Segment:
Compact Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Toyota Celica GT-Four, Ford Focus RS, Peugeot 206 WRC
Driving Dynamics:
Advanced All-Wheel Drive System (AYC - Active Yaw Control, ACD - Active Center Differential), Rally-bred Suspension, Powerful Turbocharged Engine
Performance Focus:
Designed for high-performance driving, track use, and rallying. Robust construction and optimized powertrain.
Powertrain:
Engine (4G63T), Turbocharger System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Manual Transmission (5-speed) / Optional Automatic Transmission (less common), Transfer Case, Differential (Front & Rear)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front McPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering System (Power Assisted), Braking System (ABS), Wheel Hubs, Drive Shafts
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays
Bodywork:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass, Seals, Chassis Frame
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Fluid, Differential Fluid), Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel), Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul and Rebuild, Turbocharger Repair/Replacement, Transmission Overhaul, Clutch Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Overhaul, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Interpretation, Component Testing Procedures, Electrical System Fault Finding
Depth:
In-depth, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers detailed disassembly, assembly, specifications, and torque values.
Engine Type:
DOHC 16-Valve, Turbocharged Inline 4-Cylinder
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower:
276 BHP (JDM Spec), ~280-300 BHP (Various Export Specs)
Torque:
343 Nm (JDM Spec), ~350-370 Nm (Various Export Specs)
Engine Code Specifics:
Evo 6 4G63T features upgraded turbo, intercooler, exhaust, and ECU tuning over previous generations for improved response and power.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Fuel Pump
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G Turbocharger with Intercooler
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95 RON / 91 AKI minimum)
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (Rare for performance models)
AWD System:
Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) integrated with transmission and differentials
Acd Modes:
Active Center Differential (ACD) offers driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow) to optimize torque distribution.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., Mitsubishi Diaqueen LSD Gear Oil) - Check Manual for Specific Viscosity
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil (e.g., Mitsubishi Diaqueen Super Hypoid Gear Oil) - Check Manual for Specific Viscosity
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5 Hypoid Gear Oil with Limited Slip Additives (e.g., Mitsubishi Diaqueen LSD Gear Oil) - Check Manual for Specific Viscosity
Crash Test Standards:
N/A (Vehicle primarily designed for racing homologation; official consumer safety ratings may vary by region and are not the primary focus)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
AWD:
Advanced All-Wheel Drive (ACD/AYC) contributes to active safety through enhanced traction and stability
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage elements for improved structural integrity
Audio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM Stereo Cassette/CD Player with 4-6 Speakers (base models). Higher trims may have upgraded audio.
Navigation:
Rarely equipped from factory; aftermarket options are common.
Cruise Control:
Available on some higher trim levels.
Limited Slip Differential:
Electronic Limited Slip Differential (AYC) is a key technological feature managing rear wheel torque bias.
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory.
Usb Port:
Not available from factory.
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (more frequent recommended for spirited driving).
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 7 years, whichever comes first. Crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A3/B4 rated. Check manual for specific requirements.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze with corrosion inhibitors (e.g., Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)
Engine Reliability:
Known for robust 4G63T engine, but turbocharger can be sensitive to oil starvation/overheating. Proper maintenance is critical. Head gasket issues can occur if overheated.
Ayc System:
AYC pump and sensors can fail over time, requiring specialized diagnosis and repair.
Rust And Corrosion:
Can be susceptible to rust, particularly in wheel arches, sills, and suspension mounting points, especially in areas with salted roads.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older vehicles may experience minor electrical issues due to age and environmental exposure.
Rally Legacy:
Mitsubishi has a storied history in World Rally Championship (WRC), with the Lancer Evolution lineage being central to its success.
Predecessors:
Lancer Evolution I, II, III, IV, V
Successors:
Lancer Evolution VII, VIII, IX, X
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Special Editions:
Tommi Makinen Edition (TME) - limited production, specific chassis and engine tuning
Rally Success:
The Lancer Evolution platform achieved significant success in WRC, making the road-going versions highly desirable.
Driving Enthusiast Acclaim:
Consistently lauded by automotive publications for its handling, performance, and driver engagement.
Homologation Status:
Built to homologate the rally car for WRC Group A competition.