Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Totally Explained

Everything about The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution totally explained

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, colloquially known as the Evo, is a car manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors. There have been ten versions to date, and the numerical designation of the model is most commonly a roman numeral. All of them share a two litre, turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive system. Evolution models prior to version V were the officially-approved models for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA ProRally Championship. In order to follow these rules, the Evolution is based on the same platform as the Lancer. However, it's much more powerful than the standard Lancer, with the unibody being the only major part in common between the two. The Evolution 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 the United Kingdom and in various European markets from around 1998 (Evolution V-VI). Mitsubishi decided to export the eighth generation Evolution to the United States in 2003 after witnessing the success Subaru had in that market with their Impreza WRX, a direct competitor in other global regions. The current version of the Lancer Evolution is 2008 Evolution X (US market) which includes a turbocharged 291 hp (217 kW) inline four-cylinder engine and a full-time all wheel drive powertrain. Japanese-spec cars were limited by a gentleman's agreement to advertise no more than 280 hp (206 kW), a mark already reached by the time of Evolution IV; however, each generation of Evolution's power has clandestinely evolved above the advertised number, with the Japan-spec Evolution IX having real output of about, and various versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 405 bhp (302 kW). Even standard components are considered "tuned" compared to other vehicles. For instance, the flywheel on normal cars weighs about 12-15 kilograms(26 - 33 lbs) but the Lancer flywheel weighs a mere 6 kilograms (13 lbs) for very quick engine response. The Evolution has, however, been evolving into a heavier and heavier vehicle with each generation in face of tougher worldwide safety and emission regulations.

World Rally Championship

The Lancer Evolution was unique among its competitors in the World Rally Championship in that it's a homologated Group A car slightly modified to be able to race competitively against WRC class cars. They were successful in the WRC Rallies from 1996-1999, thanks to the Finn Tommi Mäkinen, for clinching the driver's titles from 1996-1999, and the help of teammate Richard Burns for clinching the manufacturer's championship for the first time in 1998. The Evolution however has now been replaced by the Lancer/Carisma GT and the new Lancer WRC04, but the Evolution still competes in the Group A and Group N classes. The 'evo' has stared in the fast and the furious
In some European markets, the Evolution was sold as the Mitsubishi Carisma Evolution. Proton Motors of Malaysia raced Evolution III's and an Evolution VII as the Proton Pert in various APRC and APAC rally series.

Evolution I

The Evolution I was introduced in 1992 to compete in the World Rally Championship. It used the 2.0 L turbocharged DOHC engine and 4WD drivetrain from the original Galant VR-4 in a Lancer chassis, and was sold in GSR and RS models. The latter was a stripped-down club racing version that lacked power windows and seats, anti-lock brakes, a rear wiper, and had steel wheels to save approximately 155 lb (70 kg) less than the 2,730 lb (1,238 kg) GSR, while the former came with all of the conveniences of a typical street car. It came with Mitsubishi's 4G63 engine producing 250 PS (244 hp/182 kW) at 6000 rpm and 228 ft·lbf (309 N·m) at 3000 rpm, along with all wheel drive which would become a trademark on all Evolution models. 5,000 of the first generation Evolutions were sold between 1992 and 1993.

