miércoles, 23 de septiembre de 2009

Matic climate control, power windows/mirrors, cruise, fog lights, aluminum pedals and a GTS-style rear spoiler. No options are being offered.

Mitsubishi's S-AWC system monitors steering wheel angle, throttle position, wheel speeds as well as longitudinal and lateral movements to improve traction and overall handling. In real-time, the S-AWC computer tells the Active Center Differential (ACD) how much torque front and rear wheels should get, while the innovative Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential uses a torque transfer mechanism to enhance cornering performance by limiting the yaw movement acting on the vehicle. Combined with ABS brakes sporting EBD, Active Stability Control (ASC) helps keep the car from spinning out while exiting launching and cornering. Three traction modes are available - tarmac, gravel and snow - and the system can be switched off when conditions warrant it.

Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada (MMSC) didn't have to twist my arm to get behind the wheel of this "wicked white" GSR and drive it from Malibu to the Streets of Willow Springs test circuit a little over 100 miles away in Rosamond. The almost three-hour route took me through the heart of Southern California's Canyon Country where the GSR high-performance suspension and five-speed manual truly excel.

While it is wider, heavier and stiffer than previous Evos, its aluminum hood, roof and front fenders translate into a low centre of gravity. Greater compliance is another huge benefit over standard Lancers. Steering is light and precise and, with its weight distributed 59/41 in the front/rear, the GSR is not only predictable and easy to drive, it's so much fun!

Throttle response is also excellent. Power comes on very linearly and the turbo kicks in just below 3,000 rpm with virtually no lag. First to fourth are fairly close together, but the GSR could certainly benefit from a true over-drive gear as it cruises on the highway quite noisily. Pedals could be a bit closer together, but the clutch is firm and responsive and the shifter slides into place effortlessly.

The GSR has barely any rolling resistance and you can feel it asking to go faster into every corner. After several hours on the road and track, the brakes were still going strong - GSR's Brembo one-piece front rotors resisted fade admirably and left me wondering if the MR's standard two-piece front rotors will ever be tested.

On or off the track, the GSR does everything it's told to. Even I was able to put it into a Scandinavian flick on my first attempt with little effort on a small autocross course MMSC had set up.

On the motor sport front, Mitsubishi and Subaru are both upping their support for Canadian rally teams this year. The arch-rivalry between these two fierce and famous rally icons should heat up like never before. Pent-up demand for the Evolution here ought to help propel sales of the GSR above expectations. And, with a track record like the Evo's, there's no reason to believe that Canuck interest in the Lancer family as a whole won't rise.
Engine:          2.OL Turbo 1-4
Power(hp):                         291
Torque(lb/ft):                    300
Weight(kgs/lbs):  1,595/3,509
0-97 KPH (sec.)                  5.0
Transmission: 5-spd man-opt twin clutch 6-spd auto
Base MSRP:              $41,498
L/100 KM (city/highway):12.9/9.0

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