When Mitsubishi announced that this most recent Evo X would be the last we see of the famed rally car – we were crushed. I still remember the first time I test drove the latest generation with the dual-clutch transmission and was blown away by the grip and speed off the line. With 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque the car isn’t “melt your face” fast but will push you back in the seat as the AWD tears across the asphalt.
We wanted to test the 6 speed manual version of the Evo in the final year to give one last goodbye to the legendary car. Out in the canyons the car is untouchable in terms of grip and driver-involved handling dynamics. The Recaro seats have been removed from this 2015 version and the interior remains the generic Mitsubishi fare. But for the $37k that our GSR stickered with the Rockford Fosgate sound system it is hard to beat for an affordable car to take to the track or for weekends in the canyons.
Overall the Evo X is one of the more engaging cars to drive available on the market and it will be truly missed by automotive enthusiasts. Had there been an 11th generation we may have had a slightly nicer interior but may have sacrificed some of the driving quality. In a world where so many cars are moving towards “digital” instead of “analog” it may be good that the Evo is gone. It is dying as a hero and didn’t stick around to become a victim of the move away from manual transmissions and driving excitement.
Check out our “On The Road” review for some additional thoughts as we wish the Mitsubishi Evo farewell.
