Mitsubishi hopes to conquest BMW and Audi buyers
12-26-07, 12:44 AM
#31
Lexus Test Driver
12-28-07, 12:41 AM
#35
I was really looking forward to the EVO X.... I liked what the Concept X brought. When real photos of EVO X came out, it was sure attractive (especially when the new WRX/STi is fugly).
Then I heard about the 34k GSR / 39k MR price tag. What a deal breaker. No one will want to pay that kind of money for an EVO that doesn't perform any better than previous EVOs.
Then I heard about the EPA MPG ratings... 16/22 for GSR and 17/22 for MR. That's like what, GTR range?
I was seriously considering this car as my next car. After the detailed specs and price came out, I don't think it will be.
Then I heard about the 34k GSR / 39k MR price tag. What a deal breaker. No one will want to pay that kind of money for an EVO that doesn't perform any better than previous EVOs.
Then I heard about the EPA MPG ratings... 16/22 for GSR and 17/22 for MR. That's like what, GTR range?
I was seriously considering this car as my next car. After the detailed specs and price came out, I don't think it will be.
12-28-07, 03:22 AM
#36
Lexus Test Driver
The electronics are also different; I believe the EVO X has completely revised stability control dynamics, which make it much less edgy in corners. This will be particularly noticeable on the US version, which AFAIK did not come with any type of yaw stability control previously.
I too was a bit surprised at the increase in price but honestly I think the vehicle is still a very good deal at those rates. You'll get a lot more with the Evo X than with the prior iterations. I remember when the Evo VIII was first rumored to be released I figured a price of 40k+ would not be unreasonable; of course, that was before we knew it would largely be a stripped-down version of the JP model.
12-28-07, 05:55 AM
#37
Lexus Champion
i'm a huge mitsubishi fan; i love their turbo cars, i've had and modified several.
awesome engines that take some serious abuse.
the new evo x is far too soft though. the rawness and instant response of the older versions is gone. in that respect, i think they will attract some german car buyers if they can just get over caring about what badge is on the trunk.
i would own one any day rather than over rated unreliable german junk.
that being siad, i'd much rather have an an older evo. the X is too expensive and too soft. i like the idea of stuffing an overengineered drivetrain into an econobox body and whooping everything else on the street; while having instant steering and handling feedback.
the new X is great for the mass market and for what people "think" a performance car should be these days, but for me; i want to feel it.
awesome engines that take some serious abuse.
the new evo x is far too soft though. the rawness and instant response of the older versions is gone. in that respect, i think they will attract some german car buyers if they can just get over caring about what badge is on the trunk.
i would own one any day rather than over rated unreliable german junk.
that being siad, i'd much rather have an an older evo. the X is too expensive and too soft. i like the idea of stuffing an overengineered drivetrain into an econobox body and whooping everything else on the street; while having instant steering and handling feedback.
the new X is great for the mass market and for what people "think" a performance car should be these days, but for me; i want to feel it.
12-28-07, 04:43 PM
#38
I too was a bit surprised at the increase in price but honestly I think the vehicle is still a very good deal at those rates. You'll get a lot more with the Evo X than with the prior iterations. I remember when the Evo VIII was first rumored to be released I figured a price of 40k+ would not be unreasonable; of course, that was before we knew it would largely be a stripped-down version of the JP model.
People who want upscale versions of the WRX will get the Legacy GT. That is smart. Mitsubishi needs to bring back a Galant VR4 for the upscale market, not to kill their performance icon by giving it leather and NAV.
Nevertheless, I don't hate the idea that the EVO will be more refined. It's just that the EVO used to be a "bargain" for the performance you get with the price tag. Now it just seems like the price is barely justified.
12-28-07, 04:57 PM
#39
Lexus Test Driver
Agree with you 100% here. Even though I think the car is still a good deal, I'd much rather have a hardened version.
12-28-07, 07:20 PM
#40
Lexus Fanatic
Mitsubishi is hoping that those rushing into BMW and Audi dealerships to pick up a new ‘08 model will take notice of the new redesigned 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. They would also like some more female shoppers to check out the new 295 horsepower beast.
