Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 9 GSR

Brand: Super A
Material: Diecast
Type: Opening Parts (4)
Scale: 1:18
Model: Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 GSR
Limited Edition: No
Release RRP: ~$220

Straight out of the box..

Super Who? Super A! probably a company you’ve never heard of unless your in the market for 1:18 scale diecast model of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 or 9, because it seems that’s all they make.

Even when I finished collecting for the first time round in 2013 Mitsubishi Evo models were one of those cars that once the primary market had sold their stock, getting one could be a royal pain in the rear! Well that hasn’t changed one bit, they still command high prices and seem to sell out when new 🙁

So this time round before scoring other Evolutions for my collection, I took a punt on a Super A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX direct from a seller in china, so how did it go? lets find out..

So the Super A comes in red box with a clamshell innards, the model is secured with 4 screws and its a familiar way we have seen models packed. I do like like these boxes for protection but some people like windowed boxes as that’s how they display their models, especially if they are speculating on making some money back in the future. I digress – its well packaged.

In detail the exterior.

The penultimate Mitsubishi Lancer Evo , the 9 of IX for us romans! is probably one of my later favourites of the generation, where it regained more its aggressive looks ( I don’t dislike any Evo’s to be fair) . This one comes in a beautiful blue metallic paint finish. the front sports the front bumper devoid of fog lights but with two small oval air scoops jammed in-between the main bumper vents . The grille re-opened fully from the 8 which had a large centre badge moulding, making the front end look wide and ready to feed the turbo charged 2 litre Mivec engine. The triple headlight design which featured first in the 7 is still one of my favourite light designs and compliments the Evo’s look well. The trademark bonnet scoop is well done and very well detailed.

The side of the Evo is probably its most practicable view, a family sized 4 door saloon – with serious attitude, helped by the flared bodywork and a huge rear wing and a perfect rake. Side repeaters are lenses and not painted and are clear in colour. Both front and rear doors open, which for new model these days is quite rare, no big dog leg hinges in this area, this was never a factor for me but I do see that the doors open wider when dog legs aren’t used. the paint matches well between the bumpers and bodywork, sometimes with plastic bumpers you can get a shade difference.

Arguably the best is the back end in my opinion, and Super A have done a good job on the model, the roof diffuser and high level boot spoiler look great and the rear Evo badge is a badge not a decal, finished nicely in red, complimented with some Lancer Evolution chrome decaling. The dark and moody rear lights are very good as is the bumper and rear diffuser, rounded off with a nice beefy sized exhaust can. The rear window has some excellent detail in the 3rd brake light and rear window heater elements.

The Lancer Evolution IX borrows its style of wheel from the Evo 4, returning to the OZ style of wheel expect finished in a gun metal grey, calliper’s are red with the Brembo logo branding and the brake rotors sit nicely in behind. the center cap is a Mitsubishi emblem and the detail of the wheel nuts is spot on, all wrapped up in rubber tyres. Nice job.

In detail the interior space.

Hurrah! an opening model means good pictures and details! So this model is LHD but don’t let that put you off and RHD version would be the AutoArt one and its not a cheap alternative if you can find one for sale. Flocked carpet and textured seats sets off the tone in the right direction, this a nicely moulded interior with sharp, crisp lines. The doors open up wide and allow a good peek inside, door shuts and internals are well painted.

The bonnet opens and is held up by a bonnet stay, the under side of the bonnet has some really nice detail and plastics are replicated to a good degree of accuracy. The welcome sight of a plastic engine ticks all the boxes for me with all the details and labels present, the actual bonnet hinges are very thin but feel up to the job.

The boot does open to reveal a pretty standard affair, flocked boot space with with some visible bracing on the back of the rear seat. The boot does has some chunky dog legs but its a boot and I really don’t care that much about dog legs or hinges, as long as they work its all good.

Verdict?

A real quality piece and on par with AutoArt, I had debated with Dan from Faz’s Diecast and Collectibles as to whether or not it was an AutoArt mould but side by side they do have many small differences to establish that they are not the same mould.

If your after an Evo 8 or 9, don’t dismiss this model because its a name you’ve never heard of, its a quality model and when its next to my AutoArts you’d be pushed to see ant discernible difference in quality or finish, its got everything going for it good paint, fully opening, great colour.. what are you waiting for. Get one while you can , yes you’ll pay around £225 shipped but when they are all gone will they go up dramatically like the rest of the Evos out there on the secondary market.. most probably.