The new MR edition of the '05 Evo is a sports car in a four-door suit. Like the standard Evo and the stripped-down Evo RS, the MR edition gets a larger turbo and new wastegate, boosting output from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine by 5 hp and 13 lb-ft of torque. All three Evo models get a helical-type limited-slip differential for the front wheels, as well as an electronically controlled center differential that lets the driver change the torque split between the front and rear wheels according to whether there's pavement, gravel, or snow under the tires. The MR's powertrain is distinguished by a close-ratio six-speed transmission, the better to put the 276-hp engine to good use. Quick-response Bil-stein gas-charged dampers and lightweight, one-piece forged BBS wheels help the tires maximize traction. A rally-type aluminum roof panel with a built-in spoiler is the MR's styling signature.
ON SALE: September 2004
PRICE: $35,000 (est.)
ENGINE: 276-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4
BOTTOM LINE: Maximum attack in the rally-spec edition of the Evo.
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