The VIII dishes up a set of numbers unsurprisingly close to those posted by its predecessor. The massive traction makes for 30mph in 1.6sec, 60mph in 4.8sec and 100mph in 12.7sec; ridiculously rapid by normal car standards. But the 4.9sec 30-70mph time is 0.3sec slower than the VII’s best effort and it’s worth mentioning the 11.2sec 0-100mph time we managed in a standard Evo VI four years ago.
That slight fall-off in straight-line speed isn’t the only disappointment. The shift action on the new six-speed box verges on obstructive, a real pity considering that the light, slick motion of the VII’s lever was one of its strongest, if least discussed strengths, and frequent forays to the red line during our time with the VIII uncovered a harshness above 6500rpm that didn’t afflict the VII.
The Evo’s relatively low torque peak has always endowed it with a level of tractability denied drivers of Subaru Impreza STis and the latest generation turns that gap into a chasm. The 30-50mph amble in the admittedly fractionally shorter fourth gear drops from 5.3sec to 4.6sec, but we don’t have to make excuses for the 50-70mph time in the taller top gear which drops from 9.3sec to just 7.7sec.
In addition to the extra flexibility, the fractionally softer set-up lets the driver remain committed where previously he had been forced to back away from a maximum attack, and it means the Evo edges Subaru’s Impreza STi for ride comfort for the first time. And reassuringly present still are the needle-sharp steering, breathtaking instantaneous turn-in and a predilection for assuming hilarious angles.
