A war is occuring. It has been waged for years between the multitudes of all-wheel-drive, turbocharged sedans available from a variety of manufacturers around the world. However, it seems that it is in Japan where the main fight has always been. Specifically between the Three Diamonds of Mitsubishi and the Subaru Stars of Pleiades, two car makers who have brought the competition of the WRC to driveways everywhere. Similar to the conflict between Ford and Chevrolet fans, the epic grudge match continues through the generations of the Impreza WRX and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. This begs the question, what side do you choose?
Photos By: Elvis Skender exclusively for StanceNation.com
Alternatively, why choose a side at all? The competition has bred amazing products for either side of the argument. Personally, I change my mind daily on the EVO vs. STi predicament. Talk to me on Monday and I’ll go on and on about the signature burble of a Subaru flat-four. On Tuesday the name Tommi Makinen will be the topic of reverent conversations with peers. While the vehicles are not identical by any means, the strengths and weaknesses of each car balance each other in a frustratingly perfect manner. I’m sure there are many people out there like me, that choose to love both of them.
Algier Redolza Jr. is one of those people. He tells us he stumbled across a great deal on this white Evo, and if an STi had presented itself in a similar manner we would instead be looking at a similarly modified Subaru instead. You can’t argue with fate, however, and I have to say it seems to have worked out well for him. The sharp lines of the 8/9 generation Evolutions are aggressive, and with select aerodynamic additions that aspect has been inflated exponentially. Algier chose an Ings+ bumper with canards with a carbon hood from Seibon in the front. The carbon decklid is also from Seibon, with a diffuser and 1500mm GT wing from the aero Gods at Voltex finishing off the rear of the car. The car screams ‘circuit’ and it works perfectly with the Evolution’s natural performance aesthetic. This journalist is a huge fan of the Cusco bar peaking out from the grill above the GReddy intercooler, while it is a functional component I’ve always loved the look of these braces on Evos.
Of course, the car wouldn’t be here without a solid check beside the “Great Stance” box. Redoloza’s Evo is hunkered down on Buddy Club coilovers on a beautiful set of gold Volk TE37s. In this case 215-treadwidth tires stretched past their wits wouldn’t cut it. No, Algier comes correct with 265/35/18s, which fit on the 18×10.5″ +15 Volks perfectly and provide ample footprint for the AWD sedan. The fenders have been modified to fit them, with the fronts relocated and the rears flared around the wheel and tire combo.
Quality is found inside and out of Algier’s Evolution, with seating from Bride and the limited Vertex steering wheel as the centerpieces for the well-rounded cockpit. His execution is flawless, with Bride fabric continuing the theme into the door panels and rear seats as well. The already phenomenal Evolution chassis is further stiffened with the addition of the signature Cusco-blue 6-pt. roll cage.
The Evolution’s 4G63 has been massaged thoroughly to match the rest of the vehicle’s state of tune. HKS camshafts and famous colorful gears keep the air flowing up top, and in time. While the factory-upgraded turbocharger keeps the situation pressurized.
What if Algier had found himself in a Subaru instead? I guess we would be staring at a high-quality Impreza build instead. I think onlookers would be equally impressed, or taken aback, by whatever vehicle he had decided upon. The quality of the build speaks for itself, and I can’t help but wonder what will come next. Redoloza is secretive on his plans but something tells me the streets of San Jose, California have something awesome on the way in the form of a big-winged Evolution. Regardless of the status of the AWD-turbo war or where your allegiance lies, you can chock this one up as a ringer for the Mitsubishi clan.
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