Chris Harris, from EVO Magazine, takes a trip state-side to sunny California for a drive in the all-new 2012 Porsche 911. Interestingly enough, the road conditions are not up to Chris’ standards but he seems to somehow manage to have a good time test driving a vehicle that he cannot find much to disagree with. In the end Chris agrees that the new 991 iteration is not perfect, but it’s very very close to being so. Enjoy the video below!

Considering how Lexus has placed their LFA at the upper echelon of the exotic car breed we think it would only be a fair battle to pit it against the Ferrari 599 GTO in a top speed run. Luckily for us we don’t have to haggle with a new owner of an LFA or 599 GTO to accomplish this test but rather go to the pros at EVO magazine.

EVO magazine recently did a short on-track film of the Lexus LFA and Ferrari GTO for a top speed run at the helm of Richard Meaden and Roger Green in the passenger seat. Check out their exclusive video of the two and see which comes out on top.

[source: EVO Magazine]

As funny and interesting as it may seem for people to been seen driving around BMW’s prototype 1-Series M Coupe still in camouflage, it still makes for great entertainment.

You will find the video of Chris riding in the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe below. Is the BMW 1-Series M Coupe a true one-of-a-kind M-Car or is it BMW’s edition of “honey I shrunk the M3”?

From Chris’s Blog:
“At the M3 GTS launch yesterday BMW also rolled-out a 1 Series M development hack.
This caught us all slightly unawares, especially when they said they’d do a few passenger rides.

So, in the true spirit of low-quality, gorilla video I did my best to capture something.
The car is very interesting and should help drag BMW M back towards its heartland.
It’s currently running a 135i motor with a re-map and different exhaust, so the sound was slightly
disappointing. It felt quick though. expect around 340bhp from the production car Q1 2011.

Chassis wise it’s a load of E92 M3 bits wedged underneath a set of wider wheel arches.
It’s a very interesting looking thing: it’s almost square. The cambers give it that classic M-car look.”

[source: EVO]

EVO’s Chris Harris gets behind the wheel of another exotic sports car again. This time he drives the new Ferrari 599 GTO which is the fastest production model ever made by Ferrari. The Ferrari 599 boasts a 670hp V12 engine and shares many counterparts with its Nurburgring record setting 599XX stablemate.

Check out the new Ferrari 599 GTO test drive video below! Enjoy!

[source: evo]

It would be a fair battle to match the new Porsche 911 GT3 RS up against the Ferrari 458 Italia wouldn’t it? Of course! That is why Evo recently did a video where Chris Harris compares the two. “They’re not direct rivals, but they’re two of the most exciting high performance cars we’ll drive all year.” Check out parts 1 and 2 of the comparison videos below. Enjoy!

[source: EVO]

Chris Harris at EVO does a run-down and drive of the new Ferrari 458 Italia. He calls it the “baby Ferrari”, which just does not do it justice. This car is stupendous! Enjoy the video!

I love the new Lancer Evolution MR four-door sedan from Mitsubishi.  It has all of the racecar thrills that you would expect from a track-ready, street-legal performance machine, and leaves all non-essential bells and whistles behind for the more expensive competition to try and lure you in.

While remaining true to its core elements and values that have made the Lancer Evolution (EVO) MR synonymous with thrilling performance, this next generation limited edition 2008 model offers all-around capability and user friendly technology that distinguish it among the world’s best performance models.  The new MR is the fastest and highest performing sedan for under $40,000.00 on the market.

The MR showcases new performance and handling technology, including an all-new 2.0 liter turbocharged and intercooled engine and the Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic handling system. 

The new 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) is a computer controlled sequential-manual transmission with magnesium steering wheel shifter paddles and console mounted ball-topped shifter that works seamlessly with the S-AWC to regulate drive torque at each wheel by controlling a network of dynamic handling technologies, including Active Enter Differential (ACD) 4-wheel drive, Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, Active Stability Control (ASC), and Sport ABS brakes.  A helical gear-type limited-slip front differential is used.  What this all means is that torque is transferred to the wheels that will always keep the car accelerating with grip to the pavement enabling the MR to rocket out to 60mph from a standstill in just 5sec., and pull almost 1g when cornering at high speeds.  There are three settings ‘tarmac’, ‘gravel’ and ‘snow’.

