Few vehicles have been served manufacturers better as a tool to placate the automotive media than the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. I recall attending a press event for the underwhelming freshened 2004 Endeavor crossover that was comprised of a short drive to the racetrack in the Endeavor, followed by several hours of track time in the Evolution.
The Evo evolved (pun very intentional) nicely over ten generations, becoming a nearly perfect little rocket. Fast, balanced, viscerally thrilling, Mitsubishi’s fun machine suffered only one serious flaw: It became expensive.
With topline models hovering around $40,000, the Lancer Evolution was priced too dearly for the young audience it most appealed to. Mitsubishi has decided to pull the plug on the Evo, sending the car off with a special edition model. Presented here is an unedited press release announcing the details of the Lancer Evolution Final Edition.
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CYPRESS, Calif., Oct. 5, 2015 —
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced the details of the limited-production 2015 Lancer Evolution Final Edition. Arguably the originator of the four-door sports car genre, the Lancer Evolution has seen ten generations – three of which were sold in the U.S. over 12 years. To send it off in style, Mitsubishi Motors will offer 1,600 numbered Final Edition models to the U.S. market with a MSRP of $37,995.
The Lancer Evolution Final Edition is based off the current GSR model, with exterior and interior enhancements not previously offered on the GSR. The heart of the Final Edition is a 5-speed transmission paired with a turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder 2.0L engine, producing 303 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 305 lb-ft torque at 4,000 rpm. Performance is further enhanced by use of lightweight two-piece Brembo® brake rotors up front, accompanied by Bilstein shock absorbers and Eibach springs at all four corners. As with all 2015 Lancer Evolutions, the Final Edition model features Mitsubishi’s innovative and unmatched Super All-Wheel control system.
The Final Edition model receives exterior upgrades including a Final Edition badge in the rear, black painted aluminum roof, dark chrome painted Enkei® alloy wheels, gloss black center bumper and hood air outlet and dark chrome front grille surround. Final Edition models will be offered in four colors: new Pearl White, Rally Red, Mercury Gray and Octane Blue.
Inside, a numbered plaque on the center console denotes each of the 1,600 units created. In addition, Final Edition models receive a black headliner, pillars, sun visors and assist handles, and red accent stitching for sport seats, steering wheel, shift knob, console lid, floormats and e-brake handle.
“With its incredible combination of power, agility and Super All-Wheel Control, the Lancer Evolution is one of the most well-known sports sedans and is revered by ‘gearheads’ around the globe,” said MMNA executive vice president, Don Swearingen. “The Final Edition model pays homage to Evo’s remarkable place in automotive history and takes it one step further as the most powerful mass-production Lancer Evolution ever built.”
Test Drive: 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR
