Paris Soir - 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition GSR Listed for $49,990 in Ontario

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition GSR, currently listed for sale in Bolton, Ontario, stands as a rare artifact from the end of an era for Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) performance vehicles in North America. The vehicle, one of only 350 units allocated to the Canadian market, is being offered through Pickard Lane Automotive Group with an asking price of $49,990 and just 48,355 kilometers on the odometer.

The listing highlights a period when the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution held a mythical status among enthusiasts who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s. Before the introduction of the Evo VIII in 2003, the Lancer Evolution was not sold in North America, arriving with left-hand steering wheels only starting with the Evo VII generation. For many car enthusiasts, the vehicle was encountered primarily through video games, anime, automotive magazines such as Import Tuner, and the Fast and the Furious film franchise.

The arrival of the Evo X in 2008 marked a significant shift, allowing Canadian buyers to purchase the performance sedan at authorized dealerships. While Mitsubishi did not release official sales figures specifically for the Evo X, the vehicle became a common sight on Canadian streets during the late 2000s and early 2010s. This prevalence was driven by a lack of direct competitors in the four-door all-wheel-drive super sport compact segment. At the time, Canada did not have access to the Audi RS 3 Sportback, and the Ford Focus RS would not arrive until after the Evo X ceased production in 2015. The Toyota GR Corolla was also years away from development.

The primary competition for the Evo X consisted of the Subaru WRX STi and the Volkswagen Golf R. The Evo X began at a starting price of $42,000, offering significant value compared to rivals like the BMW 335i, which started at a higher price point despite lacking comparable performance metrics.

The standard Evo X was powered by a 291-horsepower turbocharged engine. When equipped with the optional dual-clutch automatic transmission, it could accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.3 seconds. The vehicle featured Mitsubishi’s "Super All-Wheel Control" system, which allowed drivers to switch seamlessly between tarmac, gravel, and snow modes—a notable feature at the time of its release. Additional standard equipment included Brembo brakes, BBS wheels, and Recaro seats.

The Final Edition GSR variant introduced specific upgrades over the standard model. It received a power increase to 303 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 305 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. The suspension was enhanced with Bilstein shock absorbers paired with Eibach springs, and the braking system was upgraded to two-piece Brembo front brakes. Unlike the standard model which offered an automatic option, the Final Edition was available exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission.

The listing notes that while the Evo X faced criticism near the end of its production run for its harsh plastic interior and lack of modern driver aids, these characteristics contribute to its current appeal among purists. The vehicle lacks push-button start, backup cameras, and modern connectivity interfaces, featuring only a single USB port located in the glove compartment.

Enthusiast reviews from 2015 and 2016 frequently described the driving experience as pure and engaging, attributing this quality to the absence of digital distractions such as navigation alerts, lane departure warnings, or shift indicators. The vehicle is viewed by many as a final example of automotive design that prioritized direct mechanical connection over electronic intervention.

The discontinuation of the Lancer line and Mitsubishi’s broader challenges in the North American market have led to a decline in the public visibility of the Evolution brand. However, well-preserved examples like this Final Edition GSR remain highly sought after. The vehicle is currently displayed indoors on a tiled floor against a plain white wall for viewing.

Chris D'Alessandro, a journalist and automotive writer based in Toronto, authored the original report detailing the vehicle's specifications and historical context. His work has appeared in publications including the Toronto Star and Vice Canada.

S.Morel--PS