Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, commonly referred to as the Lancer Evo, is a high-performance sports sedan that gained a cult following since its introduction in the early 1990s. Renowned for its rally pedigree and performance-oriented features, the Lancer Evo became an icon in the automotive world, particularly among enthusiasts and motorsport fans.

1. Overview and History

• First Generation: The Lancer Evo made its debut in 1992 with the Lancer Evolution I (E1), designed primarily for homologation in Group A rallying. Mitsubishi needed to produce a certain number of road-going versions to compete successfully in the World Rally Championship (WRC).
• Generational Progression: Over the years, Mitsubishi produced ten main generations of the Lancer Evo, with each iteration building on the successes and lessons learned from the previous models.

2. Generations of the Lancer Evo

1. Evo I (1992-1994): Introduced with a 2.0L inline-4 engine, producing approximately 250 hp and equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission. It laid the foundation for the series' performance.
2. Evo II (1994-1996): Featured improvements in aerodynamics and suspension, with a slight power increase.
3. Evo III (1995-1996): Known for its larger intercooler and improved engine output, around 280 hp. It featured a more aggressive body kit and better handling.
4. Evo IV (1996-1998): A significant redesign with a new chassis and improved technology. It introduced the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, enhancing handling and stability.
5. Evo V (1998-1999): Featured wider bodywork, a more powerful engine, and a host of performance enhancements. The Evo V was known for its aggressive styling, including larger front and rear spoilers.
6. Evo VI (1999-2001): Another evolution of the styling and performance, with minor improvements over the Evo V. It became famous for its success in the WRC and was driven by the legendary driver Tommi Mäkinen.
7. Evo VII (2001-2003): Marked the transition to a more refined car while maintaining the raw performance characteristics. Featured a slightly heavier chassis but improved comfort and technology.
8. Evo VIII (2003-2005): Introduced the MR (Mitsubishi Racing) model, which included lightweight materials and enhanced performance. It also featured an updated turbocharged engine with around 276 hp.
9. Evo IX (2005-2007): A refinement of the Evo VIII, with improvements in power delivery and handling. The Evo IX MR was particularly well-received, offering a more performance-oriented setup.
10. Evo X (2007-2015): The final generation of the Lancer Evo, which featured a complete redesign. It came with a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing up to 300 hp. It also introduced an advanced Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) option in addition to the standard manual transmission.

3. Performance Features

• Engine: The Lancer Evo traditionally features a turbocharged 2.0L inline-4 engine (4G63 and 4B11 in different generations), renowned for its responsiveness and tuning potential.
• Transmission: Most models feature a 5 or 6-speed manual transmission, with the Evo X offering a 6-speed DCT for quicker shifts.
• All-Wheel Drive: The S-AWC system allows for dynamic torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, improving traction and handling in various driving conditions.
• Suspension: A performance-tuned suspension system provides excellent handling capabilities, making the Evo adept at both rally stages and street driving.

4. Rally Heritage and Motorsport

• The Lancer Evo has a rich motorsport heritage, dominating the WRC during the 1990s and early 2000s. Mitsubishi's success in rallying helped solidify the Evo's reputation as a performance icon.
• Tommi Mäkinen, a Finnish rally driver, drove the Evo to multiple championships, including four consecutive WRC titles from 1996 to 1999, further boosting the model's fame.

5. Cultural Impact

• The Lancer Evo has developed a strong following in car culture, often appearing in video games (such as the Need for Speed and Gran Turismo series) and movies (most notably in the Fast & Furious franchise).
• The car is celebrated for its tunability, with enthusiasts modifying their Evos for greater power, improved handling, and unique styling.

6. End of Production and Legacy

• The production of the Lancer Evo came to an end in 2015 with the discontinuation of the Evo X. Despite its end, the Evo remains a beloved model among automotive enthusiasts.
• Mitsubishi has since shifted its focus toward electric vehicles and crossovers, leading to a decline in interest for performance sedans like the Evo.