Mitsubishi trimmed 146 pounds of “nonessential” items from its already-stellar Lancer Evolution for even more performance. Those items include the wing; HID lights (replaced with halogens); rear wiper; air conditioning; ABS; power motors for the windows, doors, locks and side mirrors; the entire audio system; trim in the trunk; vanity mirrors; rear assist grips; map lights; lots of sound-deadening material and even that little piece of leather wrapping that goes around the parking brake lever.

Then it added a helical limited-slip differential to replace the Evolution’s open diff, a crossbar over the spare tire hole in the trunk, and a strut tower brace in front.

Is it really better? Maybe on an autocross.

There are no RS badges anywhere, either, just blacked-out door handles and mirrors to let everyone know you’re serious about motorsports. Mitsubishi says the 700 RS models for the abbreviated 2004 model year will go on sale at the end of January. More will come for 2005. Pricing will be under $27,000.