Power is generated by a new MIVEC 2.0 liter intercooled-twin-scroll turbocharger, DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine based on a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block with aluminum heads.  This high-output engine makes 291hp at 6,500rpm, and 300lb.ft. of torque at 4,400rpm.

Unlike the 4G63 engine used in the previous model, the new 4B11 engine does not use a balancer shaft, made possible by the new engine’s inherently lower noise and vibration and use of hydraulic engine mounts.  The engine revs freely and the rear-located (firewall side) stainless steel exhaust manifold helps improve weight distribution.  The exhaust note produced by the dual exhaust system is a low growl and grows louder as you push the throttle harder.

The race-bred, unique suspension system features a MacPherson setup in the front with inverted gas-charged struts, and forged aluminum control arms that reduce unsprung weight.  Specifically tuned Eibach springs and Bilstein gas-charged shocks and a 25mm stabilizer bar finish the front suspension.  Keeping the front end more rigid and to enhance response is a standard strut tower brace.

In the rear is a multi-link setup also with forged aluminum control arms, specifically tuned Eibach springs, Bilstein gas-charged shocks and a 23mm stabilizer bar. 

Further enhancing handling and stability prowess is the longer wheelbase and wider track in the new Lancer EVO MR.  There is two suspension setting ‘comfort’ and ‘sport’.

You’ll find the same setup on some of the best handling customized sport compact sedans on the tracks and roads today.  This is factory direct without breaking the factory 5-year/60,000 mile warranty and 3-year/36,000 bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Keeping you on your chosen path with razor-sharp response is the hydraulic power assisted rack & pinion steering system.  It is fully weighted and gives you a great feel for the road with pin-point accuracy.  Just a little turn of the steering wheel and the front end moves with authority.  The stability control system keeps you out of trouble but you can shut the system off when you feel the urge to see how far you can go to the edge as you push the high-revving engine faster when cornering.  While the suspension is sport-tuned it is never harsh or severe, and I was surprised by how well the ride was when traveling over poorly paved roads in the comfort setting.

Further enhancing grip and traction are the standard, 245/40R18in. Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires that wrap around standard, lightweight, 18X8.5in. BBS forged-alloy wheels.  Now that is a rolling racecar setup.

The already stiff MR platform is further reinforced for the 2008 Lancer EVO MR.  The roof, hood, front fenders, and both the front and rear bumper beams are made of aluminum for strength with less weight.  The battery and windshield washer fluid tank are mounted in the trunk area for better weight distribution to help give the new MR a more nimble feel when maneuvering around slow city traffic, on the straight-away at high-speeds, and when attacking curving mountain roads.

Bringing you safely and quickly back to earth is a racecar inspired braking system. Up front are 13.8in. two-piece rotors for weight reduction that are clamped with Brembo 4-piston calipers, while 13in. discs in the rear are clamped with Brembo 2-piston calipers. A 4-sensor, 4-channel Sports calibrated ABS and Electronic Brake Force Distribution system help you control the MR during severe braking maneuvers.

Racecar engineering and mechanicals aside, the new MR looks the part of a of a street-wise sports machine with its shark-nosed front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes with a bright grille bezel, HID headlamps, the intercooler easily seen below the lower front air-intake, and fog lamps at the sides of the front bumper with integral spoiler. 

The distinct wedge-like profile features chrome beltline molding, boxed lower side extensions, and an aggressively sloping hood with integral air scoop and engine heat outlets. The flared fenders feature vertical air-vents up front for a truly unique look. 

In the rear is a tall lid mounted spoiler, wraparound lamp clusters, a lower air diffuser that helps to better manage rear airflow, two 4in. wide oval exhaust outlets that more efficiently expend the hot gases emanating from the high-output engine, and a MR badge for rear drivers to see and not to get to close.