Evolution VIII

The Evolution was changed again in 2003, this time sporting Super Active Yaw Control to handle traction and a 6-speed manual gearbox. It was available with 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW) in three trims: standard (GSR in Japan), RS (devoid of all excess components, such as interior map lights, power windows/doors, and radio) and MR. RS Editions came with a revised limited-slip front differential. The new Evolution also sported Altezza taillights.
   The Lancer Evolution VIII MR uses slick-response Bilstein shocks for improved handling. The aluminium roof panel and other reductions in body weight have lowered the centre of gravity to realize more natural roll characteristics. Detail improvements have also been made to Mitsubishi’s own electronic all-wheel drive, to the ACD 5 + Super AYC 6 traction control and to the Sports ABS systems. The Lancer Evolution VIII displayed at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show took the MR designation traditionally reserved for Mitsubishi Motors high-performance models and used first on the Galant GTO. Other parts on the MR include BBS alloy wheels, Bilstein shocks, and an aluminium roof. In the United Kingdom, many special Evolutions were introduced, which included FQ300, FQ320, FQ340, and FQ400 variants. They each came with 305, 320, 340, and 400 hp (227, 239, 254 and 298 kW), respectively. It is rumored that the 'FQ' stands for 'Fucking Quick'.
   The FQ400, sold through Ralliart UK, produces 302.13 kW (405.2 hp), from its 2.0 L 4G63 engine as the result of being specially modified by United Kingdom tuning firms Rampage Tuning, Owen Developments, and Flow Race Engines. At 202.9 hp (151.3 kW) per litre, it has one of the highest specific output per litre of any roadcar engine. With a curb weight of around 3200 lb (1450 kg), it achieves a 0-60 mi/h in 3.5 seconds and a 0-100 mi/h in around 9 seconds, top speed is 174 mi/h (280km/h), while costing about £47,000. BBC's television series Top Gear demonstrated that the FQ-400 could surprisingly keep up with a Lamborghini Murcielago around a test track. The Stig recorded a Top Gear Power Lap Times of 1 minute 24.8 seconds, slower than the Murcielago, but highly respectable nonetheless. In a similar test conducted by UK supercar magazine evo, the Evolution was able to lap the Bedford Autodrome faster than an Audi RS4 and a Porsche Carrera 4S.
The Lancer Evolution VIII was also the first Evolution to be sold in the United States, spurred by the success of the Subaru Impreza WRX which had been released there just three years prior. The Evolution VIII found its true competition in the Subaru Impreza WRX STI model the same year as the Evolution VIII's US introduction. However, the internal components for the American versions were largely stripped-down versions of the specifications for the Japanese Lancer Evolution VIII. No US-spec Evolution model has active yaw control, including the 2006 Evolution IX. The American 2003 and 2004 GSRs are without the helical limited-slip front differential and 6-speed manual transmission. The 2004 US spec RS models, however, do have a front helical limited-slip differential. All 2003, 2004 and 2005 RS and GSR models have the Japanese Evolution VII's 5-speed transmission. The MR edition was introduced to the US in 2005, with ACD and the only model with a 6-speed transmission. The 2005 US spec RS and GSR have the ACD standard, and the front helical limited-slip differential is now standard on all models. The timing and tuning are also slightly lower than its Japanese counterpart, allowing it to adhere to the strict emissions regulations of the United States. However, the US version has a quarter mile time of a respectable 12.8 seconds.
   Most Evolution VIIIs have a carbon fiber rear spoiler with matching body-color endplates. Furthermore, the US version of the Lancer Evolution VIII 2003-2005 were given bulkier rear bumpers than their Japanese counterparts to accommodate US safety laws in the form of the metal rear crash bar. All Evos have lightweight aluminum front fenders and hood. MR and RS editions have an aluminum roof. Additionally, MR Editions come equipped with 6-speed transmission, bilstein shocks, and factory optional BBS wheels.
   The basic RS Edition doesn't come with an air conditioning system, power windows, locks and mirrors, an audio system, and map lamps. Also deleted was the Anti-lock braking system which came standard in other models..

