Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII/VIII
Performance Focus:
All-wheel drive (S-AWC), powerful turbocharged engine, advanced differential systems
Enthusiast Appeal:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and performance tuning
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY repairs and reduces reliance on expensive dealership services
Powertrain:
Engine (4G63 MIVEC Turbo), Transmission (Manual & optional SST), Drivetrain (AYC, ACD, Super AYC)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, Brembo)
Electrical:
Full Electrical Schematics, ECU, Lighting, Body Electronics, Audio
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Glass, HVAC
Engine Repair:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing belt, turbocharger overhaul
Transmission Service:
Gearbox repair, clutch replacement, differential service, transfer case maintenance
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, sensor testing, diagnostic tool procedures
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, fluid specifications, filter replacement, spark plug servicing
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Wiring diagram interpretation, circuit testing, component diagnosis
Suspension Steering:
Alignment procedures, shock absorber replacement, power steering system service
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged and Intercooled
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Horsepower Hp:
286 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/Euro), 276 hp @ 6500 rpm (USDM)
Torque Lb Ft:
289 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/Euro), 286 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (USDM)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized with electric cooling fan
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-plug)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag MD723)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Sequential Sportshift Automatic Transmission (SST) - availability varied by market and trim
Drivetrain Technology:
Super Active Center Differential (S-AYC), Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4/GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi specs, e.g., DiaQueen)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for specific Mitsubishi specs, e.g., DiaQueen LSD)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (2006 Model, refer to specific testing)
Braking System:
Front: Ventilated 320mm discs with Brembo 4-piston calipers; Rear: Ventilated 300mm discs with Brembo 2-piston calipers
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system with CD player, AM/FM radio, optional subwoofer
Acd System:
Active Center Differential (ACD) for torque distribution control based on steering angle, throttle, and wheel speed
Ayc System:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) for enhanced cornering stability by vectoring torque to rear wheels
Original Connectivity:
Limited by era; primarily analog systems, optional satellite radio integration
Engine Oil Change:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe service)
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km) depending on type (e.g., iridium)
Timing Belt:
Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN/SP, ILSAC GF-5/GF-6, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (Check manual for specific Mitsubishi approval, e.g., DiaQueen)
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Genuine Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Refer to manual for specific requirement, often DOT 4 is recommended for performance)
Engine:
Head gasket failure (especially with high mileage or aggressive tuning), turbocharger wear, connecting rod issues (under extreme stress/tuning)
Drivetrain:
ACD/AYC pump failure, differential wear (under hard use), clutch wear
Electrical:
Window regulator issues, central locking problems, ECU capacitor degradation (less common on IX)
Rally Roots:
Direct descendant of the Lancer Evolution series, a legendary WRC champion
Generation Ix:
Evolved from the VIII generation, featuring MIVEC variable valve timing, updated aero, and enhanced S-AYC/ACD systems
Manufacturing Plant:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Series Production:
2005 - 2007
