Gone in 60 seconds

By ALASTAIR SLOANE

Police have found a Lancer Evo VIII stolen from Mitsubishi's head office in Wellington - but they are not saying where it was found.

"It was undamaged - that's all we know," said Mitsubishi New Zealand marketing chief Ross Cameron. "Police won't say anything more, other than they are continuing investigations."

The Evo VIII, the latest high-performance model, was one of the first two to arrive here. Both cars were parked at Mitsubishi headquarters at Todd Park. "The other car was stripped of seats, wheels and spoilers," said Cameron. All that was left was the engine and body shell." Cameron said Mitsubishi would be taking extra security precautions to store the first bulk shipment of 37 Evo VIIIs due soon.

The go-fast car, the eighth generation of the rally-bred four-wheel-drive road model, goes on sale in New Zealand next month priced at $74,500.

The first Lancer Evolution was launched in Japan in October 1992.

Mitsubishi says the new car stays true to company policy of upgrading the performance and handling characteristics of each model.

Increased torque - 392Nm against the outgoing model's 373Nm - a six-speed gearbox, an anti-theft engine immobiliser, a more rigid body, better aerodynamics and better engine cooling are features of the new model, says Mitsubishi.

The Evo VIII's body has been made stiffer and stronger to improve handling and stability. Body panel joins have been reinforced, suspension mounting stiffness uprated, says Mitsubishi.

A new front bumper with integral grille is said to mark the new Mitsubishi Motors Corporation design identity via a raised triangular base with chromed triple diamond logo in the grille centre.

A 10 per cent bigger air intake below the grille improves the airflow around the intercooler and air outlets in the aluminium bonnet are bigger than the Evo VII and have been shifted to further improve engine cooling.

A new-design engine cover generates significant downforce and features a diffuser that directs cooling air over the drivetrain.

Brake cooling ducts are retained from the previous model. So, too, are the Brembo brakes and MacPherson front strut and multi-link rear suspensions. Mitsubishi says the suspension has been slung lower to improve the car's centre of gravity.

In what is claimed to be a first for a four-door sedan, the rear spoiler employs weight-saving carbonfibre-reinforced plastic in both the horizontal and vertical wings.

The shape of the wing has also been modified to generate greater downforce without increasing drag.

Other significant exterior changes are new front driving lights and a new tail light cluster.

Mitsubishi says the new super active yaw control system (AYC), working in conjunction with the active centre differential (ACD), anti-lock brakes and the helical-geared front limited slip diff, delivers significant improvements in cornering and traction.