Market Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, performance drivers, motorsport participants, and owners seeking detailed technical information
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R (later generations), Ford Focus RS
Performance Focus:
Designed for high-performance driving, rally heritage, and motorsport applications
AWD System:
Advanced Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) for superior traction and handling
Engine Legend:
Iconic 4G63T engine, renowned for its robustness, tuning potential, and power output
Braking Performance:
Upgraded Brembo braking systems for enhanced stopping power and fade resistance
Rally Proven:
Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) success
Engine:
4G63T (2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4)
Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (F5M33/W5M33), 6-Speed Manual (GSR 'IX-style' for Evo VIII MR - less common in early Evo VIII)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD), Active Yaw Control (AYC) / Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-link Independent Suspension
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-Piston Calipers, Rear Brembo 2-Piston Calipers (standard on GSR/MR), ABS
Steering:
Power Assisted Rack and Pinion
Electrical:
Full vehicle electrical system, including ECU, sensors, lighting, audio, and power accessories
Body:
Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, chassis structure, and collision repair
Climate Control:
HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel filter, and evaporative emission control
Cooling System:
Radiator, cooling fan, thermostat, water pump, and coolant specifications
Exhaust System:
Manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, and exhaust pipe routing
Emission Controls:
ECU controlled emission systems, O2 sensors, EVAP system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, wiring diagrams for diagnosis
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, and fluid capacities
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including ECU data interpretation and sensor testing
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed engine specifications, disassembly, inspection, and reassembly procedures
Transmission Overhaul:
Step-by-step instructions for complete transmission disassembly, inspection, and reassembly
Alignment Specifications:
Wheel alignment specifications and adjustment procedures
Engine Type:
Turbocharged Inline-4 (DOHC, 16-valve)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Horsepower Evo7:
280 PS (approx. 276 bhp) at 6500 rpm (JDM spec)
Torque Evo7:
373 Nm (approx. 275 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm (JDM spec)
Horsepower Evo8:
280 PS (approx. 276 bhp) at 6500 rpm (JDM spec), 263 bhp (US Spec)
Torque Evo8:
373 Nm (approx. 275 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm (JDM spec), 273 lb-ft (US Spec)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended, 91 Octane or higher)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (or similar variant)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Transmission Type Evo8 Mr:
6-Speed Manual (GSR/MR models)
Drivetrain Type:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Acd System:
Active Center Differential (ACD) with driver selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)
Ayc System:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) for enhanced cornering stability
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific Mitsubishi or aftermarket recommendations)
Transfer Case Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Likely shared with differential)
Rear Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Check manual for specific LSD friction modifier requirements)
Length:
Approx. 4,405 mm (173.4 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1,770 mm (69.7 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,600 mm (102.4 inches)
Track Width Front:
Approx. 1,515 mm (59.6 inches)
Track Width Rear:
Approx. 1,510 mm (59.4 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,400 - 1,500 kg (3086 - 3307 lbs), varies by trim and market
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult specific vehicle VIN/label
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended/Specified
NHTSA Ratings:
Varies by market and year; typically good frontal and side impact performance for its era
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (Standard)
Traction Control:
Active Traction Control (ATC) / Electronic Traction Control System (TCS) - integrated with ACD/AYC
Brake Bias Control:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) - integrated with ABS
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags (Standard), optional side airbags on some trims
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell for crash energy management
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions and oil used)
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - platinum/iridium recommended)
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 50,000 miles or 2-3 years
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-3 years
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-3 years
Engine Oil Type:
API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5; SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 recommended for performance applications
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, typically pink or red) - do not mix colors
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (High-performance fluid recommended for spirited driving)
Timing Belt:
Critical component, replacement interval is crucial (typically 60,000 miles or 5 years). Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Head Gasket:
Can be a point of failure, especially in modified or high-boost applications. Look for coolant leaks or white smoke.
Clutch:
Wear item, performance clutches may have shorter lifespans. Release bearing issues can occur.
Ayc Pump:
The AYC pump can fail over time, leading to loss of active yaw control functionality. Repair or replacement is often costly.
Rust Corrosion:
Common in older vehicles, check wheel arches, sills, and subframes. Especially relevant for vehicles used in areas with road salt.
Turbo Wear:
Like any turbocharger, the 4G63T's turbo can wear out. Symptoms include loss of power, smoke, or unusual noises.
Brand Focus:
Mitsubishi Motors: Historically known for rally success, robust 4WD systems, and performance-oriented vehicles.
Lancerevolution Lineage:
Part of the legendary Lancer Evolution series, developed as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Evo7 Introduction:
Introduced in 2001, featuring a significant redesign over the Evo VI. Marked the debut of the Active Center Differential (ACD) and improved Active Yaw Control (AYC).
Evo8 Introduction:
Introduced in 2003, with a revised turbocharger, intercooler, ECU, and suspension tuning. First Lancer Evolution officially sold in North America.
Production Years:
Evo VII: 2001-2003; Evo VIII: 2003-2005
Manufacturing Location:
Japan (Mizushima Plant)