Ever since we saw the Mitsubishi Prototype-X at the 2007 Detroit auto show, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been at the top of our wish list. Well, near the top, right under the Nissan GT-R. Our desires for the car weren't diminished when we got our first chance to drive the MR version of the new Mitsubishi Evolution earlier this year, running it around the track at Laguna Seca. The car is a performance- and cabin-tech dream, with a look that's pure animal.
The front of the car is mostly grille, a big air intake to keep the engine and turbocharger cool. Gills mark the fenders, and a big wing sits over the trunk. The Evo even has fins on the trailing edge of the underbody. The powerful engine is complemented by an impressive all-wheel-drive system and a dual-clutch manual transmission, the SST, with three automatic programs. Mitsubishi offers a full range of tech in the cabin, as well, with a raucous Rockford Fosgate audio system, hard-drive navigation, and Bluetooth for hands-free cell phone use. The new Evo is more civilized than past versions, but every bit as fun.