If you’re a Mitsubishi Lancer fan, it’s hard not to take a second look these days ever since the Japanese started importing the Lancer Evolution VIII in 2003 to the United States, a version very similar to the base model but about 20 grand more.
Though the outside may be unremarkably distinct from its base model cousin that has been stateside for some time, the engine is all the rage. Of course, if you can live with a lot less power, then you potentially lose out on none of the looks associated with this iconic Japanese tuner car.
When Stacey Phipps first fell in love with her husband, she also fell in love with the car that would end up being influential in her own vehicle purchase. The 2007 year for Mitsubishi saw the Lancer get a notable face-lift with a protruding grille. The smaller taillights and more aggressively compact stance put the 2003 in the rearview mirror as far as styling evolution goes. Phipps decided to one-up her husband and soon she was ready to modify.
But after an accident that rendered the car a total loss in February 2009, Phipps, undeterred, found the same road she was on before and purchased another one.
Phipps’ twice-bought black Lancer was primed for her favorite color combination. Frustrated that the market so often forgets pink as a functional and fun color for female drivers, Phipps decided to move from design to implementation.
So to begin, she had the lips of her wheels painted pink. After adding a tint to blend the black across the full spectrum, Phipps began thinking about making drastic aesthetic changes to the body. Contacting Speed Design, a custom vinyl graphics company, she worked out a scheme that even Barbie would be proud to call her own.
The near-full-front body graphic includes pink stars set off and three-dimensionalized by varying thicknesses of differing vinyl shapes. Phipps also found various trim pieces on the front fascia and added pink as a border color. The results on the outside migrated inward, where Phipps made sure the long plastic trim pieces across the front dashboard were treated to the splash of lively hot pink she had used in the color design. Adding an in-dash touch-screen Rockford Fosgate radio took care of any worries associated with mediocre sound from the factory unit.
After adding a few more decibels to the stereo with the addition of a 10-inch subwoofer in the trunk, Phipps turned attention to the engine. A cold-air intake accompanied by new headers helped the engine breathe easier. And a Tsudo exhaust setup created a more brassy sound from the power-challenged four-cylinder. Even in the engine bay, Phipps found opportunity to add some pink to the dull gray and black mechanical parts.
Phipps hopes to complete the audio system in the near future, adding company to the lonely 10-inch subwoofer that occupies a surprisingly large trunk area. Until then, competing with her husband for trophies at various shows around the area helps bond the couple and makes for interesting conversations.
What do you drive? A 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS.
Why do you drive it? I love the body style and the luxury of the interior. It is a good car to work on now and will be a family car down the road.
What makes your car so special? It represents me. The car shows my personality and what I love. It could not be more personal. It is one of a kind.
What was your most memorable driving experience? Taking that first drive to the OC Car Show in it and driving it into the convention center.
What was the first car you owned? A 1998 Purple Dodge Neon.
What kind of music are you currently listening to in your car? A mix CD with Chevelle, Muse, Breaking Benjamin and Adam Lambert.
And your first ticket? What was it for? I have only gotten two warnings — one for speeding and one for a brake light being out.
