Does X really Mark the Spot?: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

we tried the Bilstein-equipped black Evo X (Premium Package with BBS rims, Bilstein suspension, Brembo 2pc brakes) a little while back and the ride was surprisingly pliant for something that has its roots in hardcore performance motorsports. this red car sits on stock suspension and the ride is pliant for the most part, but there's just a hint of crashiness over poor road surfaces.





the galant-esque looks still continue to polarise opinion. it certainly is aggressive looking and it bristles with all manner of bulges and protrusions. the ubiquitous vents and naca ducts on the bonnet are still there, while the gaping maw of the bumper reveals a shiny intercooler within. however, is it everything a lancer evolution should be? there's an TC-SST (automated twin-clutch manual like VW's DSG system) version and the cars are even equipped with traction control!


unlike earlier incarnations of the evo, the X feels as big to drive as it looks on the outside, but that doesnt mean it's not as nimble as before. steering is sharp but that electronic throttle is a pain.

the limits are so high they're unlikely to ever be breached on normal roads; that could go some way towards explaining why the car never feels terribly stressed even when you're pushing as hard as you dare on normal roads.


the TMNT-look (teenage mutant ninja turtles) recaro bucket seats grip snugly but the driving position isn't as ideal as i'd hoped (yes, yes im short and oddly shaped!).



the S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) toggle is positioned on the steering wheel, but the RS spec of the X omits this for those who prefer a purer drive. there's lots of room in the back for rear occupants and the boot is generous enough for the average nuclear family (husband, wife, 1 kid, 1 maid); the X stays true to the 4-dr sedan roots of the Lancer Evolution, unlike the upcoming Subaru Impreza WRX STI, which is taking on the shape of a hatch-back.



the X marks the debut of the 4B11 mivec turbo engine in place of the venerable 4g63. there's quite a fair bit of turbo lag from the 2L engine. the turbo hits full boost around 4000rpm with rev-cut just shy of the 8000rpm mark.


this aint no JDM car that's limited to 180km/h either lol!



the gear-shifts from the 5-speeder are firm, precise and satisfyingly notchy, although slightly closer ratios would have been nice. The brake pedal is feel-some and easy to modulate; word on the street is the SST (clutchless manual/auto) has been delayed due to reliability issues, but we expect that variant to be the hot-seller among convenience-minded singaporeans. after all, we all want our cake and be able to eat it too! :)


brembo brakes offer stupendous stopping power even from the crazy speeds the evo X is capable of hitting. the car is fast and effortless to drive hard, but lacks a certain rawness that many have come to associate with the Lancer Evolution model.

*yep, we're back to the familiar blurry pictures thanks to a SE W910i and an original Motorola V3 (eeks)

Fast Facts: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Engine: 1998cc, in-line 4 cylinders, turbocharged, MIVEC
Maximum power: 280bhp at 6500rpm
Maximum torque: 422Nm at 3500rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
0-100km/h: < 6 seconds
Top speed: n/a
LxBxH: 4495x1810x1480 mm
Wheelbase: 2650mm
Kerbweight: 1520kg
Price: $136,988 (with COE)
Agent: Cycle & Carriage (Mitsubishi)

'Bim' Me In: BMW 650i Convertible

errr.. not quite.

Apologies in advance for not waxing lyrical about the car...

as much as i tried to enjoy the V8-hearted 6-Series convertible, it wasn't as elemental as I'd hoped for. In fact, the earlier 645i seemed more potent in the a-b stakes. Like the 335i, the 650i is undoubtedly quick, but there's something sorely lacking in both cars: character.



my pick of the lot would have to be the 630i, which boasts an engine that seems perfectly suited to the car, with characteristics that surpass the engine's other applications (oddly enough). and the good news is, there's a power hike to accompany the recent revision of the 630i.

of course, there will be the usual 'fanboys' who only look for the biggest, newest, shiniest models even though they may be flawed. in this case, the 650i doesn't impress us as much as the 645i did when it was first introduced.

