JUN TEN

When you’re a leading aftermarket industry figure like JUN Auto Mechanic, having anything other than the latest model on your Tokyo Auto Salon stand just isn’t an option.

Unless this is the first time you have picked up a modified car magazine that features imports (in which case, what took you so long?), the name JUN should be instantly recognisable. Custom engine component manufacturer, high-power tuner, and competitions in top speed, timed circuit and drifting events both in Japan and internationally are what they are best known for. JUN’s bossman Koyama-san is also a regular feature in domestic tuning magazines and videos, often seen with a smiling face as his machines perform well out on the track.

When the yearly Tokyo Auto Salon aftermarket tuning industry trade show is held every January at the Makuhari Messe exhibition center, it’s a given that all of the biggest tuning shops will bring out their latest project, be it either a demo car they’ve built based on an older and more popular model, or more interestingly, something based on the latest performance model still found on the showroom floor. This year, JUN picked out the latest in one of the longest running and most popular domestic sports AWD models for their demo car; the tenth iteration of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

Based on a 2007 Evolution X RS model, the JUN Super Evo X demo Lancer is not what you could call a highly modified car compared to some of the others on display at TAS, but it’s by no means an un-noteworthy car. The Evo X is the first of an all-new design generation externally, with an entirely new engine to boot, so it’s obviously important for a shop with as high a profile as JUN has to get a head-start in modifying the latest model and set some styling and tuning trends.

When the original Lancer Evo I was released in 1992, it was fitted with the now long-serving 4G63 engine. Successfully used in the World Rally Championship for many years, as well as every generation of Evo until now, the 4G63 has been pushed to its limits in drag, rally and race in countries all over the world. In the tenth version of the latest Lancer to be released, Mitsubishi has replaced the powerplant with their new 2.0 litre 4B11T engine. While it’s still a transversely mounted in-line four cylinder, and not dramatically different from the previous engine at first appearance, many small changes have been made to increase the efficiency and decrease the weight and running costs of the engine. Most interestingly, Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable timing now features on both the inlet and exhaust cams, increasing power at every place the tacho needle can point.

With all of this new potential, the Evo seemed to be the best choice, but since the car was to be modified straight after it was picked up from the dealer, it didn’t make much sense to go for a full-spec model with leather interior and luxury options. Instead, JUN bought the discounted RS version of the Evo X for the dealer-listed price of ¥2,997,750 (about $31,000). For this kind of money, you get a stripped-down car with a simplified equipment list, such as no ABS, 16-inch alloy wheels with useless 205/60 tyres, no power windows and regular halogen lights instead of HIDs. On the upside though, there’s no heavy sound deadening to strip. The RS model is specifically manufactured for builders to buy and put straight into proper competition use, like in rally and circuit events. This made it a perfect base for JUN to build their next shop demo car.

While it might not seem obvious at first glance, the yellow hue on this Evo is not something that can be found in the catalogue on the Mitsubishi dealer’s brochure rack. Coming from the factory, normal Evos are only available in the typical Japanese domestic market colours of white pearl, lightning blue mica, phantom black pearl, metallic red and cool silver metallic. In fact, the RS model was never even available in all those colours to begin with, so unless your team or shop colours are mainly red or the standard RS solid white, the car will need a respray.