Inside the new EVO MR shows a new international flair.  The instrument panel is straight-ahead and easy to see and understand with a 180mph speedometer and 9,000rpm tachometer, the metal pedals add another racecar styling cue, a Driver Information Screen shows all of the important system information easily scrolled through by pushing the Info button.  A wide and tasteful black plastic strip runs the length of the dashboard into the door trim to breakup the solid black material.  An aluminum strip mounted on top of the center stack that also rings around the two large gauges, and chrome accents at each of the four air-vents, all add up to a more sporty look.    

The incredible Recaro sport bucket seats are manually operated, very comfortable and firmly keep you in place during spirited driving times with suede inserts.  The 3-spoke, leather wrapped/tilting steering wheel feels perfect in your hands and contains buttons for the audio system, Bluetooth communications, and cruise-control.  Contrasting white stitching is found at all the seams of the black leather seats, steering wheel, shifter and armrests.

While not ‘bare-bones’ the interior doesn’t feature plush, power adjustable/heated seats, real aluminum trim, dual electronic climate control or a self-dimming rearview mirror like most of the more expensive competition.  You do get a standard 140-watt AM-FM-CD audio system with digital signal processing, MP3 playback capability and six speakers, an easy-to-use single automatic climate control system with air filter, rearview mirror with flip-up dimmer, a center floor console box with armrest and dual cup-holders, dual visor vanity mirrors, 12-volt power plug, door pocket storage, large glove box, color-keyed outer door handles and power-remote folding/side view mirrors, grab handles above each door, power windows/door locks with driver-side express up/down, floor mats, fog lamps, dual map lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel with buttons for the audio system, cruise-control and Bluetooth communication system, rear seat heater floor ducts, pull-down rear seat armrest with dual cup-holders, remote keyless entry, and side marker lamps.

The MR Technology package adds a Rockford-Fosgate 600-watt system with 9-speakers and a trunk-mounted subwoofer and SIRIUS satellite radio with six-month service, a 30-gigabyte hard disk drive a Mitsubishi navigation system with 7.5in. color touch screen and music server function, a Mitsubishi Multi-Communication system, and the Fast Key entry system.

Standard safety systems include advanced dual front airbags, front seat mounted side airbags, 3-point safety belts for all seating positions with front load limiters and pretensioners, side curtain airbags, driver’s knee airbag, RISE body contruction with front/rear crumple zones and steel beams in each door, adjustable front/rear head restraints, child safety locks, tire pressure monitoring system, LATCH system for child seats, daytime running lamps and an engine immobilizer.

The new Lancer Evolution MR is now a markedly better car for everyday driving.  The power is up and the suspension is tuned to provide a more compliant and stable ride than before without compromising its amazing handling performance.

I’ve finally gotten my hands around the sport steering wheel of the all-new EVO MR as there are no changes slated for the 2009 model, and I found the EVO MR to be easy, fun and when the moment is right, a thrilling ride with all the necessary interior refinements, safety, and high-tech systems that make this MR a daily driver and weekend track performer.

COPYRIGHT:HARVEY SCHWARTZ

SPECIFICATIONS

Price: MSRP $38,290
Type: Compact Sedan
Where Built: Japan
EPA Class: Compact Cars

Dimensions

Exterior
Length: 177 in.
Width: 71.3 in.
Height: 58.3 in.
Wheel Base: 104.3 in.
Interior
Front Head Room: 40.6 in.
Front Hip Room: 53.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 54.7 in.
Rear Head Room: 36.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room: 54.3 in.
Rear Hip Room: 54.1 in.
Front Leg Room: 42.5 in.
Rear Leg Room: 33.3 in.
Luggage Capacity: 6.9 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 5

Performance Data

Base Number of Cylinders: 4
Base Engine Size: 2 liters
Base Engine Type: Inline 4
Horsepower: 291 hp
Max Horsepower: 6500 rpm
Torque: 300 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 4000 rpm
Drive Type: AWD
Turning Circle: 38.7 ft.
0-60mph: 5.0 seconds

Fuel Data

Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.5 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Automatic: 17 mpg / 22 mpg / 19 mpg
Range in Miles:
Automatic: 246.5 mi. / 319 mi. / 275.5 mi.