The Sport Wagon Enthusiast

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.

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.