Vehicle Class:
Compact Sports Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, rally participants, performance-oriented drivers.
Direct Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (other generations), Ford Focus RS, Subaru Legacy GT.
Performance Focus:
Legendary rally-bred performance, advanced all-wheel-drive system, potent turbocharged engine.
Technical Innovation:
Active Center Differential (ACD), Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) on some variants.
Primary Users:
DIY mechanics, independent workshops, performance tuners.
Engine Service:
Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control system, engine electrical.
Transmission Service:
Manual transmission (5-speed & 6-speed options), clutch system, drivetrain components (front/rear differentials, driveshafts, ACD).
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (including Brembo options), ABS, EBD.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, audio system, power windows, power locks, HVAC controls, ECUs.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, exterior panels, interior trim, doors, glass, safety systems (airbags).
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (pistons, valves, turbocharger), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, strut replacement, radiator service.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, fuel pressure testing.
Technical Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, component dimensions, electrical resistance values.
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using Mitsubishi's diagnostic tools (e.g., MUT-III or equivalent for the era), scan tool procedures.
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilding, including bearing clearances and assembly procedures.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair tasks.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Turbocharger Model:
Mitsubishi TD05HRA-16G 8cm² (typical)
Horsepower Ps Jpdm:
280 PS @ 6500 rpm (JDM spec)
Horsepower Hp Export:
276 hp @ 6500 rpm (Export spec, typically)
Torque Kgf M Jpdm:
34.2 kgf·m @ 3000 rpm (JDM spec)
Torque Lb Ft Export:
280 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (Export spec, typically)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium (95 RON / 91+ AKI recommended)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition, Distributorless (Coil-on-plug on some variations)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (with filter)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
10W-40 or 15W-50 (depending on climate/usage, consult manual for specifics)
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Type R)
Transmission Type Opt:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Type RS, GSR models)
Drivetrain Type:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD)
Rear Differential:
Mechanical Limited Slip Differential (LSD) or Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) on RS models.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (typical, consult manual for exact type and capacity)
Crash Test Ratings:
Not extensively rated by modern global bodies like NHTSA/Euro NCAP due to its era and homologation nature. Primarily focused on rally-derived safety.
Active Aero:
Rear spoiler, front air dam for aerodynamic stability.
AWD System:
Advanced AWD system with ACD and S-AYC for enhanced traction and handling.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced chassis, roll cage (optional or standard on some race variants).
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with premium speaker options.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system on some higher trims.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) available, often linked with AWD performance.
Remote Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims.
Power Accessories:
Power windows, power door locks, power mirrors.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-10,000 km or 6-12 months (whichever comes first), depending on usage (severe vs. normal).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 km (depending on plug type and usage)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Approx. 90,000-120,000 km or 5-7 years (critical replacement)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent) - typically a pink ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear, suspension bushings, exhaust system components, turbocharger wear, potential for ringland failure on heavily modified engines.
Electronics Faults:
Occasional issues with ABS sensors, ACD pump failure, and ECU problems, particularly with age.
Performance Maintenance:
Emphasis on maintaining the high-performance drivetrain, including regular ACD fluid changes, differential fluid changes, and meticulous engine oil management.
Motorsport Legacy:
Mitsubishi's dominant success in the World Rally Championship (WRC) heavily influenced the Lancer Evolution series.
Predecessor:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (Evo 6)
Successor:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (Evo 8)
Key Changes From Evo6:
New chassis (CT9A platform), revised engine (4G63MIVEC on some variants), introduction of ACD and S-AYC became more prevalent.
Production Years:
2001-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Common Trims:
GSR, RS, MR (Japanese Domestic Market)