Lancer Evolution MR rolling out on Yokohama tires

When the new Mitsubishi 2008 Lancer Evolution MR arrives in American car dealer showrooms in June it will come with factory-installed Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tread tires and BBS forged aluminum alloy wheels.

Selling at a suggested retail price of $38,290, the MR features more user technology and a broader market appeal than the entry-level Mitsubishi GSR, including an advanced 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission, according to the automaker.

“The introduction of the 2008 Lancer Evolution MR with TC-SST gives us an opportunity to expand upon the existing Evolution customer base,” says Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Mitsubishi Motors North America. “The added capability and functionality of the new Lancer Evolution vehicles make them a more viable option for everyday driving, while maintaining the rally-inspired heritage that has made the series a global performance car icon.”

The MR is available with an optional technology package for $40,840 that includes a 30GB hard drive navigation system with music server, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, pre-paid Sirius Satellite Radio capability and FAST Key entry, which allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop simply by carrying the remote control and grasping the handle.

The Yokohama ADVAN front and rear tires are size P245/40R18 93Y. The spare is T145/70R18 107M.

“The Lancer EVO is a performance icon,” says Jeff Carpenter, Yokohama’s director of original equipment sales and marketing. “We’re pleased that Mitsubishi has chosen Yokohama for this important new vehicle.”

Both the MR and the GSR, which comes equipped with Enkei cast aluminum wheels, will be on featured display at the July 19 Mitsubishi Owner’s Day event in Cypress, Calif.

For more information, visit www.yokohamatire.com, www.bbs.com/en/showroom/showroom.html, www.enkei.com or www.mitsubishicars.com/MMNA/jsp/index.do.