Market Position:
Performance rally-bred homologation special, enthusiast-focused sports sedan
Competitors:
Subaru WRX STI, Lancia Delta Integrale, Ford Focus RS, Audi S3
Key Features:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD), Active Center Differential (ACD), Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC), potent turbocharged engine, robust chassis
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, performance tuners, owners seeking in-depth technical understanding
Unique Selling Proposition
Usp:
Unrivaled all-wheel-drive system and rally heritage translated to a road-going performance icon.
Engine:
4G63 MIVEC Turbocharged, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, starting, charging
Transmission:
6-speed manual (Getrag), drivetrain components, propeller shaft, rear differential, driveshafts
Brakes:
ABS, EBD, front Brembo 4-piston calipers, rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, brake fluid, bleeding procedures
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link, springs, shock absorbers, sway bars, alignment procedures
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods
Electrical:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, ignition system, CAN bus, ECU, sensors, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, glass, bumpers, aerodynamics
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system components, refrigerant, troubleshooting
Safety Systems:
SRS airbags, seatbelts, seatbelt pretensioners
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks and replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault diagnosis for all major systems
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for removing, installing, and reassembling all major components
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, ECU data interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, pressure specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics)
Engine Type:
4G63 MIVEC Inline-4 DOHC Turbocharged
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Power Output Hp:
275 hp (205 kW) @ 6500 rpm (JDM Spec), 276 hp (206 kW) @ 6500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque Output Lb Ft:
273 lb-ft (370 Nm) @ 3500 rpm (JDM Spec), 286 lb-ft (388 Nm) @ 3500 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Turbocharger
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (Single Scroll)
ECU:
Multi-point Fuel Injection, Electronic Ignition Control
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (Getrag Type D)
Optional Transmission:
None (Manual was standard)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (SAWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD)
Differential Control:
ACD with tarmac, gravel, and snow modes; Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) for rear differential torque vectoring
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5 (check specific manual for exact spec, often synthetic)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this specific model year, but generally good for its class.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not explicitly rated by IIHS for this specific model year, but generally good for its class.
ABS:
Standard (Bosch 5.3 ABS)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Acd:
Standard (Active Center Differential)
Sayc:
Standard on MR trim, optional/integrated with ACD on GSR
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Roll Cage:
Reinforced chassis structure, often referred to as a 'safety cage' for rally homologation
Infotainment System:
Basic factory CD player with AM/FM radio. Later models might have options for upgraded head units.
Speakers:
Typically 6-speaker system.
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, EBD, ACD, S-AYC (on MR trim).
Connectivity Options:
Limited. Primarily basic audio inputs. Aftermarket solutions for Bluetooth/USB.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on driving conditions; severe use requires more frequent changes).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type and manufacturer recommendation).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial: Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years. Failure is catastrophic.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, especially for spirited driving.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 Liters (with filter)
Engine Oil Recommendation:
0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SN or higher, ACEA A3/B4 recommended for performance).
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (DIA-QUEEN SUPER LONG LIFE COOLANT) or equivalent OAT/HOAT coolant, typically red or pink.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (preferably DOT 4 for higher performance).
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on modified engines), turbocharger wear, piston ring wear, connecting rod bearing failures (high mileage/abuse).
Drivetrain:
ACD/AYC pump failures, manual transmission synchro wear, rear differential issues.
Electrical:
Faulty ACD/AYC pump relays, ABS sensor failures, ECU failures.
Suspension Steering:
Worn suspension bushings, strut mounts, power steering pump leaks.
Brand Heritage:
Mitsubishi has a long and storied history in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with the Lancer Evolution series being its flagship rally homologation model.
Evolution Lineage:
The Evo VIII (CT9A) followed the Evo VII and was part of a continuous development cycle driven by rally success. It introduced significant chassis and drivetrain improvements.
Production Years:
2003-2005
Notable Variants:
GSR (standard, often more creature comforts), RS (lighter, stripped-down, rally-focused), MR (premium trim, Bilstein suspension, Recaro seats, usually a more aggressive ACD/AYC setup)