2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

No more fuzzy spy shots of camouflaged test mules. No more computer-enhanced renderings. No more searching the Web for information on the Maximum-Strength Mitsubishi. The wait is finally over: This is the Lancer Evolution VIII, just as it'll appear at dealerships in February.

Though it shares its platform and architecture with the Evo VII, there are enough significant hardware changes to warrant the additional Roman numeral. Most obvious is a new front-end design, allowing one of the acknowledged stars of the world's favorite computer driving games to pass North American crash-test standards. The hood, air intake, lighting, and several other body panels have also been tweaked.

A revised 2.0-liter turbocharged intercooled four (now designated 4G63) is rated at 271 horsepower at 6500 rpm in U.S. trim. Its torque peak of 273 lb-ft comes at 3500 revs. The intake and intercooler systems have received attention, and the engine has new, hollow camshafts that reduce rotating mass. A five-speed manual will be the only transmission choice at launch, though Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America is evaluating the notion of offering the sequential automatic sold in other markets; with it would come a slightly detuned powerplant. A six-speed stick likely will show up in a year or two.

As with Subaru's WRX, much of the Evo's cachet and handling magic come thanks to a full-time all-wheel-drive system. But it's in this area where the North American Evo will differ the most as compared to the model sold in Japan. That car will continue to use more sophisticated Active Center Differential and Active Yaw Control rear-diff systems, which employ computers and several electronic sensors to distribute power. The ACD also allows three traction-level settings (gravel, snow, and tarmac). Sources tell us this expensive hardware would've pushed the cost beyond the sub-$30,000 base-price point mandated by MMSA's business case. Our Evo's viscous center diff is preset for a 50/50 front-to-back power delivery, and the rear differential gets a mechanical limited slip. The rest of the good stuff remains, including Brembo four-wheel disc brakes and 17-inch forged-alloy wheels.