Listen here, sonny, that ex-rally racer known as Evo is all grown up. It goes by MR Touring now, but you’ll know that the minute you see it. That ridiculous wing? Gone. A subtle, age-appropriate lip spoiler takes its place so there’s no more guessing about the cop pacing behind. Inside, the Recaro racing seats are now lined in leather — and heated to boot. A full color LCD now rests between the gauges and not only delivers more information (because of higher resolution), it’s easier on the eyes. They’ve even put a powered sunroof in the thing – first time ever for any Evolution.

So this MR Touring definitely looks more mellow and certainly has additional creature comforts, but does this mean the mighty Evolution has gone soft? Limp even?
Not one bit. Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs still suspend the MR Touring, so the crisp handling clarity has diminished not one iota even with the 30 extra pounds the Touring package adds. And that glass sunroof? Though it puts weight up high, you can’t feel the Touring roll any more than a regular Evo which ain’t much. Steering feel and ride quality have not changed either; the MR Touring still rides on rails without feeling like it’s snorted a few too.

It’s not as fast though it’s faster. Running upgrades to the TC-SST six-speed dual-clutch transmission mean all new MR Evos are apparently the fastest of the 10th generation. Mitsubishi claims the MR and Touring will consistently hit 60 mph in under five seconds. A bold claim (and one we’ll have to test) since the last dual-clutch Evo we tested (2008 MR) managed only a 5.2-second blast.

What we do know is that, in Sport and Super Sport modes, the Touring we drove still drops rev-matched downshifts like a mechanized Makinen. Even better, TC-SST trans served up quick, yet velvety smooth shifts around town, at low speeds something few of these fancy dual-clutches seem to be able to manage. At this price point, the Evo has arguably the best dual clutch on the market.

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