Evolution IX

Mitsubishi introduced the Lancer Evolution IX in Japan on March 3 2005, and exhibited the car at the Geneva Motor Show for the European market the same day. The North American markets saw the model exhibited at the New York International Auto Show the following month. The 2.0 L 4G63 engine got MIVEC technology (variable valve timing), boosting official power output to 286 hp (213 kW) and torque to 289 ft·lbf (392 N·m). The Evolution VIII first offered in 2003 would produce dynamometer readings of approximately 225 WHP and . WTQ with a flywheel power rating of 271/273 respectively. The Evolution IX typically pulls 255 WHP and 250 WTQ on a dynamometer, a difference of .
   The USDM Lancer Evolution IX models (standard (or "GSR" in some markets), RS, SE, and MR) varied slightly in their performance capabilities. Subtleties unique to each model accounted for variations in acceleration, handling and top speed. The RS excluded features standard on the standard, SE and MR models (stereo system, power windows and locks, rear wiper, rear wing, trunk lining and sound insulation). The resulting weight savings of over gave the RS a subtly sharper handling responsiveness that helped it shave fractions of a second off the lap times of other models on an identical course. However, the top-end MR had a high top speed, since its 6th forward gear allowed it to reach at 7,000 rpm compared to at 7,000 rpm in 5th for the RS and middle-positioned IX models. (Note: Data relevant to U.S. model specifications)
   The IX MR retained the features of the Evolution VIII MR, like Bilstein shocks, a 6-speed manual transmission, a rooftop vortex generator, BBS forged wheels, HID xenon headlights, foglights, accessory gauge package, "zero lift" kit, special badging and an aluminum roof. All models continued to sport Recaro bucket seats, Brembo brakes and MOMO steering wheels. Additional revisions from 2005 included a closer gear ratio for the 5-speed manual transmission, new lighter Enkei wheels on non-MR models, a redesigned front end with a more efficient air dam (the most noticeable feature are the two small oval ducts to cool the intercooler pipes), and a new rear bumper with a diffuser undersurface to smooth out the airflow coming out of the car for non-US models. In an effort to reduce the price increase on the Evolution IX model, HID headlights were no longer standard equipment on the base IX (nor were they standard on the 2005 VIII), and were available only in the SSL package (Sun, Sound, and Leather), SE (Special Edition) and MR trims.
   Three trims were available for Japan, Asia and Europe. Although all models used the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine, the torque differed from one model to another. In Europe, however, the Evolution IX was advertised to have 280 hp (206 kW). The GSR produced 295 ft·lbf (400 N·m) of torque, while the RS and GT produced 300 ft·lbf (407 N·m).

RS - "ralli sport", revised 5-speed, aluminium roof, gauge pack, minimal interior, LSD and a titanium-magnesium turbine, left-hand drive option available.

GT - revised 5-speed, this is basically the RS mechanically, but with some of the GSR's features (mainly interior pieces).

GSR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, aluminium roof, gauge pack, SAYC (Super Active Yaw Control), and double-din radio (this is roughly equivalent to the USDM MR). In the United Kingdom, the Evolution IX used a different model scheme based on the car's horsepower. There were initially three models available: the FQ-300, FQ-320 and FQ-340 each with around 300, 320 and respectively. An FQ-360 model was subsequently released as a successor to the Evolution VIII FQ-400. While the new FQ-360 produced less horsepower than its predecessor, it had more torque at at 3200 rpm - more than the FQ-400. All four models were designed to run on super unleaded petrol only.

FQ-300, 320, 340 - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, AYC (Active Yaw Control), super unleaded petrol only

FQ-360 - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, AYC (Active Yaw Control), Ralliart Sports Meter Kit, carbon front splitter, Speedline alloy wheels, super unleaded petrol only All four models were available in the US. All models used the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine. All models used a front and rear Limited Slip Differential, and an Active Center Differential.

Standard - revised 5-speed, standard model

RS - ralli sport, revised 5-speed, aluminum roof, gauge pack, minimal interior

SE - Special Edition, aluminum roof/hood, and front fenders, split seven-spoke forged aluminum BBS wheels in "diamond black" finish, HID headlights with integrated fog lights, red-stitched Recaro seats

