Lancer Evolution: MR version of hot Mitsubishi goes on sale in June

Friday May 23, 2008

Mitsubishi says the Lancer Evolution MR sedan is a daily driver with a hint of rally flavor. That claim will get road-tested in June, when the Evolution MR goes on sale in the United States.

The MR is the upper trim level of the Lancer Evolution and follows the January launch of the base Evolution GSR. The MR has a base price of $38,940, with shipping charges, in every state except Alaska, where an extra $125 in shipping charges pumps up the price to $39,065.

The MR's key difference from the GSR is the use of a the six-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission, which allows driving in manual or automatic modes. The transmission has a console-mounted shifter and magnesium paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The GSR is equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.

Both Evolution trims come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that makes 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

An optional technology package adds a 30-gigabyte navigation system, a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate premium sound system and prepaid Sirius Satellite Radio.

This is the 10th generation of the Evolution, which dates back to 1992. The new Evolution is based on the 2008 Lancer, which was introduced in March 2007.