Long Term Verdict: 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR SE

For 2006, all Evos got a revised version of the 2.

0-liter turbocharged intercooled four-cylinder that now has MIVEC variable valve timing and puts down 286 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. Both numbers were up a bit from the previous-generation Evo VIII that had 271 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

The differences between our MR SE and the rest of the Evo line are significant. The interior gets aluminum/carbon-fiber handbrake grip, aluminum shift knob, and a boost gauge kit that displays boost, voltage, and oil pressure. Exterior changes include BBS forged alloy wheels, (reducing unsprung weight), inverted Bilstein shocks, HID headlamps, and color-matched vortex generators on the roof. Opting for the zero-lift aero kit also gives you a rear spoiler wickerbill, underbody air dam, and front brake air guides.

Another big difference among the MR SE and all other Evos was the gearbox. The MR got a six-speed transmission, while the GSR made do with five cogs. The chatter is that the six-speed is a touch too fragile if one is trying to push a lot of horsepower through it, putting the five-speed more in line for those folks who want to really get into tuning their car. We liked the six-speed because it lowered the revs at freeway speeds and gave us less interior buzz.

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