Any video game fan knows about “easter eggs” and “cheat codes,” those secret commands that can be used to reveal more powerful weapons on many electronic games.  If there were such a thing as a cheat code for economy cars, the result would look a lot like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.  This Lancer seems to have undergone a rapid transformation from “normal” to “attack” mode.

That’s because, unlike all of the Honda Civics and Nissan Sentras running around with spoilers and scoops and big wheels, the Lancer Evolution is actually based on a race car.  A European rally car, to be specific, whose one purpose in life is to go as fast as possible on pavement, dirt, sand and even snow.  The Lancer’s economy-sedan body is crammed full of the tools of that particular trade: all-wheel-drive, a powerful turbocharged engine, and extraordinarily capable brakes and suspension.

At the Lancer Evolution’s heart is a 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder that’s derived from the ones that power the rally winners.  There’s typical economy car acceleration at first, but when the turbo spools up the Lancer Evolution’s 271 horsepower pours on in a rush and the car pulls gleefully almost all the way up to its 7000-rpm redline.  It’s not violent like Dodge’s insane Neon SRT-4; the Lancer Evolution puts its considerable power down with smooth urgency.  A lightweight valvetrain improves throttle response, and the turbocharger’s efficiency is improved by a hand-me-down from the Lancer Evolution’s rally-car brethren; a system which sprays cold water onto the intercooler.  Like many big turbochargers, it sometimes feels like an on-off switch for the power, because the little four-cylinder doesn’t do much when the turbo isn’t spinning.

Want an automatic?  You’re out of luck.  The only transmission offered in the Lancer Evolution is a five-speed manual.  Although the internals are beefed up to handle the motor’s power, the Lancer is docile enough to drive around town.  Shifts are smooth and as quick as you want to make them.  Perhaps in deference to its youthful target market, this car likes to be driven violently, with fast shifts rather than graceful ones.

The all-wheel-drive splits torque evenly front to rear via viscous coupling differentials mounted centrally and at each wheel, providing confident handling and ferocious acceleration on all surfaces.  A limited-slip rear differential is standard equipment.  The Lancer Evolution’s fully independent suspension benefits from a wider track than the standard Lancer that, coupled with the big 17″ wheels and tires, makes for a sizeable footprint.  The front struts are inverted, rally-car style, for improved rough-road performance.  This race-bred suspension is tooth-rattling firm, but it’s not skittish on less-than-smooth roads.  The Lancer Evolution is a heavy tramliner; its sensitive suspension follows the undulations of the road left to right, but it manages not to feel nervous.  Quick-ratio power steering and sticky tires offer wish-quick handling on twisty roads.  The brakes are sourced from Brembo; big discs at all four corners bring the Lancer Evolution to a stop with authority.  Antilock brakes are standard.

The Lancer Evolution doesn’t camouflage all of this hardware under an unassuming sedan body.  The widened track requires blistered fenders, and a gaping maw below the front bumper reveals the intercooler.  That big air vent in the hood feeds a cold-air induction system for the turbo, and the (optional) big wing on the decklid does provide some downforce at high speed.  There are even air vents cut into the narrow leading edge of the bumper.  This is most assuredly not a subtle car.

The transformation from family car to hot rod is even more marked from the driver’s seat.  Comfortable Recaro racing seats (complete with slots to install a five-point harness) replace the usual cloth chairs, there’s a narrow-diameter Momo wheel that feels great to the hands, and a short-throw shifter rides in the console.  Other than that, the interior is basic Lancer.  Evolution-specific red gauges are hard to read at night, but that’s a minor quibble.

The base price of $28,987 (plus $595 shipping) includes all of the performance goodies; the only options offered are a carbon fiber spoiler ($480) and a power sunroof ($750).  It’s on sale now.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, which we tested.
Length:     178.5 in.
Width:        69.7 in.
Height:        57.1 in.
Wheelbase:    103.3 in.
Curb weight:        3263 lb.
Cargo space:        10.2 cu.ft.
Base price:        $28,987 (w/o shipping charge)
Price as tested:        $28,987
Engine:     2.0 liter DOHC turbocharged 16-valve four-cylinder
Drivetrain:     five-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Horsepower:     271 @ 6500
Torque:     273 @ 3500
Fuel capacity:    14.0 gal.
Est. mileage:    18/26

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