Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, track day participants, performance driving community
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf R
Performance Focus:
Renowned for its turbocharged engine, all-wheel-drive system, and sophisticated handling dynamics
Rally Heritage:
Directly derived from Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) dominance
Manual Benefit:
Essential resource for maintaining the peak performance and longevity of the Evo IX
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions, turbocharger, intercooler
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (Getrag 6-speed), Transfer Case, Drive Shafts, Differentials (Front, Rear ACD/AYC)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive System (ACD/AYC), Drivetrain components and operation
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension, Steering System, Power Steering
Brakes:
Brake System (ABS, EBD, Brembo calipers), Parking Brake
Electrical:
Body Electrical, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Engine Control Unit (ECU), Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Instruments, Audio System
Body:
Body Exterior, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and replacement procedures
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom analysis, electrical diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, dimensions, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Depth Level:
Expert-level, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Diagnostic Capability:
Detailed diagnostic trees, circuit diagrams, and fault code explanations
Rebuild Procedures:
Comprehensive engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Horsepower Ps Jpdm:
280 PS @ 6500 rpm
Horsepower Bhp Usdm:
271 bhp @ 6500 rpm
Torque Nm Jpdm:
343 Nm @ 3500 rpm
Torque Lb-Ft Usdm:
255 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
Turbocharger Model:
MHI TD05HR-16G6-10.5T (Billete wheel variant on some markets)
Intercooler Type:
Front-mounted, air-to-air
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Manufacturer:
Getrag (Type G)
Optional Transmission:
None (Manual transmission was standard)
Drivetrain Layout:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Differential Type Front:
Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Differential Type Rear:
Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Transfer Case:
Mechanical with ACD unit
NHTSA Rating:
Not officially rated by NHTSA in the US market for this specific model year, but general Lancer models from this era performed reasonably well. Focus on structural integrity and specific Evo IX safety features.
Traction Control:
Yes (Switchable)
Electronic Stability Control:
No (Traction control is the primary stability aid)
Ebd:
Yes (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Acd:
Active Center Differential (Manages torque split between front and rear axles)
Ayc:
Active Yaw Control (Manages torque distribution between left and right rear wheels for enhanced cornering)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced unibody chassis with strategically placed structural bracing
Crumple Zones:
Front and rear crumple zones designed for energy absorption
Infotainment System:
Factory radio with CD player, AM/FM tuner, and potentially an auxiliary input. Aftermarket head units are common.
Speaker System:
Standard speaker setup, often with options for premium sound systems depending on trim.
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (depending on trim)
Bluetooth:
Not standard from factory; typically added via aftermarket solutions.
Usb Port:
Not standard from factory; typically added via aftermarket solutions.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles (5,000-8,000 km) or 6 months, especially under spirited driving conditions
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (25,000-50,000 km) or as needed based on condition
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-90,000 miles (100,000-150,000 km) or 5-7 years (critical component)
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SN or ACEA A3/B4 recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based)
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (for manual transmission)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (may require specific LSD additive)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 High-Temperature Brake Fluid
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mitsubishi PSF or equivalent ATF Dexron III/Mercon
Engine Wear:
Potential for piston ring wear and cylinder bore scoring on high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Regular oil changes with quality oil are crucial.
Turbocharger:
Turbocharger seals can wear, leading to oil consumption and smoke. Proper cool-down procedures are essential.
Clutch Wear:
Clutches can wear prematurely with aggressive driving or abuse. Clutch actuation system can sometimes develop leaks.
Acd Pump Failure:
The ACD pump and its associated sensors can fail over time, affecting the AWD system's performance. Diagnostic codes often accompany this.
Suspected Misses:
Can occur due to ignition system issues (coils, plugs), fuel delivery problems, or vacuum leaks.
Rust Corrosion:
As with many Japanese cars of this era, underbody rust and corrosion can be an issue, especially in regions with harsh winters and road salt.
Manufacturer:
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
Brand Focus:
Known for its 4x4 technology, rally racing heritage, and performance-oriented vehicles
Lancerevolution Origin:
Developed as a homologation special for Group A racing in the World Rally Championship (WRC)
Evolution Series Development:
Each generation built upon the previous, incorporating technological advancements from motorsport
Evolution Ix Key Advancements:
Introduction of MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) to the 4G63 engine, revised turbocharger, revised ACD/AYC system, and often larger Brembo brakes.
Production Period:
2005-2007
Production Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Limited Editions:
Various special editions like MR (Mitsubishi Racing), SE (Special Edition), RS (Rally Sport) variants with specific tuning and equipment
Performance Acclaim:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its exceptional handling, AWD traction, and rally-bred performance capabilities.
Track Day Favorite:
Consistently ranked among the top enthusiast cars for track day use and spirited driving.
Tuning Potential:
Highly regarded in the tuning community for its robust engine and drivetrain, offering significant performance upgrade potential.