Segment:
Compact Sport Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, rally drivers, performance car owners, professional mechanics
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX (later generations), Ford Escort RS Cosworth, Lancia Delta Integrale
Performance Focus:
Developed for Group A rally homologation, emphasizing all-wheel-drive, turbocharged performance, and chassis dynamics.
Rally Heritage:
Directly spawned from Mitsubishi's rally program, featuring advanced technologies for its era.
Engine:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, engine management (ECU)
Drivetrain:
Clutch, manual transmission, transfer case, front differential, rear differential, driveshafts, axles
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, ECUs, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, HVAC, body sealing, corrosion protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and changes
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) for engine and ABS, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, overhauls, assembly procedures for all major systems
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Depth:
Expert Level: Covers complete vehicle overhaul, from basic adjustments to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged, intercooled
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Horsepower:
247 PS (244 hp; 182 kW) @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
304 Nm (224 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (RON 95 or higher recommended)
ECU:
Mitsubishi Electronic Control Unit (ECU)
Crash Test Ratings:
N/A (Not widely tested by modern agencies at the time of release)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) (standard on some markets/trims)
Traction Control:
Limited Slip Differentials (Front/Rear), Active Center Differential (ACD)
Airbags:
Driver's airbag (standard on most models)
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 4,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 km (9,000 - 18,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 km (18,000 - 27,000 miles) depending on spark plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, viscosity 10W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific recommendations under various temperature conditions).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.7 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (MS-MS2941) or equivalent ethylene glycol based coolant with demineralized water (50/50 mix).
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen Gear Oil GL-5 75W-90).
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (same as transmission).
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (same as transmission/transfer case, specifically for LSD, use appropriate LSD friction modifier if recommended).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine:
Cracking of exhaust manifold due to heat cycles, turbocharger wear over time, oil consumption if not maintained.
Drivetrain:
Wear in transmission synchros, failure of viscous couplings in differentials if not serviced, propeller shaft center bearing.
Suspension:
Wear in control arm bushings, strut mounts, and ball joints due to aggressive driving and road conditions.
Electrical:
Corrosion in connectors, aging wiring harnesses, potential issues with ECUs and sensors over time.
Motorsport Roots:
Mitsubishi's extensive rally heritage, particularly with the Lancer platform, influenced the development of the Evolution series.
Inception:
Created to homologate the Lancer for the FIA Group A World Rally Championship (WRC) regulations.
Design Basis:
Based on the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, but with a shorter wheelbase and dedicated performance enhancements.
Production Years:
1992 - 1994
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Production Volume:
Limited production, estimated 2,500 units (primarily for Japanese domestic market, with some unofficial imports).