The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact family car with a performance pedigree. It's economical, sleekly styled and its standard engine provides enough power to put its competitors of the same class to shame. The high-strung 2011 Evolution X is common in drifting competition and rally road races. The Evo's street credibility rubs off on the standard Lancers to give the car an image boost.
Background
Mitsubishi began producing the Lancer in 1973. For a brief period in the late 1970s, Dodge re-badged the Lancer as a Dodge Colt when Dodge's parent company, the Chrysler Corp., struggled to develop its own economy compact cars. The Lancer toiled in relative obscurity until the Evolution model emerged in 1992. Although its body style was nothing special in the 1990s, the Evo sported a turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine. It became an instant street car and North American buyers began to take notice of the other Lancer models.
Models
There are more pros than cons to the Mitsubishi Lance. It offers a wide range of models and the price tags fit most budgets. The 2011 Lancers come in six styles: The base DE, the mid-range ES, the Sportback hatchback, the sporty GTS, the ES-Sport and the Evolution X. The Evo has two sub trim levels: The base GSR and the upscale MR version. The ES-Sport, which combines the best elements of the ES and GTS models, debuted in the United States in 2009. The Sportback arrived in the U.S. in 2010. The benefits of any of these models are the smooth handling combined with the sporty styling, even for the DE and ES versions. The Lancers look expensive, but the DE can be had for less than $16,000, at the time of publication. The hatchback models feature good access to the cargo area and adequate space.
Under the Hood
Perhaps the greatest asset for the 2011 Lancers is its turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine matches with a five-speed manual transmission and features a 9-to-1 compression ratio with a 3.4-inch bore and 3.40-inch stroke to develop an impressive 295 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque. The Evo X is equipped with a Twin Clutch Sportronic shift transmission to complement the turbo. For conservative drivers, the DE and ES models tone things down with the same engine sans the turbocharger option. Mitsubishi boosts the compression ratio on the standard 2-liter to 10-to-1. It wields 152 horsepower and 146 foot-pounds of torque. A slightly detuned version for California sales generates 143 horsepower.
Evo X
The 2011 Lancer Evo X GSR is equipped with a five-speed manual and is decked out in Recaro sport seats, optional spoiler, upgraded audio system, high-intensity headlamps and Enkei wheels. In addition to the continuously variable transmission, the MR gets Bilstein shocks, Eibach springs, BBS forged-alloy wheels, lightweight disc brake rotors, more sound deadening insulation, GPS, leather seats and an even better stereo system than the GSR. Both Evo trim levels feature Bluetooth and iPod adaptability and a USB port. The 10th generation Evo X marks a continuing evolution in the model as it continues to distance itself from the no-frills street machine of the 1990s to become more comfortable while still delivering high performance.
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