Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Cop This!

Motoring Channel Staff - 7/November/2008

Melbourne, Australia — Law breakers beware - there's a new pursuit vehicle on the beat in Australia's south eastern state of Victoria.

Mitsubishi yesterday announced a new assignment for the company's hot-shoe performance car, the Lancer Evolution, with the Victorian Police force.

The Lancer Evolution police car adds to the numerous Ford Falcons, Holden Commodores, and even Hummer police vehicles.

As was written in the Editor's road test of the 10th generation model, the new Lancer Evolution (ostensibly the Evo X) is "...one of the most famous Japanese performance cars of the last two decades," and is "...back in its most potent form yet."

Though it does sport police livery, repeat speeders, car thieves and career criminals of all types need not worry too much as the police-issue Evo is a 'promotional' vehicle that will only be used during public events such as open days, charity events, educational sessions, parades and regular street patrols.

But don't be surprised to see this vehicle used as a deterrent on Victorian streets. It's mere presence would be enough to convince wayward drivers to adhere to the road rules, whether keeping left on the highway or just remembering to use indicators when turning or changing lanes.

"The Lancer Evolution has an enviable reputation for stand-out styling and fantastic performance in its standard guise, but the addition of the Police paintwork makes it a real head-turner and the perfect choice for a Victoria Police promotional vehicle," said Robert McEniry, the president and chief executive officer of Mitsubishi Australia.

"Everyone at Mitsubishi is proud to see this Lancer Evolution with its striking police decals and we're sure it will spark a positive reaction from the public at the many events requiring police presence in the coming months," said McEniry.

Like all Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution models in Australia, the police car is powered by an intercooled and turbocharged 2.0-litre inline 4-cylinder engine that routes power through an advanced all-wheel drive system for maximum traction.

Police pursuit cars are sometimes modified for improved acceleration and deceleration, such as the XR8 Falcons and SS Commodores, but the Evo appears to be stock standard, with vital statistics as follows:

Power: 217kW @ 6500rpm
Torque: 366Nm @ 3500rpm

Who knows what's next for Australian traffic police? The Nissan GT-R will arrive in April 2009, which would be one of the fastest pursuit cars available.

Related Links:
- Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart + TMR Triton (2008)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (2009)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2008)
- Mitsubishi Pajero (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4 (2009)
- Mitsubishi Lancer (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (2009)
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008)
- Mitsubishi Outlander (Road Test)
- Swift Sport vs. Ralliart Colt (Road Test)
- Mitsubishi Ralliart Colt (Road Test)