Evo RS, what do you know? Options

[Red_06_EvoRS]

I've been giving some thought to upgrading to a 2006 Evo. What does everyone know about the RS variant? I know it doesn't have the rear wing, comes in only white or red, doesn't have power windows, power door locks, power mirrors, or even a radio. What else has been left out? I know it has all of the go fast goodies but doesn't have ABS (a plus to many people).

I'm sure I can live without the power door locks & power mirrors. The power windows might be nice, though..especially with the tight fit of those Recaro's..it seems like it would be hard to reach over to the passenger side and crank down the window.

I test drove an Evo MR but that was the only Evo on the lot. I haven't seen an RS but I've read that they don't have too much sound insulation either...the trunk is bare metal. Sound insulation isn't too important to me but a bare metal trunk sounds pretty skimpy for that kind of cash. I don't want to take a huge step backwards in the comfort department from my GSX. Obviously, the huge step forward in performance is going to outweigh that for the most part..

I figure I can always add an aftermarket stereo but do they even have speaker wires run? That could be a pain. decisions, decisions.

[Red_06_EvoRS]

They don't call it a GSR any more. I assume that is what they currently just call the IX. The three levels are RS, IX, and MR, from bottom to top. My understanding is that the mechanicals are identical between the RS & IX (except that the RS doesn't have ABS). The MR adds the 6 speed and Bilstein shocks. The RS & MR have an aluminum roof, whereas the IX's roof is steel. All 3 get an aluminum hood & fenders (and A/C). According to Mortor Trend, the IX weighs 81 lbs more than the RS; which comes out to 11.4 lbs/hp for the IX and 11.1 lbs/hp for the RS. They also had a 0-60 time of 4.3s for the RS and 4.7s for the IX. That could just be a difference in the particular cars, though. Either way, it isn't that big of a difference to be a deal maker or breaker.

I talked to the local dealer and they're checking to see if any other dealers have an RS on their lot for me to take a look at.

Thanks for the input.