MR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, split seven-spoke forged aluminum BBS wheels, aluminum roof, hood, and front fenders, gauge pack, HID headlights with integrated fog lights, vortex generator, and custom MR badging. All of the American models are the same in power and performance. The only thing that sets them apart is the Evo RS, which is 80 lbs lighter than the MR and SE models.
   To the standard (or "GSR") model, the Sun, Sound and Leather package added a power sunroof, HID xenon headlamps with integrated fog lights, a slighty different stereo headunit (with no integral amplifier), slightly upgraded speakers in the front doors and parcel shelf, a 4.1-channel amplifier under the driver's seat, a powered, trunk-mounted Infinity subwoofer, black leather seating surfaces, leather-trimmed door panels, slightly revised center armrests in the front and rear, and separate rear side headrests. This model deleted the GSR's headliner-mounted sunglass holder to make room for the sunroof.
   A 2,500-piece, limited edition Evolution IX station wagon was released in Japan soon after the sedan's debut. It used the back end of the Lancer Sportback wagon grafted onto the sedan. Two trim models were penis introduced: the GT with a six-speed manual transmission and the GT-A with a 5-speed automatic. Other than the station wagon rear end, redesigned seats and some chromed trims, the car's interior was the same as the sedan.
   Mitsubishi also developed the Evolution MIEV, based on the Evolutions IX's chassis but with four electric motors connected to the wheels as a test bed for the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) next-generation electric vehicle. The in-wheel motors used a hollow doughnut construction to locate the rotor outside the stator, unlike other electric motors where the rotor turns inside the stator. The result of this was a lighter motor which translated into lower unsprung weight than a system with the motors mounted in the wheels. Each in-wheel motor produced a power output of, thus giving a combined output of, comparable to that of regular, petrol powered Lancer Evolutions. The car competed in the Shikoku EV (Electric Vehicle) Rally 2005.

Evolution X

In 2005, Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen Evolution at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Concept-X.
Mitsubishi unveiled a second concept car, the Prototype-X, at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).
   The Lancer Evolution X sedan will feature a newly designed 4B11T 2.0 L turbocharged, all-aluminum inline-4 engine. Power and torque depend on the market but all versions will have at least 280PS (JDM version), the American market version will have slightly more. The UK models will be reworked by Mitsubishi UK, in accordance with previous MR Evolutions bearing the FQ badge. Options for the UK Evolutions are expected to be between 300 and 360hp. Two versions of the car will be offered in the U.S. The Lancer Evolution MR, with 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The other version is the GSR which will have a 5-speed manual transmission system. The car has also a new full-time four-wheel drive system named S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), an advanced version of Mitsubishi's AWC system used in previous generations.. The S-AWC uses torque vectoring technology to send different amount of torque to any wheel at any given time.
   It also features Mitsubishi's new sequential semi-automatic six speed Twin Clutch SST twin-clutch transmission with steering-mounted magnesium alloy shift paddles. A 5-speed manual gearbox will also be available. Mitsubishi claims that the 5 speed manual transmission has always been preferred in rallying and should be very refined, resulting in a more satisfying drive. New Lancer Evolution will incorporate Mitsubishi's next generation RISE safety body.
   The production version of Prototype-X has begun production in Autumn 2007. The Evolution X went on sale October 1, 2007 in Japan then in January 2008 in the U.S.A. , February in Canada (as the first version of Evolution in Canada) and in March 2008 in the UK at prices between £27,499 and £37,999. The Twin Clutch SST version was available in Japan from November 2007. Europe will follow with sales in May, GSR and MR version (= incl. Premium Package).

Japanese models

The engine is the 4B11-type 2.0 litre inline-4 turbo, derived from the World Engine in Lancer. Engine is rated 422 Nm (43.0 kg-m)@3500 rpm. Aluminum is used in the roof panel, front fenders and the rear spoiler frame structure.

RS - 5 speed manual transmission. 18-inch tires. Driver dual-stage airbag. Standard Engine immobilizer.

