Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally-Inspired Sport Compact
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, Performance Drivers, Tuners
Key Competitors:
Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer (non-Evolution variants), Ford Focus RS, VW Golf R
Powertrain:
Powerful 4B11T engine, advanced S-AWC AWD system
Performance Enhancements:
Aggressive styling, performance-oriented suspension and braking systems
Technology:
Available TC-SST dual-clutch transmission, advanced traction control
Engine:
4B11T (2.0L MIVEC Turbocharged Inline-4)
Transmission:
TC-SST (Twin Clutch-SST) and Manual Transaxle (5-speed and 6-speed)
Drivetrain:
S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), ACD (Active Center Differential), AYC (Active Yaw Control), Rear Differential
Suspension:
Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link, Dampers, Springs, Control Arms, Bushings
Brakes:
Front Brembo 6-piston calipers, Rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, ABS, EBD, Brake Booster
Electrical System:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Fuse Boxes, Lighting, Audio, Power Accessories
Cooling System:
Radiator, Fans, Hoses, Thermostat, Water Pump
Fuel System:
Fuel Tank, Pump, Injectors, Fuel Pressure Regulator, Fuel Lines
Exhaust System:
Exhaust Manifold, Catalytic Converter, Muffler, O2 Sensors
Steering:
Power Steering Rack and Pump, Steering Column
Body And Chassis:
Frame, Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass
HVAC:
Air Conditioning Compressor, Evaporator, Condenser, Blower Motor, Heater Core
Routine Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes
Engine Repair:
Engine Assembly/Disassembly, Timing Belt/Chain Service, Turbocharger Overhaul, Piston/Ring Replacement
Transmission Service:
TC-SST clutch pack replacement, hydraulic control unit service, manual gearbox rebuild, fluid changes
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component Replacement (struts, shocks, control arms), Alignment Procedures, Power Steering System Service
Brake System Repair:
Pad and Rotor Replacement, Caliper Rebuild, Brake Line Flushes, ABS System Diagnostics
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Diagrams, Fault Code Diagnosis, Sensor Testing, Component Replacement
Bodywork And Collision Repair:
Panel Replacement, Dent Removal, Welding Procedures, Glass Replacement
HVAC System Repair:
Refrigerant Charging, Component Replacement (compressor, condenser), Leak Detection
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Symptom-based troubleshooting
Special Tools And Equipment:
Identification and usage of specific tools required for repairs
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2008 model year generally, specific Evo X data may vary)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for 2008 model year generally)
Stability Control:
Active Stability Control (ASC), Active Traction Control (ATC)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
AWD System:
Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) with ACD and AYC
Airbags:
Front Dual-Stage Airbags, Front Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe duty) / 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal duty), consult manual for specifics.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for iridium plugs, refer to manual for exact type and interval.
Timing Belt Replacement:
This model uses a timing chain, not a belt. Refer to manual for chain inspection intervals.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5 compliant), 4.8 Liters (5.1 US Quarts) with filter.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent. 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-85 Gear Oil (specific part number in manual).
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (specific part number in manual).
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (specific part number in manual).
Tc Sst Transmission:
Early models of the TC-SST could experience issues with clutch wear, mechatronics, or thermal management. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Engine Oil Consumption:
Some 4B11T engines may exhibit higher oil consumption, especially under hard driving. Monitoring oil levels is important.
Rust And Corrosion:
As with many performance vehicles, inspect undercarriage, wheel wells, and body panels for signs of rust, especially in regions with harsh winters.