History of The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolotion

MICKSIGARAGE.COM THE CAR PARTS EXPERTS History of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MITSUBISHI Evolution I Weight: 1240kg 1992 - 1994 • The first Lancer Evolution used the 2.0-litre turbocharged '4G63T' engine combined with an all-wheel drive transmission from the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4. 1395 mm • This engine produced 247hp and 309NM of torque. All subsequent Evo's would feature a 2 litre turbocharged in-line four with four wheel drive 4310 mm • WRC homologation required 2,500 to be built and these were all sold within three days. Mitsubishi would go on to sell twice as many over the Evo l's 15-month production run. • The RS model was lightened by 70kg by removing the electric windows, anti-lock brakes and even the rear wiper. Weight: 1250kg Evolution II 1994 - 1995 • Mitsubishi refined the second generation Evo by increasing the wheelbase by 10mm and changing the front sway-bars for lighter versions. 1420 mm • This model gained a larger rear spoiler and wore tyres that were 10mm wider. 4310 mm • A larger (50-litre) fuel tank was fitted to give it a better driving range. • Power was increased to 256hp thanks to higher-lift cams, increased turbo boost pressure and reduced exhaust back pressure. Evolution II Weight: 1260kg 1995-1996 • Beefier looking side skirts, bumpers and a rear spoiler were added along with more sophisticated looking air intakes for the radiator, intercooler and brakes. 1420 mm Engineers increased the engine's compression ratio and fitted a larger (68mm) turbocharger to boost power to 270hp and torque to 309NM. 4310 mm • 7,000 examples were produced from January 1995 to August 1996. • Tommi Makinen won the drivers championship in the WRC 4 consecutive years running from 1996 - 2000 with the Evo III, IV, V & VI. • Team mate Richard Burns helped Mitsubishi claim the constructors championship in 1998 Evolution IV 1996 - 1998 Weight: 1350kg • All-new Evo built on the 'CN9A' platform, which had its engine rotated 180 degrees to improve balance and reduce torque steer. 1415 mm • The RS version had front and rear braces fitted to boost chassis stiffness as well as thinner glass and bodywork to help reduce weight. • Mitsubishi first introduced its Active Yaw Control system on this model, which used sensors on the steering and throttle as well as G-force sensors to hydraulically split torque distribution to the rear wheels. 4330m • This was the first model to feature large rally-inspired front fog lights. • As popularity of Evo models grew Mitsubishi increased production and in total 10,000 examples were made. Evolution V 1998-1999 Weight: 1360kg 1415 mm The Evo V also featured an active centre differential to go with an improved limited-slip differential at the rear and a front helical limited-slip differential. Torque increased to 385NM and engine power remained at 280hp, 4350mm Weight was reduced through measures such as using forged aluminium suspension components, thinner sheet metal in the roof and even a magnesium cam cover in the engine. • The styling and aero package was the most aggressive to date Evolution VI Weight: 1360kg 1999 - 2001 Engine updates included a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel for the turbocharger, a larger oil cooler and intercooler and new pistons. 1415 mm • Aerodynamically improved bodywork with smaller fog lights on the front bumper. 4350mm • RS Sprint model was created in collaboration with Ralliart that was lighter and had 330hp. • The Tommi Mäkinen Edition was released to celebrate the Finnish rally driver winning his fourth WRC Driver's Championship with Mitsubishi. It featured a unique front bumper, embossed Recaro seats, 17-inch white Enkei wheels and Momo steering wheel. It also featured a titanium turbo that spooled up more quickly, a faster steering rack, lowered ride height and front upper strut brace. • A total of 5,000 were produced. Evolution VII Weight: 1400kg 2001 - 2003 • First time an automatic transmission was offered on an Evo and this featured 'Fuzzy Logic', which learnt the driver's driving style and adjusted gear changes and kick down to šuit. 1450 mm • The chassis was stiffened by seam welds on the B-pillars and over 200 spot welds around the door openings. 4455mm It also featured an active centre differential to go with an improved limited-slip differential at the rearand a front helical limited-slip differential. Torque increased to 385NM and engine power remained at 280hp, but the automatic model only produced 272hp. • Weight was reduced through measures such as using forged aluminium suspension components, thinner sheet metal in the roof and even a'magnesium cam cover in the engine. Weight: 1410kg Evolution VII| 2003 - 2005 • Featured aluminium roof to lower the car's centre of gravity. 1450 mm • Mitsubishi fitted Bilstein suspension to give the car a more natural feel through corners 4490mm • Numerous special editions were produced but the most potent was the FQ-400 that was sold in the UK by Ralliart and had a tuned engine that produced 411hp, reached 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and had a top speed of 282km/h. • The Evo VIII was the first to be officially sold in the US but these cars did not get Active Yaw Control and had larger bumpers fitted in accordance with legislation. Evolution IX 2005 - 2008 Weight: 1490kg The GSR and RS models came equipped with five speed manual transmissions but the MR model had a six-speed gearbox. 1450mm • The Evo IX had a 0-100km/h time of just 4.7 seconds. • Three different versions were sold in the UK; the FQ-300, FQ-320 and FQ-340 initially, but 200 examples of a more powerful FQ-360 were made and this was followed up by the MR FQ-360, which ran on lowered Eibach suspension. 4490mm • A limited run Evolution IX estate was produced and sold in Japan; a total of 2,500 were made. • Mitsubishi created an electric Evolution MIEV that used four electric motors, one in each wheel, with a total of 272hp. This was even entered into an electric vehicle rally in Japan, but not released for general sale. Weight: 1600kg Evolution X 2001 - 2016 1480mm • Mitsubishi confirmed that this will be the last generation of Evo models. • The exterior was designed in Europe rather than Japan, by Omer Halilhodžić, who also designed the Mitsubishi Colt. 4570mm • Most models have 280hp but Evo Xs sold in the UK are tuned to produce more power, up to 360hp. • The Evo X has the option of a five-speed manual gearbox or a sequential semi-automatic six-speed twin-clutch transmission. • The Royal Malaysian Police run a fleet of Evolution Xs for high-speed pursuits.