The MR is finally arriving!
Announced last year with the "entry-level" GSR, it's production for the North American market has been delayed by a long tuning process and by partner Getrag's issues with ramping up production for the new transmissions. Nonetheless, it has been in production for the Japan domestic market all along, and it's been tested extensively and reported to be absolutely phonomenal, with it's TC-SST uncannily shifting perfectly for any and all conditions - road or track.
The MR is loaded with technology, focusing on it's dual-clutch automated manual transmission and continuing to it's long list of equipment sourced from some of the most famous parts companies in the world: Getrag, BBS, Recaro, Brembo, Bilstein, and Eibach.
Rumors of the TC-SST running hot in track conditions have not been proven or disproven. I've been studying the dealer training manuals and repair manuals for the new transmisison and I've found that's equipped with an external air-to-oil cooler (the transmission has an internal pump) as well as a filter. It looks to me like an even bigger cooler could be added for track use, and that the fittings present for the existing cooler and could be reused. It'd be easy to plumb in a larger cooler, as well as a switch-operated cooling fan to force more cooling when airflow is low or when the vehicle is parked. Just as several aftermarket companies are offering an engine oil cooler for th eleft-hand driving light opening, I see a TC-SST cooler in the right-hand opening. For extreme track use, these types of coolers are the usual fare, and offer the added benefit of engine and drivetrain longevity. There is usually one added for the rear differential as well on professional race cars, and I see that this could easily be done as well, although the torque-proportioning rear diff uses two types of fluid (diff and clutch).
Keep in mind, too, that the HKS Kansai Service Evo X already features a TC-SST transmisison, with engine components making another 100 HP: (per my earlier post)http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-blog/categories/evo/2008/03/30.html#a2348 - it'll be a while before these HKS tuning components reach our North American market (per our slightly different state of tune), but it will happen.
Mitsubishi Motors Prepares For June Arrival Of Lancer Evolution MR
Advanced MR Offers More Technology than Traditional Entry-Level GSR Model
CYPRESS, CA, May 21, 2008 --
On the heels of the successful introduction of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, Mitsubishi Motors announces the availability of the more technologically-advanced 2008 Lancer Evolution MR, the newest and most sophisticated version of the model series that began 16 years ago.
Shown coming off the production line in Japan, the Lancer Evolution MR arrives at showrooms in the U.S. in June and is available for a suggested retail price of $38,290. The MR features more user technology and a broader market appeal than the entry level GSR, including an advanced 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission.
The Lancer Evolution MR is available with an optional technology package for $40,840 that includes a 30GB hard drive navigation system with music server, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, pre-paid Sirius Satellite Radio capability and FAST Key entry, which allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop simply by carrying the remote control and grasping the handle.
Since its introduction earlier this year, the tenth-generation 2008 Lancer Evolution GSR has met positive reactions across the industry for maintaining a balance of core performance values and improved all-around capability and user-technology:
· "Like every previous Lancer Evolution, the Evo X redeems its various idiosyncrasies with a fantastic engine and drivetrain." -- Automobile
· "The car is impressive, not only for the gains in performance and handling, but also the subtle transformation from hardcore rally racer to high performance all-wheel-drive sports sedan." - AutoWeek
· "The Evo X drives like nothing else in the world." -- Car and Driver
· "Mitsubishi has strengthened the Evo's slick-shifting five-speed manual for the tuner crowd. Shifter is nearly perfect." -- Edmunds Inside Line
· "Whether manual tabbed or left in auto, S-Sport gear changes are brutally quick with the kind of shift violence seen only in Italian exotics." -- MotorTrend
· "Is the new EVO better than before? -- The answer is a resounding 'yes.'" -- MSN Autos
· "Bottom line: It's drive-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, four-wheel fun." -- Popular Mechanics
· "The new Lancer Evolution is no longer just for weekend boy racers; it has evolved into a complete sports sedan, one with enough of a wild side to thrill anyone." -- Road & Track
"The introduction of the 2008 Lancer Evolution MR with TC-SST gives us an opportunity to expand upon the existing Evolution customer base," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing for MMNA. "The added capability and functionality of the new Lancer Evolution vehicles make them a more viable option for everyday driving, while maintaining the rally-inspired heritage that has made the series a global performance car icon."
Both 2008 Lancer Evolution models will be on display at the 2008 Mitsubishi Owner's Day taking place in Cypress, CA on July 19, 2008. 
