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The GSR is the back-to-basics version of Mitsubishi's awesome Lancer Evolution. While the range-topping Evolution MR (link goes to review) gets a twin-clutch automatic transmission, lighter wheels, fancier brakes, Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks, the GSR comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox, stiffer house-brand suspension parts, a slightly shorter options list and a lower price -- $5,300 lower, to be precise. Does cutting the extra equipment cut the fun factor? Read on.
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- Fast and thrilling
- Incredible grip
- Reasonably practical
- Most exciting car in its price range
- Arms-out driving position
- Low-rent interior
- Small trunk
- Lousy fuel economy and short range
- GSR is the entry-level version of the Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi's hottest car
- Price range (including options): $33,685 - $35,685
- Price as tested: $33,685
- EPA fuel economy estimates: 16 MPG city/22 MPG highway/18 MPG combined (premium fuel required)
Though the GSR is designed to be the harder-riding Lancer Evolution, it's not the rolling prison sentence that the old base-model Evo was. In fact, the GSR is almost comfortable enough to be called civil. The GSR may lack the MR's name-brand suspension parts, but it does get all the bits that really matter -- 291 horsepower turbocharged engine, electronic all-wheel-drive, and super-sticky Yokohama Advan A13C tires. Out on the About.com Cars Top Secret Curvy Test Road, the GSR demonstrated that ol' Evo magic: Eye-watering acceleration, super-crisp turn in, and unfathomable grip. Technically, the GSR's handling should be superior to the MR's, but I couldn't feel much difference -- both are incredibly thrilling.
The GSR's 5-speed manual transmission has deliciously quick throws and short gearing that gets the Evo's engine up into its high-RPM powerband promptly. The clutch's abrupt take-up poses a challenge; it's difficult to change gears both quickly and smoothly, and when you're wailing through the curves at the Evo's insane gallop, you have no choice but to be quick -- so smooth goes out the window. Luckily, the Evo is incredibly forgiving -- you pretty much have to jump on the brakes mid-corner to break its composure -- so it will take a bit of rough clutchmanship in stride. The Evo MR's twin-clutch automatic solves this problem, providing stick-shift-style power delivery with instant, surge-free shifts. Even so, I wouldn't give up the GSR's five-speed manual for the world.
The Lancer Evolution GSR's primary competitor is the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, which costs more and doesn't drive as well. 'Nuff said. At $33,685, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR certainly isn't cheap -- but in terms of thrills-per-dollar, it's one of the best bargains on the market. I'd buy one in a heartbeat. -- Aaron Gold
