2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

At 5000 miles, the Evo paid a visit to Calabasas Mitsubishi for its first scheduled maintenance, an $85.74 oil change, inspection, and tire rotation. With fresh Mobil 1 synthetic oil running through its 2.0-liter turbo engine, the Evo entertained senior editor Ron Kiino on a twisty drive home.

“The surgical steering is made for tight turns; its perfectly weighted feel allows you to be ultra precise when placing the front tires. Chassis balance is almost uncanny. The front end offers up so much grip and the rear, which gets Active Yaw Control, is so willing to rotate it feels like oversteer is the name of the game, but in reality, both ends are sticking like syrup and working together so beautifully that you can’t believe the car is devouring sweepers that effortlessly. Brakes? Awesome. Every turn you feel like you can dive deeper and deeper.”