it's a great car to cruise (pose) in and garners its fair share of attention wherever you go, good or ill. it also seemed to evoke the worst in human nature with the occasional animosity directed towards what some felt was a display of conspicuous consumption.



the car picks up some styling elements from the M6, including LED bits and clear clusters etc. new aluminium-effect trim adorns the cabin, which boasts a solid build quality that oozes a premium feel.


the V8 sounds fantastic but we experienced some bog-down when moving off at low speeds or from stand-still. also the car is a great cruiser but not as nimble nor as balanced as we would have liked. Off-the-line acceleration is stupendous though, with the 100km/h sprint dispatched in under 6 seconds.


With 'sport' mode engaged, throttle response is sharpened and shift-times become faster.


Roof off, the car looks fantastic; it's just a pity it takes such a long time to deploy.

sexy bottom includes a more prominent boot-lip with integrated brake lights.


*excuse the 'clear' photos, the darn P1i is dead, so i'm stuck shooting with the trusty dslr for these pix...

Fast Facts: BMW 650i Convertible
Engine: 4799cc, V8,
Maximum power: 367bhp at 6300rpm
Maximum torque: 490Nm at 3400rpm
Transmission: 6-speed Auto
0-100km/h: 5.8 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
LxBxH: 4820x1855x1374 mm
Wheelbase: 2780mm
Kerbweight: 1935kg
Price: $363,800 (with COE)
Agent: Performance Motors Limited

Clean, Green & Mean: Lexus LS600h L

This entry has been a long time coming... but it's been a beeeeezzzzyyyy few months!

it's not often that you come across a rolling incongruity like the Lexus LS600h L (L for Long Wheel-Base).


The familiar (and some might even say, innocuous) form of the LS is home to the latest in Lexus Hybrid Drive technology, a fusion of electric engine and a finely tuned 5L V8 powerplant to serve up a platter of 6L V12 whoop-ass, while simultaneously delivering tree-hugging levels of fuel economy (equivalent to a 3L petrol engine).




Say what you want, but there's something sleek and almost predatory to the LS's styling, while the humongous exhaust ports that are integrated into the rear under-skirting should serve as sufficient warning to pesky hot-hatches who might be tempted to 'have a go' at the hulk.

As it is, the occupants won't even feel a thing when the driver puts his foot down and pulls convincingly away from the contender... all in absolute, fuel-sipping silence no less! As if the LS460 wasn't quiet enough, this one takes the phrase 'silent but deadly' to whole new heights!

This 'green' car is distinguished by its rims and blue 'L' emblem in the front grille and trunk lid.


The interior is a veritable command centre, with lots of knobs and buttons to help the car maximise efficiency.


The LS600h L even comes equipped with adjustable damping to enhance the car's dynamism on the move. Crazy, we know... but i likeeeee!


From standstill, this car is crazy quick, even with the extra load of the all-wheel drive transmission. Of course, all the creature comforts associated with the regular LS can be found on this range-topper (which means both 5-seater and massaging Ottoman versions are available).

This is the sort of car that will appeal to those with a rather warped sense of humour. on the one hand, it's the feather in Lexus' cap, the sum of the company's hybrid technology r&d. On the other, the performance the car is capable of is a clear finger in the face of all the bleeding heart environmentalists out there, since for some reason, they're happy to imagine eco-friendly cars to look like what passes for Noddy's car in Toyland and possess the performance of a dirty old spark plug.

The LS600h proves them all wrong; this green car will really make them see red. And i'm glad for it!

Fast Facts: Lexus LS600h L
Engine: 4969cc, V8, D-4S with Dual VVT-i
Maximum power: 389bhp at 6400rpm
Maximum torque: 520Nm at 4000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed CVT
0-100km/h: 6.3 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h
LxBxH: 5150x1875x1480 mm
Wheelbase: 3090mm
Kerbweight: 2320-2410kg
Price: $POA (with COE)
Agent: Borneo Motors