Mitsubishi believes that while Evo shoppers have always been mostly men and rally fans, the new refined Lance Evoution may be attractive to those luxury sedan shoppers looking at a new 3-Series, A4, C-Class or G37.
Mitsubishi believes that while Evo shoppers have always been mostly men and rally fans, the new refined Lance Evoution may be attractive to those luxury sedan shoppers looking at a new 3-Series, A4, C-Class or G37.
12-28-07, 07:42 PM
#41
Pole Position
if you're looking for daily drivable Evo, you'll have to opt for the MR model (at least for evo 8/9). The Bilstein shock/sping combo is much more tolerable over harsher crappier conditions, like those in the east coast. For the most part, i don't find it as terrible when i drive my Evo RS on the streets.
But the biggest prohibitive factor for people, especially women, is probably not the ride, but most likely the tranny selection: only manual. This isolates the car mostly for hard core enthusiasts willing to live with it in today's stop and go traffic. The SST clutchless tranny option finally addressed this shortcoming for the mass.
Although i disagree in many regards to a lot of member's views here (my impetus on car purchase is based on performance, reliability, and value, and not a badge), i understand people's outrage when thinking of mitsu going upmarket. However, the fair comparison would probably be to the entry level Bimmers, like the new 135i as opposed to other more expensive models. Remember now, several years ago Huyndai wanted to be on par with Toyota when they had some of the shabbiest image and rep, and was mocked accordingly. Now they have a superb lineup and are even trying to take on Lexus. Times have change, and unless you a brand snob, it is in the best interest of the consumer that companies are diversifying themselves.
But the biggest prohibitive factor for people, especially women, is probably not the ride, but most likely the tranny selection: only manual. This isolates the car mostly for hard core enthusiasts willing to live with it in today's stop and go traffic. The SST clutchless tranny option finally addressed this shortcoming for the mass.
Although i disagree in many regards to a lot of member's views here (my impetus on car purchase is based on performance, reliability, and value, and not a badge), i understand people's outrage when thinking of mitsu going upmarket. However, the fair comparison would probably be to the entry level Bimmers, like the new 135i as opposed to other more expensive models. Remember now, several years ago Huyndai wanted to be on par with Toyota when they had some of the shabbiest image and rep, and was mocked accordingly. Now they have a superb lineup and are even trying to take on Lexus. Times have change, and unless you a brand snob, it is in the best interest of the consumer that companies are diversifying themselves.
12-29-07, 07:19 AM
#42
Lexus Fanatic
But the biggest prohibitive factor for people, especially women, is probably not the ride, but most likely the tranny selection: only manual. This isolates the car mostly for hard core enthusiasts willing to live with it in today's stop and go traffic. The SST clutchless tranny option finally addressed this shortcoming for the mass.
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12-29-07, 09:11 AM
#44
Lead Lap
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Hard to steal BMW drivers when BMW have great lease incentives, European delivery and free mintenance. Not to mention they are do pretty well overall in quality.
I read somewhere that the average age of an ES350 buyer is 61. I think that is even higher than Cadillac now IIRC. The younger folks are driving the market and so many companies are scrambling to keep up.
Those who cross shop for performance seem to choose German. If they look at luxury and comfort they seem to opt for Asian cars. However, I find it strange when someone cross shops an Asian car against a German car. I think they know what they want, just not sure they know who has it.
There was another thread on here where someone cross shopped a BMW 3 series with an ES350. I find this puzzling.
I read somewhere that the average age of an ES350 buyer is 61. I think that is even higher than Cadillac now IIRC. The younger folks are driving the market and so many companies are scrambling to keep up.
Those who cross shop for performance seem to choose German. If they look at luxury and comfort they seem to opt for Asian cars. However, I find it strange when someone cross shops an Asian car against a German car. I think they know what they want, just not sure they know who has it.
There was another thread on here where someone cross shopped a BMW 3 series with an ES350. I find this puzzling.
12-29-07, 11:09 AM
#45
Lexus Fanatic
