2006 Mitsubishi EVO IX - Orange Alert

Penesa augmented this with Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings, a non-adjustable 25mm Cusco anti-roll bar at the front and a 23mm adjustable anti-roll bar out back, a Cusco upper rear strut brace, plus a Greddy upper front strut brace. The nose has been lowered by 1.81 inches, while the tail is 1.02 inches closer to the pavement. Spring rates run to a substantial 670 lbs/in and 560 lbs/in, front and rear, respectively.

Those Enkei wheels are of the RPF1 persuasion, sized 18x10, with Special Brilliant Coating (SBC) and a 15mm offset. Tires are BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW in 275/35, which are especially good in the wet. Considering Nevada is officially the driest state in the USA (with an average rainfall of seven inches a year), we hope that gives Penesa a nice, warm reassuring feeling.

No need to hope for reassurance from the brakes. These are Rotora anchors: six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units at the rear, both chomping down on two-piece rotors with Rotora carbon compound pads, while Amsoil fluid runs through Rotora braided stainless steel lines.

The brake pedal is just one of three JDM EVO pedals that adorn the interior. This is accessed by inching past the Cusco six-point roll cage, finished in the same radioactive green as the Takata racing harnesses. Sat in either of the Status Ring front seats, the Greddy boost gauge comes into view, as does the Nardi 350mm steering wheel set on a Works Bell quick-release hub, the Blitz turbo timer, and the Ralliart shift knob. Oh, and just in case anyone was wondering, that little blue bucket seat stuck on the dash is a Bride cell phone holder.

Penesa handled the installation of a Pioneer AVIC N-3 DVD/CD/Nav system personally, matching it up with the Infinity SSL-series amplifier, speakers and subwoofer.

"I've owned a lot of Hondas before, so this was a change for me," says Penesa, who has been a member of Team Hybrid since 1995, "And all-wheel drive is a bonus." After sinking something like $25,000 and 10 months into this project, he's decided to make it work harder. "I'm gonna start competing in a lot of time-attack competitions, so the car will have more of a race/track setup," says Penesa. Time to stick that rear wing back on.

Behind The Build

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'06 Mitsubishi EVO IX

Output 505 hp @ 6,617 rpm

Engine Brian Crower crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, 280-degree intake and exhaust camshafts, valve springs, lifters; Buschur Racing 3076R turbo kit; ETS (Extreme Turbo Systems) front-mount four-inch race intercooler; RNR Motorsports plumbing; Tial 44mm wastegate; Forge blow-off valve; Hallman manual boost controller; Mishimoto aluminum radiator, oil cooler, hoses, race thermostat; Greddy radiator panel; Cusco heat shield; HKS Super Suction air intake, carbon/titanium exhaust system, downpipe; RC 1,000cc/min injectors; Ultimate Racing test pipe; Magnecor ignition wires; Cusco oil catch can; Stinger SPV20 Power Series 300-amp battery; Beatrush front motor mount; Mobil 1 20w-50 oil

Drivetrain ACT six-puck clutch, heavy duty pressure plate, lightweight flywheel; Works short-throw shifter

Suspension Tein Super Street 16-way adjustable coilovers; Energy Suspension polyurethane bushings; Cusco 25mm anti-roll bar (front), 23mm adjustable anti-roll bar (rear), upper rear strut brace; Greddy upper front strut brace

Wheels/Tires Enkei RPF1 SBC wheels, 18x10 (+15mm offset); BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW tires, 275/35

Brakes Rotora six-piston calipers (front), four-piston calipers (rear), two-piece rotors (front and rear), carbon compound pads, braided stainless steel lines; Amsoil brake fluid

Exterior APR Performance Evil-R widebody kit; Rexpeed Ralliart-style mirrors; Seibon carbon fiber hood, trunk lid; JDM headlights, EVO VII taillights, vortex generators

Interior JDM pedals; Cusco six-point roll cage; Takata racing harnesses; Status Ring front seats; Greddy boost gauge; Nardi 350mm steering wheel; Works Bell quick release hub; Blitz turbo timer; Ralliart shift knob; Pioneer AVIC N-3 DVD/CD/Nav system; Infinity SSL amplifier, speakers, subwoofer; Bride cell phone holder

Name.
Charleston Penesa

Age.
26

Location.
Las Vegas, NV

Occupation.
Valet

Hobbies.
Hanging With The Family, Paintballing

Build Time.
10 Months

Feedback.
Teamhybrid.Com

Favorite Quote.
"The Car Is Orange, But I Went Green."

By Colin Ryan

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