Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Reputation:
Iconic, enthusiast-focused, high-performance vehicle with motorsport heritage.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R32, Ford Focus RS.
Drivetrain:
Advanced All-Wheel Control (AWC) system with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC).
Engine:
Legendary 4G63T MIVEC turbocharged inline-4 engine.
Transmission:
Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.
Brakes:
Brembo braking system (front and rear).
Aerodynamics:
Aggressive body kit including front bumper, side skirts, rear spoiler, and functional venting.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, and overhaul of 4G63T engine (including turbocharger system).
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, engine control module (ECM) diagnostics, sensor and actuator testing.
Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission (GSR specific), clutch system, driveline components (front/rear differentials, ACD).
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (Brembo calipers), ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack and pinion, column components.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, power windows, mirrors, central locking, fuse box diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, chassis components, structural integrity checks, rust prevention.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system, heater, ventilation, and blower motor.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms.
Maintenance Tasks:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacements.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, turbocharger replacement, fuel pump replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system fault finding.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes, sensor data interpretation, ECM parameter analysis.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine component clearances, bearing tolerances, alignment angles.
Special Tools:
Listing and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G6-10.5T
Intercooler:
Front-mounted air-to-air
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS (approx. 276 hp)
Torque Nm:
392 Nm (approx. 289 lb-ft)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91+ RON Recommended)
Injection System:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition with Coil-on-Plug
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Not extensively tested by NHTSA in this configuration; based on standard Lancer.
IIHS Crash Test:
Not specifically rated for Evo VIII MR by IIHS.
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Active Center Differential (ACD), Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC).
Passive Safety:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, reinforced chassis structure, side-impact door beams.
Infotainment System:
Basic AM/FM/CD audio system, often with aftermarket upgrades common.
Gauges:
Performance-oriented dashboard with boost gauge, oil pressure, and oil temperature gauges (often supplemental).
Driver Assistance Features:
ACD and S-AYC are advanced drivetrain management systems for enhanced traction and handling.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Connectivity Options:
Limited to basic audio system; Bluetooth/USB often aftermarket additions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or more frequently under hard driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24,000 miles or 24 months.
Engine Oil Type:
5W-30 Synthetic (API SM or higher recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent HOAT coolant.
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 Gear Oil (75W-90 or 75W-85)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
API GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90)
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5 Gear Oil (75W-90) with Limited Slip Additive (if applicable to specific diff)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (High-Performance DOT 4 Recommended)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent.
Common Issues Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on modified engines), turbocharger oil seal leaks, valve seat recession (less common with proper maintenance).
Common Issues Drivetrain:
ACD pump failure, clutch wear, worn synchros in transmission (especially 3rd gear), differential wear.
Common Issues Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, strut mount failures, premature wear of tie rod ends.
Common Issues Electrical:
Faulty window regulators, intermittent SRS light due to seat sensor issues, failing fuel pump.
Heritage:
Mitsubishi's long and successful history in motorsport, particularly the World Rally Championship (WRC), which heavily influenced the Lancer Evolution line.
Evolution Series:
Part of the legendary Lancer Evolution series, which began in 1992 as a rally homologation special. The Evo VIII built upon the success of its predecessors with significant technological advancements.
Evo Viii Specifics:
Introduced in 2003, the Evo VIII marked a significant update with the introduction of the 6-speed manual transmission and the Super AYC system. The MR (Mitsubishi Racing) trim was introduced for 2004, featuring Bilstein suspension, revised turbocharger, unique wheels, and specific interior/exterior trim.
Production Years:
Evo VIII: 2003-2005 (MR primarily 2004-2005)
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Automotive Press Awards:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, performance, and rally-inspired capabilities. Often featured in 'best sports car' or 'performance bargain' lists.
Track Performance Ratings:
Highly rated for track day performance and autocross events due to its sophisticated AWD system and chassis dynamics.
Rally Homologation:
Built to homologate the Lancer Evolution for Group A rallying, making it a street-legal race car.