A sleeper agent is possibly one of the most terrifying kinds of secret agents in the world. Nestled deep into the realms of a country, a sleeper agent’s mission is not to act immediately, but to become an potential asset when the need arises. It is therefore imperative for a sleeper agent to go further beyond the meaning of being an agent, with its identity kept a complete secret beyond all covert and clandestine operations.

That could perfectly describe Ben’s ride; a Mitsubishi Lancer EX GT. Mingling with the crowds on the roads, there’s no word of warning, no identification that this was built for the purpose of defending itself when called upon. Humbled, with plausible denial constantly on the edge of his lips, Ben’s Mitsubishi Lancer wears a tad too little, akin to just beach wear. All this is done for good reasons and little do the common folk know, that there is more than meets the eye...

As the successor to the previously successful and popular model of Mitsubishi Lancer CS3 in Singapore, the EX GT variant is a 2.0 litre, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control) equipped engine that delivers performance when truly called upon. Utilising Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) chassis technology, not only is the Lancer EX GT tougher, it is also more rigid, providing a great platform to begin tuning work.

Knowing all that, Ben, our Feature Car owner set out to accomplish that, working on the finer points of his Lancer EX GT, which also happens to be a slightly more uncommon version; a manually equipped model. “Still prefer stick over paddles.” said the owner as he smirked. As of recent times, Ben has become a family man and a father, which puts more emphasis on maintaining ride comfort and safety, while endeavouring on his automotive passion...

The engine gets stunningly effective treatment. Sticking to the beliefs of the three elements of fuel, air and fire, Ben swapped the stock restrictive air filter for a stainless steel Hurricane drop-in, allowing the naturally aspirated 4B11 engine to inhale better at higher RPMs, while the fuel element gets an ingenious upgrade with a stock Lancer Evolution X fuel pump and a set of fuel injectors that pump and spray generous amounts of combustible into all four cylinders.

Also cannibalised from the Lancer Evolution X are a set of valve springs to match a set of coveted Cosworth MX1 Stage 1 Camshafts that keep valve ports open for a longer duration to provide good burn. All that spent gaseous byproduct is then pumped out via a legally-approved HKS system that has been optimised and tuned for maximum efficiency.

Handling was definitely a factor that could not be neglected. In fact, crucial attention was paid in this department; with the responsibility of having to ferry his family (and newborn) around, it was imperative that comfort had to be retained as much as possible while enhancing the Lancer EX GT’s handling capabilities. A set of BC BR variant coilover did the trick for the man, with its offering of various stages of damping to suit the the ever-harsh road environment.

Upping the ante on the brakes, these were swapped for a big brake kit set by Nashin for ultimate face-mashing stopping power; coupled with huge 330mm slotted rotors and 0-550 brake pads to ensure proper stoppage every single time. The rims? These are 17” sports rims that wear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2 rubber in optimum dimensions of 225/45 that provide great grip on dry and ample on wet.

The exterior is where all that magic is deliberately shielded from prying eyes. Sporting a literally stock body kit, it takes a true connoisseur to discern the subtle parts, such as the Lancer Evolution X bumper for greater aerodynamic effect. The stock steel Lancer EX GT bonnet was discarded for an original Lancer Evolution X bonnet that offers additional benefits, such as its lightweight and vented properties. No spoilers whatsoever, keeping the white Lancer EX GT as stock looking from the rear as possible. Trickery at its best, perhaps.

The interior retains almost all of the original flavour that the Lancer EX GT offers. However with the following engine tuning and parts added, the inevitable soon followed; a set of gauges from Prosport that allows Ben to monitor critical engine conditions, such as water and oil temperature and pressure. An often neglected voltmeter was also added to allow careful monitoring of voltage to avoid a dead battery scenario.

While the sleeper look has been in effect for quite awhile already, Ben’s Lancer EX GT certainly lives up to its reputation as an almost complete sleeper road agent that will certainly stun any adversary that dares to underestimate the latest incarnation of the ever- popular Lancer. Sometimes, less is actually more and with such potential beneath the bonnet, Ben reassures REV that he intends to keep it that way!