March 19, 2008

London’s Metropolitan Police Force have awarded the Mitsubishi Lancer with a Class 1 pass for performance, brake pad wear, handling and localised component durability.

The new Lancer was rigorously put through its paces by some of the Metropolitan Police’s top test drivers at the Millbrook Proving Grounds, Bedfordshire.  The police are looking at the car for potential use on the UK’s streets. 

Driving the 2.0 litre DI-D GS4 model, the Police carried out a number of performance, handling and brake tests in order to evaluate the suitability of the vehicle.  On a damp and overcast day, the force pushed the Mitsubishi Lancer to the limits, with a full tank of fuel and loaded to maximum gross vehicle weight.

Speed & Acceleration Tests

Under test conditions the 0 to 30 mph acceleration time to be 4.45 seconds, going on to achieve a top speed of 125.3 mph. This was achieved and maintained in a highly stable condition, even at maximum gross vehicle weight.

Handling Tests

On the handling track, the Lancer was driven to its handling limits at high speed.  It fared better than the previous Mitsubishi Lancer.  The new Lancer was said to be “vastly improved”, giving the driver “a firm ride from the low profile tires fitted as standard to the GS4 model range”. Steering was “light and responsive” commented the driver, whilst braking on and through a bend had little effect on the overall handling performance of the car.

Brake Tests

The new Lancer successfully completed the 50-stop brake test, where fifty 0.5G stops are made as quickly as possible from 50 mph to 0 mph in neutral.
The Lancer completed this challenging test in just 13 minutes, 59 seconds.  During this time the maximum brake disc temperature reached 746 Celsius. The Lancer was awarded a Metropolitan Police Service, Class 1 Pass for brake pad wear and localised component durability as a result of this test.

An Impressive Conclusion

The new Lancer manages to afford better space to the occupants of the car without adding to it’s outside dimensions.  The Dashboard is laid out in a way that would facilitate the addition of additional Police equipment.  The boot was also found to be “generous”, providing room for “additional equipment used by the police force”.

The Boys in Blue should opt for the Evo X and use it as a recruiting tool!

Leave a comment

Type into the box below