Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (Evo 9 to its friends) is like Frank Sinatra: So talented that it can get away with behaving badly. This is one of the meanest, fastest, most capable cars you can buy, with the power and agility to embarrass exoticars twice (or thrice) its price. It's not for novices; if you light a fire under the Evo's cauldron, you'd better know what to do when it boils. But skilled hands can play it like a Baldwin Grand.

The Evo 9 isn't just some tarted-up subcompact. Virtually every piece you see on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX -- the hood scoops, the minimalist wheels, the hug-you-like-your-mother seats -- everything (with the possible exception of the trunk spoiler) contributes to make the Lancer Evolution IX a frighteningly fast car. Behind the holes in the hood resides the intercooler that helps give the Lancer it's blinding speed, while the big red brake calipers peeking out from behind lightweight wheels make the Evo's deceleration just as impressive. And underneath it all is an all-wheel-drive system and a suspension as firm as Frank's handshake that gives the Evo it's seemingly impossible grip on the road.

On the Road

Here's where the Evo shows its true talent. Thanks largely to a turbocharger, intercooler, and a diet of premium fuel, the Evo pulls an amazing 286 horsepower from a relatively small 2-liter 4-cylinder engine. But it's the poster child for turbo lag; below 2500 RPM it has all the gusto of a self-propelled lawnmower. The show starts at 3500 RPM when the turbo springs to life and all hell breaks loose. Three words of advice: Hang on tight.