Category:
Performance Rally Homologation Special / Sports Sedan
Segment:
Compact Performance
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Toyota Celica GT-Four.
Drivetrain:
Advanced All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Yaw Control (AYC) on some variants.
Engine Technology:
Legendary 4G63 2.0L DOHC turbocharged engine with MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) on some later models.
Chassis Dynamics:
MacPherson strut front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, robust chassis design optimized for rally performance.
Aerodynamics:
Aggressive body kits, large rear spoilers, functional hood vents for improved downforce and cooling.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, turbocharger system, transmission (manual & automatic options), drivetrain (transfer case, differentials).
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS included), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, audio system, power windows, power locks, climate control, engine control unit (ECU), body control module (BCM).
Body:
Body exterior (panels, bumpers, glass), interior trim, seats, safety systems (airbags).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting for engine, transmission, electrical, and chassis issues.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair, body panel repair and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, specifications for sensor readings, ECU pinouts, testing procedures for electronic components.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures. Includes disassembly, reassembly, specifications, tolerances, and torque values for all major components.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke Evo4:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Bore X Stroke Evo5:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio Evo4:
8.8:1
Compression Ratio Evo5:
8.8:1
Horsepower Evo4:
276 hp (206 kW) @ 6250 rpm (JDM spec - often underestimated)
Torque Evo4:
343 Nm (253 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (JDM spec - often underestimated)
Horsepower Evo5:
276 hp (206 kW) @ 6250 rpm (JDM spec - often underestimated)
Torque Evo5:
377 Nm (278 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm (JDM spec - often underestimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Fuel Control (EFC)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON or higher recommended)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (Evo IV) / TD05HRA-15G (Evo V)
Intercooler:
Front-mounted air-to-air intercooler
Type Evo4:
5-speed Manual (Type R/RS models often featured 6-speed manual)
Type Evo5:
5-speed Manual (RS/GSR models)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (less common for performance variants)
Clutch:
Single dry plate, hydraulically operated diaphragm spring clutch
AWD System:
Full-time 4WD with viscous coupling center differential (AYC system on GSR models).
Differential Rear:
Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) (Helical LSD on RS models, Viscous LSD on GSR).
Crash Test Ratings:
Not independently tested by major agencies like NHTSA/Euro NCAP during its original production era.
ABS:
Standard on GSR, optional on RS. Advanced ABS system.
Ayc:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) system on GSR models, electronically controlling torque distribution to rear wheels.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard on GSR, optional/absent on RS.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and force-limiting seatbelts.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo cassette player with optional CD player, 4-6 speakers.
Traction Control:
Not typically equipped with electronic traction control; relies on AWD and AYC for grip.
Bluetooth:
Not available on factory systems.
ECU Tuning:
ECU is highly programmable for performance tuning, a common modification.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000 - 30,000 km (12,000 - 18,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (24,000 - 36,000 miles), depending on plug type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, Viscosity 10W-30, 10W-40, or 5W-30 (check manual for specific climate recommendations).
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Genuine Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil, Viscosity 75W-90.
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5 Gear Oil, Viscosity 75W-90 (for mechanical LSD).
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4 Gear Oil, Viscosity 75W-90.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Wear:
Piston ring wear, bearing failures, especially if poorly maintained or driven hard without proper warm-up.
Turbocharger:
Oil leaks, bearing failure, exhaust housing cracks due to high temperatures and stress.
Ayc System:
Failure of the AYC pump or sensors, fluid leaks.
Clutch Wear:
Wear and tear on clutch components due to aggressive driving.
Suspension:
Wear in bushings, ball joints, and shock absorbers due to performance driving and chassis loads.
Rally Success:
Mitsubishi has a long and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with the Lancer Evolution series being its flagship performance vehicle.
Evo1 To Evo3:
Evolutions I to III established the Evo's reputation for rally-bred performance and AWD technology.
Evo4 Introduction:
The Evo IV (CN9A), launched in August 1996, featured a completely new chassis, significant engine upgrades, and the introduction of AYC.
Evo5 Introduction:
The Evo V (CP9A), launched in January 1998, was a facelift and enhancement of the Evo IV. It featured wider track, larger front bumper openings, upgraded turbocharger, larger intercooler, Brembo brakes, and a revised AYC system.
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Production Period Evo4:
August 1996 – August 1997
Production Period Evo5:
January 1998 – January 1999
Rally Pedigree:
Renowned for its direct lineage to WRC-winning vehicles, making it a highly sought-after performance car.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, acceleration, and raw performance.
Homologation:
Built to homologate Mitsubishi for Group A and World Rally Championship competition.
