TMR Bathurst Edition Lancer Evolution. By Barry Green.
For those who might consider Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution X not full on or exclusive enough, TMR (Team Mitsubishi Ralliart) has come up with a limited production Bathurst Edition.
This is a smart marketing move, capitalising on the Evo’s run of success in the annual Bathurst 12 Hour production car race at the legendary Mt Panorama, Bathurst.
Outwardly, the Bathurst Edition comes with powder coated wheels with TMR signature centre caps and badging depicting an outline of the Mt Panorama track.
But it’s under the skin where it really bristles with attitude, thanks to an engine upgrade which boosts power and torque substantially (247 kW and 436 Nm v standard Evo 217 kW and 366 Nm), a modified exhaust to improve breathing and air flow, and a progressive rate spring package that lowers the car and improves handling.
After a week aboard an Evo modified to Bathurst Edition specs, we can confirm the aforementioned performance tweaks take what is already a performance benchmark to another level. The TMR car proved consistently quicker than the Evo X MR we tested two years ago, in both point-to-point and roll-on acceleration. The former averaged 5.1 seconds from 0-100 km/h and 13.5 seconds over the standing 400 metres.
Everyday usability has also been markedly improved. The 2.0-litre turbo four felt way more responsive, and the ride – while still firm – proved acceptably compliant around town. The handling and grip levels were nothing short of sublime. However, we were surprised with the car’s 80 km/h-stop braking performance. The car’s stoppers are not short on providing reassurance and retardation, but a distance of 26.9 metres was considerably more than the Evo X MR and similar performance cars tested.
Like the standard Evo, the Bathurst Edition comes with four door sedan practicality and a usable boot etc. Best of all, it scores Mitsubishi’s regular 5-year mechanical and 10-year powertrain warranties. Costing $8250 more than a standard Evo ($61,390, 5-speed manual), the TMR Bathurst Edition Lancer Evolution impresses to the point where it begs the question – why didn’t Mitsubishi build the Evo X like that in the first place?
