It's not exactly a sheep in wolf's clothing (still a rally-inspired EVO, by all means), but it doesn't quite pack the same punch as the regular GSR or the anorexic RS models.
On the exterior we can certainly acknowledge the new 18-inch Y-spoke BBS alloy wheels (standard ones are made by Enkei), the addition of front fog lights and body-colored fender and hood air-scoops. Just like on the RS version, the rear wing was shaved off completely.
The interior features Recaro bucket seats covered in leather, a satellite navigation system and an audio system with nine speakers by Rockford Fosgate, for the (probably) rare moments in which you don't want to listen to the turbo MIVEC engine scream at 7000 rpm. The instrument panel and the center console benefit from the same revisions seen across the 2009 MY Lancers.
The only mechanical difference (to be read – performance oriented upgrade) in this package are the new Bilstein shocks, but they might be insufficient to provide any significant variation in the car's capabilities, which are obviously strangled by the extra weight.
In order to be a poseur all the way, the clutch pedal might become a pain in the rear when you're just “cruising in your EVO” on the boulevard, so Mitsubishi kept the Twin Clutch-SST transmission option on the list, which can be bought for 251,500 Yen (around $2,500). The only good news in our book is that the Evolution GSR Premium edition is only available in Japan, at least for now.
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