enhancing the protection of drivers and passengers. 

Other safety features for the 2013 Lancer Evolution include: a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, seven cabin airbags (two front, two seat-mounted side-impact airbags and two side-curtain air-bags), antilock brakes and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).  

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