Unexpected encounter with what is technically a “neighbour” some 700 kilometres away!
In Penang and upon bringing my Civic in for an advisory, there’s a very green Mitsubishi parked up. The paint is pretty familiar, but its likely a normal Lancer I was thinking of. This is no ordinary Lancer or Proton Inspira, its the real deal (partially because conversions in Singapore both barely exist, and aren’t allowed).
There are many ways to tell apart an Evolution model from the normal saloon, but most obvious to spot will always be the flared rear quarter panels and rectangular fuel cap. Technically, both can be faked, but you seldom see posing Lancers go to that extent. Nor does the slightly “nerfed” Lancer or Galant Fortis RALLIART have those!
The Evo 10 sits as an intriguing outlier in the Evolution series – the only Evolution without the fabled 2-litre 4G63T engine but instead a new aluminium-block 2-litre 4B11T – a DOHC (Dual Overhead Cam) engine with Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing.
Across the 4G63’s existence, it has been used in other models not the Lan Evo in many specifications. In SOHC (Single Overhead Cam), it was offered in many normal cars. Detuned but DOHC turbocharged configurations landed in some models like RVR or Airtrek, and even DOHC N/A (naturally aspirated) models existed, such as for the Lancer Cedia (133 horsepower)!
For the 4B11, it was mostly a commuter engine with more kick, but the kick lies with the turbocharged system for the Evolution, producing 291 horsepower and 407 Nm torque at 6,500 RPM and 4,000 respectively for the Singapore market.
Sold primarily as the GSR trim by official distributor Cycle & Carriage, the automatic, manual and launch trim (Premium Edition) was all available, with some parallel importers bringing in other trim levels such as the stripped RS.
The automatic is Mitsubishi’s Sport/Sportronic Shift Transmission (SST), a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with six gears. It was primarily used in only the Evolution X and Lancer RALLIART amongst a few other passenger models, the two former cars having varying gear ratios.
The available manual on the other hand was an odd choice, being limited only to a 5-speed manual unlike the previous generation’s 5 and 6-six options.
These are all coupled with S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), a rendition of the AWC system found in the older Lancer Evolution trims, aided by a kerb weight of 1,520 kilograms.
Having been registered in Singapore, this Lancer Evolution X GSR SST is around 700 kilometres from its place of registration. Its Foreign Plate Sightings worthy, especially as these trips and further up into Thailand are… let’s just say that they need commitment.
As I heard from the boss of the workshop, the Lancer had come in with some trouble with the aspiration. If I recall, the turbo had come undone and was about two screws away from completely falling off!
There isn’t much else that I recall. A few days and a return trip to the workshop and the car had already left.
Seldom are there Singaporean-registered cars in Penang, especially enthusiast and older models in general. The more recent spots have been newer cars, predominantly of Chinese origin. No comment on whether it is a welcome change, but anything foreign here be it from Singapore or Thailand is already interesting enough.
To the owner of this Lancer Evolution X, salute!
~Efini
Gallery:
Read more: SG Archives: Toyota GR Yaris
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