Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Lancer Evolution is Mitsubishi's flagship sports car, initially based on the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, and is colloquially known as the "Evo". The Evolution is the officially approved (homologation) model for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA Pro Rally Championship (This only applies to Evolution models prior to version V, as the Evo VI, VII and VIII did not need to meet WRC homologation requirements). In order to follow these rules, the Evolution is based on the same platform as the Lancer compact car, but is much faster and the only part in common between the Evo and the Lancer is the basic frame. Eight street versions of the Evolution have been produced from 1993 up to today.
The Evo was originally intended only for Japanese markets but demand on the 'grey import' market led the Evolution series to be offered through limited type-approval in various European markets from around 1998 (Evo V-VI). The demand for import sports cars in the United States eventually made Mitsubishi decide to import the eighth-generation Evolution to the US in 2003. The current Evolution (US market) includes a turbocharged 271 horsepower (202 kW) inline four-cylinder engine and a full-time all wheel drive powertrain. 2005 Models are all 276 horsepower (206 kW). The Japanese-spec cars were limited by a gentleman's agreement to advertise no more than 280 PS (276 bhp), but various versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 405 bhp (302 kW).
The Lancer Evolution was unique among its competitors in the World Rally Championship in that it's a homologation Group A car slightly modified to be able to race competitively against WRC class cars. The Evolution however has now been replaced by a the Lancer/Carisma GT and the new Lancer WRC04, the Evos however still compete in the Group A and Group N classes.
In some European markets, the Evo was sold as the Mitsubishi Carisma Evolution. Proton Motors of Malaysia builds a nearly identical copy of the Evolution as the Proton Pert.
Evolution I
The Evolution I was introduced in 1992 to compete in the World Rally Championship. Using the VR-4 drivetrain, Mitsubishi put it in the Lancer (known as the Mirage in the United States) chassis, and sold it in GSR and RS models. The latter was a stripped-down club racing version that lacked power windows and seats, ABS, a rear wiper, and had steel wheels to save approximately 155 pounds less than the 2,730 pound GSR, while the former came with all of the conveniences of a typical street car. It came with Mitsubishi's 2.0-liter turbocharged DOHC 4G63 engine producing 247hp at 6000 rpm and 228lb-ft at 3000 rpm, along with all-wheel drive which would become a trademark on all EVO models. 5,000 EVO I's were sold between 1992 and 1993.
Evolution II
The successful EVO I was changed in December of 1993, and was produced until 1995. It consisted mainly of handling improvements, including minor wheelbase adjustments, larger swaybars, bodywork tweaks including a larger spoiler, and beefier tires. Power output was increased to 256hp from the same engine and torque was unchanged for both GSR and RS models.
Evolution III
Once again the EVO II was tweaked in 1995 with most of the minor changes affixed to the previous model. Mitsubishi's goal for the third generation was improving cooling and reducing lift, and a revised turbocharger and increased compression ratio of 9.0:1 meant a 10hp boost to 266hp. 7,000 were sold between 1995 and 1996, making it the best-selling EVO yet.
Evolution IV
The Lancer platform was completely changed in 1996, and along with it the EVO, which had grown extremely popular throughout the world. A new twin-scroll turbocharger, limited-slip front differential on the RS model, increased power to 276hp at 6500 rpm and 260lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm, and Mitsubishi's new Active Yaw Control (which adjusted torque split to the front and rear wheels to minimize understeer) meant that the 6,000 EVO IV's produced all sold quickly. The EVO IV can be distinguished by its two huge foglights on the front bumper, which would become yet another trademark of the Evolution series.
Evolution V
In 1997, the WRC created a new class, "World Rally Car", and while these cars still had to abide by Group A standards, they did not have to meet homologation rules. Mitsubishi completely redesigned the EVO IV with this in mind and introduced the EVO V in January of 1998. All aspects of the car were changed, most notably the turbocharger, brakes and cylinder bore (by 0.3 mm) that had both increased in size. Torque was increased to 275lb-ft at 3,000 rpm. Horsepower officially stayed the same, at 276 as agreed by Japan's automotive gentlemen's agreement that all cars would have 276 or less hp, but reputable sources claim horsepower was really around 280hp. More aggressive bodywork finished the package.
Evolution VI
The EVO VI's changes mainly focused on cooling, once again, and engine durability. It recieved a larger intercooler, larger oil cooler, and new pistons, along with a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel for the RS model, which was a first in a production car. Also, the EVO VI recieved new bodywork yet again, with the most easily spotted change in the front bumper where the huge foglights were reduced in size and moved to the corners for better airflow. A new model was added to the GSR and RS lineup; known as the RS2, it was an RS with a few of the GSR's options. A special edition EVO VI was also relased: the Tommi Mäkinen edition, named after Finnish rally driver Tommi Mäkinen. It featured Recaro seats, 17" wheels, a MOMO steering wheel and shift knob, and came in an exclusive shade of red with special decals, replicating Mäkinen's rally car's color scheme.
Evolution VII
Evolution VIII
FQ-400
In the United Kingdom, a special Lancer Evolution VIII, the FQ-400, produces 302.13 kW (405.2 hp), from a 4G63 engine. At 202.9 hp (151.3 kW) per liter, it has possibly the highest specific output per liter of any production engine.
Evolution IX
Mitsubishi introduced the 2006 Lancer Evolution IX at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The 2.0 L engine now gets variable valve timing, boosting power output to 286 hp (213 kW) and torque to 289 ft.lbf (392 Nm).
Three models will be available. All models use the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine.
(Note: All J-spec Evo VIIIs and IXs get a standard 6-speed manual. The US-spec Evo VIII and IX (GSR and RS) must make do with the Evo VII's 5-speed)
- Standard/GSR - 5-speed
- RS - 5-speed
- MR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks
Films
Cars of the Evolution Series have been featured in films including Jackie Chan's Thunderbolt and Who Am I? The American film 2 Fast 2 Furious, and the French films Taxi 2 and Taxi 3. Also, in the Japanese anime hit Initial D.
External links
http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/evolution/specifications.asp?strCar1=QD4