YES... you heard it here first; it's FAR more accomplished than VW's much-vaunted DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox), despite any murmurings to the contrary.
Probably the most eagerly awaited twin-clutch transmission system after the new Nissan GT-R, the SST (Sports Shift Transmission) finally makes its debut in Singapore inside the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SST or Evo X SST.
Visually, the SST is unchanged from the manual variant; no little badges to differentiate it from its stable-mate.
Inside, steering wheel mounted gear-paddles (substantial and solidly built), a SST toggle just south of the stubby, leather-clad gear-lever.
YES, the PIs may be selling it a little cheaper, but how many (if at all) of them have a SST model in ready stock. At the time of this upload... not very many. Rumours abound that mitsubishi japan might have a hand in forestalling deliveries from japanese dealers to singapore PIs; the other one involves the teething problems the SST unit is throwing up...
If the latter is true, then it's probably a good thing that official mitsubishi distributor in singapore, cycle & carriage, is providing a 3 year warranty and $50k OMV (vs. the 40+k for a PI car) for its SST at a whisker under S$160k.
the teenage mutant ninja turtle recaro seats provide a snug fit for even slightly portly drivers. After successive drives of the evo X, its slightly larger proportions are no longer intimidating and the X is really easy to chuck around in traffic and car-parks.
Like the manual, brakes on the SST offer stupendous feel and stopping power; great for when you get carried away with the speed.
One can either leave it in 'full-auto' (with the occasional manual override using the steering wheel mounted paddles) or flick the leaver over to the right to 'manual'. The SST can be toggled through three modes: normal, sport and s-sport.
the first two are easy enough to engage, but s-sport requires a PS3 style 'combo' to initiate. firstly, the car has to be stationary, then from 'sport', the SST toggle must be held upwards for a few heartbeats, before the s-sport mode is engaged.
as a daily driver, there are few cars in this price bracket to offer space, pace and race in one four-wheel driven package that is as easy to drive. The ratios are closely spaced for really brisk progress and it's easy to find one quickly flicking through the paddles WRC style.
As much as VW's DSG revolutionised this particular segment, the SST really re-writes the rules in a firm and decisive manner. Devotees at the altar of DSG may find this hard to believe and dismiss this as the ramblings of yet another JDM-boyricer, but if it helps, i was never one to rave about the manual Evo X when it was launched, which makes the SST such a pleasant surprise!
(* moving image courtesy of Penoramic Publishing)
Now what about the GT-R...
Fast Facts: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SST
Engine: 1998cc, 16-valves, in-line 4, turbocharged, MIVEC
Maximum Power: 280bhp at 6500rpm
Maximum Torque: 422Nm at 3500rpm
Transmission: Twin Clutch SST 6-speed
LxBxH: 4495 x 1810 x 1480 mm
Wheelbase: 2650mm
Kerbweight: 1540kg
0-100km/h: about 5 seconds
Top Speed: 180km/h (electronically limited)
Price: <$160k
Agent: Cycle and Carriage (Mitsubishi), tel: 6473-9722
*Automotive Photography: www.penoramic.com
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