GSR - Standard rear spoiler. 5 speed manual or 6-speed Twin Clutch SST transmission (magnesium paddle shifters on SST model). 245/40R18 tire on Enkei 12-spoke high-rigidity cast alloy wheels or optional BBS lightweight alloy wheels. Brembo ventilated disc brakes. Standard S-AWC 4WD system. Driver and front passenger dual-stage airbag. Standard. Engine immobilizer with security alarm. Optional Mitsubishi Motors Communication System (MMCS) which comprises a 30Gb hard disk drive audio/navigation system with LCD screen. Optional Rockford Fosgate premium sound system. Optional keyless remote entry. GSR can be fitted with following packages: � *High Performance Package - Bilstein single tube shock absorbers and Eibach coil springs, brembo 2-piece disc brakes, high performance tires with stiffer walls and better grip.

*Stylish Exterior Package - Chrome finish for the front grille lattice and beltline molding, body color-keyed fender vents, adds fog lamps. � *Leather Combination Interior -

*Premium Package - All 3 above packages plus BBS lightweight alloy wheels.

North American models

Engine produces 407 Nm (41.5 kg-m)@4400 rpm and 217 kW (295 PS/291 hp)@6500 rpm.

RS - stripper version of the Evo X that does away with all unnecessary weight by offering air conditioning as its only luxury. The RS comes with no "extra" sound deadening, speakers, radio, power windows, or power door locks etc.

GSR - Same as base Japanese GSR. (available only with manual 5 speed)

MR - 6-speed TC-SST transmission. Suspension with Eibach springs and BILSTEIN struts. 18-inch BBS forged alloy wheels. Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps. Color-keyed large rear spoiler. Leather and sueded seating. Electronic keyless entry and starting system. Steering wheel-mounted audio controls. Bluetooth hands-free cellular phone interface system with voice recognition.

MR Premium - MR with a 650 watt (max) Rockford Fosgate stereo with 9 speakers. Option packages:

(GSR only) Sight, Sound and Spoiler Package - Xenon HID headlamps with manual leveling; large rear spoiler; FAST-Key electronic entry and starting system; 650-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate audio system; in-dash 6-disc CD changer; SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.

(MR only) Technology Package: Mitsubishi Multi Communication System, GPS navigation with Diamond Lane Guidance; 30GB hard disc drive with Digital Music Server, in-dash DVD/CD player, multifunction 7-inch color LCD touchscreen, 650-watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate high-performance audio system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with six months prepaid subscription.

Accessory

Lancer Ralliart

A detuned and cheaper version of the Evo X was announced at the 2008 Detroit auto show. This model will have, of torque. For 2009, the Ralliart will be available exclusively with the TC-SST transmission, although Mitsubishi has suggested the possibility of a 5-speed transmission at a later date. The car also includes a simplified version of the Evolution's AWD system, with a simple "mechanical limited slip" rear differential.

Awards

The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution won ConsumerSearch's best Aggressive sports sedan in Best Sports Sedans in June 2006. During 2004–2005 alone it won six major awards, being declared "Sports Car of the Year" in Scotland and France, "Playboy Sports Car 2004" in Poland, "Best New Production Car Under €60,000" in Greece, "Sport Compact Car of the Year" in 2004 and 2005 (Sport Compact Car magazine) and "2005 All-Star" (Automobile magazine) in the United States and Motor magazine's Best "Bang for Your Bucks" in Australia.

Further Information

Get more info on 'Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution'.

External Link Exchanges

Do you know how hard it is to get a link from a large encyclopaedia? Well we're different and will prove it. To get a link from us just add the following HTML to your site on a relevant page:

<a href="http://mitsubishi_lancer_evolution.totallyexplained.com">Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Totally Explained</a>

Then simply click through this link from your web page. Our crawlers will verify your link, extract the title of your web page and instantly add a link back to it. If you like you can remove the words Totally Explained and embed the link in article text.
As long as your link remains in place, we'll keep our link to you right here. Please play fair - our crawlers are watching. Your site must be closely related to this one's topic. Any kind of spamming, dubious practises or removing the link will result in your link from us being dropped and, potentially, your whole site being banned.