ACTUALLY, BOY RACERS needn't fret because there will be an Evolution variant of the all-new Lancer. The problem is that it's actually quite difficult to imagine the new car besting the current model dynamically, as what we've got now is just so bloody good.

Mitsubishi's recently released the MR version of the Evo IX. MR stands for Mitsubishi Racing, and the IX MR will be the last Evolution model to use this current Lancer platform, as well as the awesome 4G63 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The shape is very familiar, and perhaps a little dated, but who cares. Crucially, the driving experience is still utterly sublime. There's absolutely no inertia in the way it changes direction, and consequently no gap in traffic that you cannot exploit.

The steering is light and brimming with feel, and you get the impression that it's as accurate as is mechanically possible. As in you'd need alien technology to make it any better.

Grip levels are pretty much infinite in a real world context, you'd have to be severely mentally impaired to exceed the car's limits on public roads. And surprisingly, the ride is very good, too. The standard Evo IX's ride quality is already much improved over earlier models, but the MR adds an extra layer of plush, despite actually being lower than the standard IX.

The MR version also includes tweaks to some of the mechanicals. The IX's Active Yaw Control has been enhanced, it can now send 10 percent more power to the outside rear wheel than before. There've been some new aerokit improvements, too, although these are very subtle and a little hard to spot.

More important changes have taken place underneath the bonnet. The turbocharger is a new, more robust titanium unit instead of the magnesium item on the standard car, and the engine's MIVEC valve-timing system has been optimised. Power output remains at a very conservatively-estimated 280bhp.

The new turbo does seem to take a bit more time to spool up and start boosting properly compared to the magnesium one, so there's a bit of a lull in the proceedings below 3,000rpm.
Once you get over that mark, the scenery starts blurring in earnest. Actually, it's ballistically quick, making you permanently afraid for your licence.

The Evo is an unequivocal statement that Mitsubishi's engineers know just how a car needs to behave(and in a deeply intimate manner), and what it should feel like in order for it to qualify as a proper driver's car.

The only real criticism about the driving experience is that the engine sounds like a vacuum cleaner. Properly speaking, something this good should make an infinitely more inspiring noise.

So far, everything about the Evo represents big fun, but for one person only. The rest of the car, despite the evergreen drivetrain, really is a bit ripe for replacement. All the essential bits that the driver interacts with feel great, but the rest of the cabin isn't so. The MR gets some additional trim, and special upholstery for the very supportive seats, but this does little to lift the very sombre cabin ambience.

The all-new Lancer Evolution comes our way late next year, but it'd have to really be something to top the current one.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR
ENGINE TYPE 1,997cc, 16V in-line 4
MAX POWER 280bhp at 6,500rpm
MAX TORQUE 400Nm at 3,000rpm
GEARBOX 6-speed manual
TOP SPEED 250km/h
0-100 KM/H 4.9 seconds
PRICE $141,988 with COE
WARRANTY 1 year or 20,000km
CONTACT Cycle & Carriage Automotive
TELEPHONE 6473-9722

PLUSES Awesome handling, super-sophisticated four-wheel drive, eye-watering pace
MINUSES Ancient interior, massive thirst equates to poor range, engine sounds like a vacuum cleaner
VERDICT The new one had really better be something special. You can't get a better handling car than this for the given amount of cash, period.