Evo's Big Brother
Perhaps one of the most ignored Japanese battlewagons is the big older brother of the Mitsubishi Evo IX Wagon,
the Super Legnum VR-4. Produced between 1996 and 1998, the Legnum
offered loads of storage, an excellent chassis with a sophisticated AWD
system, and most importantly a twin-turbo 2.5L V6 that made this
family-hauler go like hell. When equip with the 5-speed INVECS-II
automatic, the Legnum’s 276 horses and 271 lb-ft of torque allow a
sprint to sixty in 6.2 seconds (6.0 for the manual) and a top speed run
of over 150 mph (when de-governed). While those numbers may not stack up
too well against contemporary battlewagon competitors like the 580bhp Audi RS6, one just needs to remember that nearly 300 bhp from a wagon in 1996 was serious business.
Perhaps
the most often praised features of the Legnum is its advanced Active
Yaw Control (AYC). This electronic limited-slip differential was first
introduced on the Evo VI, and works by transferring torque between the
rear wheels, allowing for increased corner speed and overall
performance.
One
of the most sought after models is the limited-edition “Super Legnum
VR4,” produced as the highest-end model. While offering the same basic
drivetrain and engine, the Super Legnum can with supportive Recaro
seats, a Mono steering wheel, a purple-illuminated speedometer, and red
carpets. The only visual difference between the Super model and the
standard is just a single exterior badge. Sadly, for all its exclusivity
(Mitsubishi only made 800) and extra interior kit, the Super Legnum is
only offered in 5-speed automatic. Worse yet, after 1998, Mitsubishi no
longer offered their fantastic AYC system Legnum’s when paired with the
5-speed manual.
At
the end of the day, despite a few minor flaws, the Legnum VR-4 stands
as one of those awesome battlewagons that redrew the lines of conflict.
No longer could other wagon manufactures ignore the fact that there was a
300 bhp all-wheel drive wagon that made their products look pathetic by
comparison.
August 26th, 2011
Specifications
SWE Classification | Battlewagon |
Company Designation | Legnum VR-4 |
Engine | DOHC 24v 2.5L V6 |
Displacement | 2498cc |
Aspiration | Twin-Turbo |
Output/ Horsepower | 276 hp @ 5,500 rpms |
Torque | 271 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpms |
Drivetrain | Front Engined, All-Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 5-Speed Manual or INVECS-II 5-Speed Automatic |
Curb Weight | 3,400 lbs |
Weight Distribution | |
Drag | |
Brakes | |
Tires | 225/50 R16 91V |
Luggage Capacity (Seats up) | |
Luggage Capacity (Seats down) | |
0-60 | 6.2 seconds (98 RON) |
0-100 | |
1/4 Mile | |
Top Speed | Over 150 (De-governed) |
Production Run | 800 (Super Legnum VR-4) |
MSRP |
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