Attention To Detail, Backed Up By Japanese Engine Specialists

Evo X Mitsubishi Performance

With the turn of the global economy and the effects it had on the automobile industry, one must ask; who actually gets sponsored these days? In these hard times, its a meaningless question to pursue; however sponsorships are directly related to the exposure and good brand image of the company. The life of Jason Macgill’s EVO builds actually started as a plain sponsorship from Tomei Powered, the engine specialists. This relationship was mainly fueled by Macgill’s undying pursuit of maintaining the positive status of the company, and actually carried the burden of proper representation of a 40 year old brand image.  Over the years, Tomei Powered recognized that Macgill was no ordinary enthusiast, but one that devoted his valuable time for the success of the company.

The Mitsubishi  EVO X was immediately acquired at the US release date, even before some hit the dealer lots. Then began the networking to various Japanese companies such as Voltex, Colt Speed, and even Ralliart since these companies were already producing aftermarket performance parts for this fresh chassis.

Sure the car looks pretty with its body kit and carbon fiber components, it must be a show-car. I think not. This car is more a test mule that quietly accepts the crazy (but powerful) ideas that the Tomei Engineers have conjectured in their highly organized minds. The vehicle has been ROM tuned by the masterful Jon Drenas of HBSPEED , with a custom tuning map straight from Tomei. Other products that are visible are the super high quality Colt Speed items, as well a custom suspension setup built, installed, and setup by Robispec.

The cockpit or as Macgill would refer to “my favorite spot away from the wife and kids”, serves as a road assassin. This relatively compact AWD machine is capable of embarrassing some of the worlds best engineered exotics, just with a heavy right foot and snappy paddle shifting The center mechanical lever that looks like a slot machine handle is the Colt Speed GT inspired shifter unit made exclusively for the EVO X SST transmission.

Jealously and envy rages to those who witness this car shooting down the Southern California highways on a perfect Sunday afternoon. Little do they know, this machine is the end result of hard work, dedication, and the countless hours spent on deciphering communication with Japanese tuning parts makers. It is something that was handed down to him however… From the Mitsubishi Gods!

Internet Barn Find #8: Japanese Cyber Evo in the Wind Tunnel

Ok, one of my dream cars would have to be the Mitsubishi Evolution.  The example in this video, The SunCyber Evo, is going after the 1 lap record at Tsukuba, home of Time Attack!  Why do I share this video with you?  A few reasons, but one is a look at how the Japanese car builders and tuners do it up right.  They are serious techies!

This is a purpose built car, but it does not compete in a race series.  It competes in Time Attack competitions, also called Lap Battles.  Most of these aero, suspension and engine parts can be bought off the shelf.  The Tsukuba track is for Japanese car nuts the top track in the world, right next to the Nurburgring in Germany.  Time Attack has started to catch on in the US and Europe in the last 2-3 years.  But, the Japanese are tops when taking a street car and making it go fast for 1 lap.

Enjoy this video.  A second video can be seen, a part #2, where the car hits the track!  You can get a glimpse into the Japanese tuning world.  You have the serious engineer types and the crazy yellow spiky hairdo of Tarzan Yamada, probably THE top Japanese Time Attack driver.  I love the Japanese car culture.  Remind me to bring you some Japanese vintage car stuff and hot rods.  Yes, they do hot rods too!

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