Steve Glenney - Bernie Webb & Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9 Lead 2008 Targa Tas

19 April 2008 · Staff

Can a 2.0 ltr AWD Turbo take out the Targa Tasmania preventing the favoured Porsche GT2 AWD Turbo 3.6 Ltr driven by Jim Richards and Barry Oliver winning for the ninth time?

The Mitsubishi Lancer EVO9 does not have the capacity of the Porsche GT2 but it has the required AWD and Turbocharged all round performance needed by David to slay Goliath.
The 4G63 based engine of the EVO was voted best all time Turbo Engine by ‘TURBO’ Magazine in the US a few years ago, so has the heritage to give the perennial Boxer water cooled 3.6 ltr flat six of the Porsche a run for its capacity.

Can a thoroughbred horse trainer show a thorough racing driver the way home?
A day will tell, and it may be that a dark horse (or maybe even a bull) will emerge from the pack at the post.
See more on Targa Tasmania here: http://www.targa.com.au/index.html

Mitsubishi introduced the Lancer Evolution IX in Japan in March 2005.
The 2.0 L 4G63 engine got MIVEC technology (variable valve timing), boosting official power output to 286 hp (213 kW) and torque to 289 ft·lbf (392 N·m).
The Evolution IX typically pulls 255 WHP and 250 WTQ on a dynamometer, a difference of 30 hp (22 kW).

The USDM Lancer Evolution IX models (standard (or “GSR” in some markets), RS, SE, and MR) varied slightly in their performance capabilities. The RS excluded features standard on the standard, SE and MR models (stereo system, power windows and locks, rear wiper, rear wing, trunk lining and sound insulation). The resulting weight savings of over 60 lb (27 kg) gave the RS a subtly sharper handling responsiveness that helped it shave fractions of a second off the lap times of other models on an identical course.

The IX MR has Bilstein shocks, a 6-speed manual transmission, a rooftop vortex generator, BBS forged wheels, HID xenon headlights, foglights, accessory gauge package, “zero lift” kit, special badging and an aluminum roof. All models continued Recaro bucket seats, Brembo brakes and MOMO steering wheels. Additional revisions from 2005 included a closer gear ratio for the 5-speed manual transmission, new lighter Enkei wheels on non-MR models, a redesigned front end with a more efficient air dam (the most noticeable feature are the two small oval ducts to cool the intercooler pipes), and a new rear bumper with a diffuser undersurface to smooth out the airflow. In an effort to reduce the price increase on the Evolution IX model, HID headlights were no longer standard equipment on the base IX and were available only in the SSL package (Sun, Sound, and Leather), SE (Special Edition) and MR trims.

Three trims were available for Japan, Asia and Europe. Although all models used the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine, the torque differed from one model to another. In Europe, however, the Evolution IX was advertised to have 280 hp (206 kW). The GSR produced 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m) of torque, while the RS and GT produced 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m).

In the United Kingdom, the Evolution IX used a different model scheme based on the cars horsepower. There were initially three models available: the FQ-300, FQ-320 and FQ-340 each with around 300, 320 and 340 bhp (254 kW) respectively. An FQ-360 model was released as a successor to the Evolution VIII FQ-400. While the new FQ-360 produced less horsepower than its predecessor, it had more torque at 363 lb·ft (492 N·m) at 3200 rpm – 8 lb·ft (11 N·m) more than the FQ-400. All four models were designed to run on super unleaded petrol only.

* FQ-300, 320, 340 – 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, AYC (Active Yaw Control), super unleaded petrol only * FQ-360 – 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, AYC (Active Yaw Control), Ralliart Sports Meter Kit, carbon front splitter, Speedline alloy wheels, super unleaded petrol only

All models used the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine. All models used a front and rear Limited Slip Differential, and an Active Center Differential.

* Standard – revised 5-speed, standard model * RS – revised 5-speed, aluminum roof, gauge pack, minimal interior * SE – Special Edition, aluminum roof/hood, and front fenders, split seven-spoke forged aluminum BBS wheels in “diamond black” finish, HID headlights with integrated fog lights, red-stitched Recaro seats * MR – 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, split seven-spoke forged aluminum BBS wheels, aluminum roof, hood, and front fenders, gauge pack, HID headlights with integrated fog lights, vortex generator, and custom MR badging.

For more info on the different Lancer models: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Lancer_Evolution#Evolution_IX