22.10.04

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Updated on March 29, 2005

The Evo just keeps on evolving... Evo IX will go on sale early next year, with styling modifications to make it better resemble the 2004 World Rally Championships contender and to smooth out some of its less aerodynamic edges.

Entry-level '280' models come first, with power up to 281 bhp from the current 260 bhp starting point, and all standard Evos will receive revisions to their suspension, all-wheel drive system, traction control and electronic control systems to give a lower centre of gravity and ever-sharper handling, as experienced in the Evo VIII MR 360. There is also talk of an aluminium bonnet to reduce front-end weight. Mitsubishi is hoping that the Evo IX will revive its flagging fortunes in the USA in particular, taking on the popular Subaru Impreza WRX; US-market models are to gain a new active centre differential.

Text and photos: 4car.co.uk