As sketches of the drastically re-designed Mitsubishi EVO X hit the net (as what seems like) eons ago, sending the enthusiast industry ablaze with its totally revamped package. As the vehicle matured from concept to reality, magazines and websites were hoping to scoop each other in bringing the latest prototype to the reader. As the finished product began touring international auto shows, there was no doubt that the X, along with the new Nissan GT-R and Subaru WRX STi would bring tuning to new heights. Placing a vehicle like the new EVO in the hands of a legendary tuner like JUN is like handing a piece of metal to Kill Bill’s Hattori Hanzo, the end result is a deadly work of art.
With a storied pedigree of EVOs past, the X has Shaquille O’Neal-sized shoes to fill. Throw in the fact that the famous 2.0L 4G63 engine has been replaced in the Mitsu’s award-winning recipe with a brand new 2.0L 4B11 motor, it would take a little while for fans to start warming up to the face-lifted chariot with the fresh powerplant. That’s where experts like JUN come in, producing a jaw-dropping specimen like this 2008 Evolution X-RS before the we could say ‘wasabi.’
Officially built by JUN’s tuning arm – JUN Auto Mechanic, this RS was built with the intent of being a test bed for many of the forth-coming JUN designed EVO X products. It wasn’t long before the turbocharged 4B11 was fitted with a host of Trust goodies like the air filter, intercooler piping and blow-off valve. Expulsion duties are handled by a Trust titanium exhaust, which has been paired with a JUN catalytic converter an easy exit through the system. An upgraded JUN turbo actuator prototype was also added to accommodate for the higher boost dialed in by the Trust PRofec B-Spec 2 electronic boost controller.
Though the setup already produces a healthy 375whp and 348lb-ft of torque, JUN has purchased additional 4B11 motors from Mitsubishi to aid in the design and production of the forged crankshafts, camshafts and connecting rods that they’ve built their hardcore racing reputation upon.
With plans for this EVO-RS to set records on the track, the JUN crew took their expertise to the next level in designing various products that will improve this hyper sedan’s aerodynamics. Up front, a JUN lip spoiler and front diffuser help the EVO slice through the air, while a JUN rear diffuser helps channel the air smoothly beneath the carriage. A SARD GT rear wing was bolted atop the vehicle’s trunk lid, keeping the rear end in check. Carbon fibre JUN racing mirrors not only cut down precious curb weight, but aid in with reducing drag as well. An awesome graphics scheme from ART Factory Graphic completes the exterior makeover, giving the car its authentic Grand Turismo-like appearance.
The RS version of the Evolution is built for life on the track, stripped down to its skivvies like it was going a dive at the local quarrie. To further help with its performance in the twists and turns, JUN opted to toss the Mitsubishi-issued MacPherson struts in favor of Zeal Super Function R adjustable coil-overs engineered for hardcore pedal-to-the-metal race action. To help ensure that the EVO’s turbocharged ponies stay under control, the car features a complete Endless big brake upgrade – using 6-piston binders up front and 4-piston units in the rear.
With Yokohama being a major sponsor of most of JUN’s projects, you can bet your lunch money that this EVO was going to show off the latest in ADVAN gear. Each corner received the exact same treatment, as a 19x10-inch ADVAN Racing RZ wheel was wrapped in ADVAN Sports tires sized at 265/30R19 to help the AWD rocket maintain a sure grip on the asphalt.
The interior is like a dark 3-piece suit – all business. A pair of Bride bucket seats allow for only two people to enjoy the EVO’s ride, as the rear seats were removed to lighten the load. The EVO’s 3-spoke wheel sits on a WORKS Bell quick-release boss hub, allowing it to be removed to easy access in and out of the driver’s seat. Engine vitals are displayed via a quartet of Trust meters, giving the driver real-time status of the car’s water temperature, oil temperature, oil pressure and boost level.
Pictured here with Susumu Koyama – Vice President of JUN Auto Mechanic, the sky is truly the limit for the Evolution’s latest incarnation. What is no doubt the tip of the EVO X’s iceberg of potential, we can’t wait to see what another year of research and development will do for the platform. We’re honored to pull the veil off JUN’s EVO X-RS for the North American audience and invite you to visit the JUN website at www.junauto.co.jp to follow its progress.
Photography by Daisuke “Dice” Katsumura
ESSENTIALS
Owner: JUN Auto Mechanic
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Vehicle: 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X RS
Power: 375hp with 348lb-ft (est.)
Engine: Mitsubishi 4B11 2.0L engine
ENGINE MODIFICATIONS
- Trust air filter
- Trust intercooler piping
- Trust blow-off valve
- Trust titanium exhaust
- JUN catalytic converter
- JUN heavy-duty actuator
- Odyssey dry-cell battery
EXTERIOR
- JUN lip spoiler
- JUN front diffuser
- JUN rear diffuser
- JUN racing mirrors
- SARD GT wing
- ART Factory Graphic vinyl graphics
SUSPENSION / BRAKES
- Zeal Super Function R coilovers
- Endless big brake kit
- Front: 6-piston calipers, 2-piece slotted rotors
- Rear: 4-piston calipers, 2-piece slotted rotors
WHEELS & TIRES
- Yokohama ADVAN Racing RZ wheels - 19x10-inch
- Yokohama ADVAN Sport tires - 265/30R19
INTERIOR
- Bride racing bucket seats
- WORKS Bell quick-release wheel boss
- Trust meters (water temperature, oil temperature, oil pressure and boost)
- Trust PRofec B-Spec 2 boost controller
PHOTO GALLERY
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