covering my bases (again!)

during a short run out for breakfast, the sunny weather wreaked havoc on the tactile rubber inserts in the car (over just 1.5 hours! from 10 to 1230pm), so the climate control bits are starting to peel.

i was shopping around online for a fitted cover for the car (had a good experience with the covercraft all-weather NOAH car-cover so was thinking of going down that route), but the wife suggested using the one from the 190 E 2.3-16 instead since the cars were pretty much the same size.


what do you know? it fits pretty snug and accommodates the rear wing well, with even the wing mirrors slotting nicely into the cover's mirror pockets. Funny thing, cos it wouldn't fit the W202 C-Class i was running for a short while, which you'd have imagined would have been a better match.

This X Marks MY Spot : Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X SST

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

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)