Baddest Lancer Evolution Challenge at SEMA

By John Coyle

Editor

Mitsubishi’s Evo is a wicked machine straight out of the box. Remember when Top Gear pitted one against a Lamborghin Murcielago, and Clarkson managed to bully the champion behind the wheel of the Raging Bull into a spin? Because I sure as hell do! Anyway, in an effort to determine which tuning house can get the most out of the platform, Mitsubishi is sponsoring the Baddest Lancer Evolution Challenge. There will be some preliminary judging next week at SEMA, but all the entries will have to prove their mettle at Buttonwillow before a winner is declared. Since there are sure to be a ton of Evos at the show, the competition is sure to be intense. Just look at the entry from AMS performance! Three more pics and the full press release about the challenge after the jump.

Challenge Pits Selected Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions from SEMAto Compete for "Baddest" Honors at Buttonwillow Raceway

CYPRESS, Calif., October 30, 2008 – In an effort to recognize the tuner’s efforts, editors from some of the tuner industry’s leading publications will be stalking the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) floor next week looking to single out the best Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions for top honors in the “Baddest Lancer Evolution Challenge.” The challenge is organized with the help of Mitsubishi Motors North America and several media partners.

Aftermarket tuners couldn’t wait to get their hands on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to create their own ultra-performance version. As many of them can already attest, the Lancer Evolution’s robust all-wheel drive platform and powerful 2.0-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged engine are ideally suited for modification.

Now, some of the top tuners in the industry are getting their chance to explore the potential of the Lancer Evolution with plans to elevate its performance and design for quick lap times and bragging rights. Their efforts will be displayed throughout the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Introducing their cars at SEMA could be called the “unveiling and tantalizing phase,” because ultimately the builders create these cars for fast times on the tarmac. In fact, one of the tuners’ larger goals is to crush lap records in Time Attack events, especially in the Super-Lap competition.

The cars must be wicked track-fast while also maintaining a level of street worthiness. Construction criteria include effective utilization of bolt-on performance parts and unique construction of components that are not readily available. They will also review exterior graphics and paint, body kit design, electronics and seats. Performance products will be judged on originality, fit and finish.

Only the top Lancer Evolutions meeting the judges’ strict criteria will be invited to race in the final elimination, which will be held at Buttonwillow Raceway Nov. 18. The Lancer Evolution that drives from Los Angeles to Buttonwillow and then records the fastest track time will be declared “The Baddest Lancer Evolution.”

Already, two well-known tuner shops have given an advance look into what they are creating for SEMA.

AMS Performance, one of the aftermarket leaders, is customizing its 2008 Lancer Evolution MR with a number of high performance products. This includes an AMS intercooler, AMS exhaust system, AMS cold-air intake, ECUTEK ECU Flash tuned by AMS, Exedy Clutch and several high-tech modifications. For more modification information, visit www.amsperformance.com.

Design Craft Fabrication specializes in developing track-ready Lancer Evolutions. Its Lancer Evolution GSR is being fitted with custom fenders and roll cage, GReddy engine modifications, RSR iShock suspension and many other secretive enhancements.