2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Joining the lineup for 2005 is the Mitsubishi Evolution MR, which includes a close-ratio six-speed sport manual transmission, Evo-specific Bilstein shock absorbers, dark gray BBS forged aluminum wheels, HID headlights, and specific aluminum and carbon fiber trim pieces. The Evolution MR is also available in a unique paint color – Graphite Gray – and is equipped with the aluminum roof panel from the lightweight Evolution RS. All 2005 Mitsubishi Evolutions get a slight power bump, now making 276 horsepower and 286 lb.-ft. of torque thanks to a larger diameter turbo nozzle and circular waste gate shape. A new electronic active center differential (E-ACD) is designed to improve the Evolution's responsiveness to varying road conditions by allowing the driver to select between pavement, snow, and gravel settings. In a further effort to improve the Evolution's performance, the front helical limited slip differential from the RS is carried over to the standard Evo and the MR for 2005. The intercooler's water spray feature is discontinued, and HID headlights are now optional rather than standard equipment on the regular Evolution.

Advantages of the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution:

• Stunning handling
• Exceptional front seat comfort and support
• Standard all-wheel drive
• Adult-sized rear seat
• Simple and attractive control layout and design
• Seven-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty
• Free scheduled maintenance plan

Objections to the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution:

• Rough ride for daily commutes
• Tight seats for wider drivers and front passengers
• Noisy cabin

Editor's Advice:
A turbocharged and intercooled inline-four engine that produces 276 horsepower (up five for 2005) and 286-pound-feet of torque (up 13 this year). A full-time all-wheel-drive system with an electronic active center differential and a helical limited slip differential. A perfectly tuned suspension, with availability of unique components designed especially for this car by Bilstein. Huge Brembo brakes. Razor-sharp steering. A zero-to-60 mph acceleration time of less than five seconds. What does all this add up to? One of the most amazing sports cars to hit these shores in quite some time. Add to that price tags ranging a few grand either side of $30,000, and you've got a good reason to increase your insurance coverage, because you're going to be driving hard and fast. No, it's not the most subtle vehicle, it doesn't wear a traditional sports car body, and the vast majority of people won't recognize it, but for those in the know, the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo is one of the most desirable performance cars on the planet. Drive it back to back with a Subaru WRX STi, the only real competition the Evolution faces, and see if you'd like to be one of a select group of customers lucky enough to park a 2005 model in your driveway.