Market Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Competitor Set:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer (non-Evolution variants), Ford Focus RS (later generations), Honda Civic Type R (later generations)
Key Differentiators:
Advanced AWD system (ACD), powerful turbocharged engine, rally-bred chassis, performance braking (Brembo), aggressive styling, homologation pedigree.
Performance Focus:
Designed for high-performance driving, track use, and rallying. Emphasizes handling, acceleration, and braking capabilities.
Technical Sophistication:
Features advanced drivetrain management (ACD, AYC - Active Yaw Control, although AYC was more prominent in prior generations, ACD is key for Evo VIII), powerful MIVEC engine technology, and robust chassis engineering.
Powertrain:
Engine, Cooling System, Fuel System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Engine Management System (ECU/ECM)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (Getrag 5-speed), Transfer Case, ACD (Active Center Differential), Rear Differential, Driveshafts, Axles
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering), Wheels, Tires
Brakes:
Front Brakes (Brembo 4-piston calipers), Rear Brakes (Brembo 2-piston calipers), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), Parking Brake
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System (Alternator), Starting System (Starter Motor), Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) / Airbags
Body Chassis:
Body Exterior Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Chassis Frame, Interior Trim, Seats
Climate Control:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) System
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) System, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) listing and troubleshooting
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Engine Oil, Transmission Fluid, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Power Steering Fluid), Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul/Rebuild, Transmission Rebuild, Clutch Replacement, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Steering System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues
Diagnostics Programming:
ECU/ECM diagnostics, sensor testing, actuator testing, immobilizer system checks
Installation Adjustment:
Component installation and removal procedures, alignment specifications, timing belt adjustment
Depth:
Professional Level - Covers detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, measurement, and repair procedures for all major vehicle systems.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing specifications, and diagnostic trouble code explanations.
Rebuild Specifications:
Includes critical torque specifications, clearances, and tolerances for engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Inline-4 Cylinder, DOHC, 16-Valve, Turbocharged with Intercooler
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Engine Code Specific:
4G63T (Evo VIII specific tuning)
Horsepower Hp Approx:
271 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/European spec), 265 hp @ 6500 rpm (USDM spec)
Torque Lb-Ft Approx:
273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/European spec), 275 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (USDM spec)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Unleaded Recommended, 91+ Octane)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (or similar variant depending on market)
Intercooler:
Air-to-Air Front-Mounted Intercooler
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Manufacturer Standard:
Getrag (Model 232)
Transmission Type Optional:
None (Manual transmission only for Evolution VIII)
Drivetrain Configuration:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transfer Case:
Center Differential with ACD (Active Center Differential)
Rear Differential:
Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Front Differential:
Open Differential
Acd Modes:
Tarmac, Gravel, Snow
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4 Stars (for driver and passenger, based on available data for similar models)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good (for frontal offset, based on similar models/generations)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Traction Control:
Standard (TC-SST not applicable to this manual transmission model)
AWD System:
ACD (Active Center Differential) with driver-selectable modes enhances traction and stability.
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with premium speaker options (e.g., Rockford Fosgate).
Display Type:
Analog gauges, basic LCD trip computer and climate controls.
ABS:
Standard ABS system is a key driver assistance feature.
Traction Control:
Standard traction control system complements the AWD.
Torque Vectoring:
While not explicitly electronic torque vectoring in the modern sense, the ACD system allows for variable torque distribution to enhance cornering.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; typically no Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration. May have power antenna and basic speaker outputs.
Engine Oil Change Interval Km Miles:
7,500 km or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 3,750 km / 3 months for severe driving conditions.
Oil Filter Replacement Interval:
At every oil change
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
15,000 km or 12 months, inspect more frequently
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
45,000 km for standard spark plugs, 90,000 km for iridium-tipped plugs (check specific plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
105,000 km or 7 years (critical component, inspect regularly)
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III, Viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.5 Liters (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (for manual transmission)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (consider LSD additive if specified)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or III (check manual for exact specification)
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on heavily modified engines), turbocharger wear, piston ring issues (less common on stock), valve seat wear.
Transmission:
Grinding gears (especially 2nd and 5th), worn synchros, clutch wear.
Acd System:
ACD pump failures, sensor issues, fluid leaks.
Suspension Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, premature wear on ball joints and tie rod ends due to aggressive driving.
Electrical:
Alternator failures, power window motor issues, SRS warning light illumination.
Rust Corrosion:
Can be susceptible to rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes, especially in regions with road salt.
Brand Focus:
Mitsubishi Motors, known for its engineering prowess, particularly in rallying and performance vehicles.
Evolution Series Origin:
The Lancer Evolution lineage began in 1992 as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Evo Viii Introduction:
The Evolution VIII was launched in 2003, marking a significant evolution in performance and technology for the series.
Key Changes From Evo Vii:
Updated turbocharger (TD05HR-16G), revised ACD system, stronger chassis, and improved aerodynamic elements. Introduction of the 'F' designation for some models indicating engine enhancements.
Production Start Year:
2003
Production End Year For Model:
2005
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Rally Connection:
The Evo VIII was developed with rally homologation in mind, directly influencing its chassis, drivetrain, and engine design.
Sport Compact Car Of The Year:
Often cited by automotive publications as a benchmark performance car.
Wrc Legacy:
Continues the highly successful WRC heritage of the Lancer Evolution line, recognized for its motorsport pedigree.
Handling Performance Rankings:
Consistently ranked among the best-handling cars of its era by automotive journalists.
Emissions Compliance:
Complies with relevant emissions standards for the model year and market of sale.
