Positioning:
        
        
            Performance icon in the compact sports sedan segment, renowned for its rally-bred technology and driving dynamics.
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf R.
        
     
    
    
        
            Rally Heritage:
        
        
            Directly influenced by Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) success, featuring advanced all-wheel-drive and turbocharged technology.
        
     
    
        
            Performance Focus:
        
        
            Designed for high-performance driving, offering exceptional grip, handling, and acceleration.
        
     
    
        
            Tuning Potential:
        
        
            Widely recognized for its robust platform and extensive aftermarket support, making it a popular choice for tuning enthusiasts.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Powertrain:
        
        
            Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Turbocharger System
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain:
        
        
            Manual Transmission (Getrag 6-speed), Transfer Case, Front Differential, Rear Differential (Active), Drive Shafts, Axles
        
     
    
        
            Chassis:
        
        
            Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-Link), Steering System (Power Assisted Rack and Pinion), Brakes (Front Brembo 4-piston, Rear Brembo 2-piston, ABS, EBD), Wheels and Tires
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Engine Control Module (ECM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrument Panel, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraint Systems (Airbags)
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Checks and Changes, Filter Replacements, Belt Inspections
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            Troubleshooting Guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) Interpretation, Component Testing
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Component Removal and Installation, Rebuilding Procedures (Engine, Transmission), Bodywork Repair, Electrical Component Repair
        
     
    
        
            Adjustments:
        
        
            Wheel Alignment, Clutch Adjustment, Parking Brake Adjustment
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive (Covers routine maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds, including diagnostic procedures and detailed diagrams)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Code:
        
        
            4G63T (DOHC 16-valve Inline-4)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            271 hp @ 6500 RPM (US Spec)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            273 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM (US Spec)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control
        
     
    
        
            Turbocharger:
        
        
            MHI TD05H-16G (or similar variant) with intercooler
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Transmission Type:
        
        
            Getrag 6-Speed Manual Transmission
        
     
    
        
            Clutch Type:
        
        
            Hydraulic, Single Dry Plate
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmission:
        
        
            N/A (Manual transmission was standard for Evo VIII)
        
     
    
    
        
            AWD System:
        
        
            Super Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Active Center Differential (ACD)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Rating:
        
        
            Not specifically rated in all categories due to its niche performance focus, but generally considered robust.
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
        
     
    
        
            Ebd:
        
        
            Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Active Traction Control (ATC)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point Inertial Reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners
        
     
    
        
            Body Structure:
        
        
            Reinforced body structure for increased rigidity and crash protection.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Audio System:
        
        
            Factory AM/FM/CD player with an amplifier. Some models may have premium audio options.
        
     
    
        
            Instrument Cluster:
        
        
            Performance-oriented instrument cluster with analog gauges, including a prominent tachometer and boost gauge.
        
     
    
    
        
            Ayc System:
        
        
            Super Active Yaw Control (AYC) electronically controls torque distribution to the rear wheels for enhanced cornering stability.
        
     
    
        
            Acd System:
        
        
            Active Center Differential (ACD) automatically adjusts the front-to-rear torque split based on road conditions and acceleration.
        
     
    
    
        
            Connectivity Features:
        
        
            Limited by modern standards; typically includes basic radio and CD connectivity. Aftermarket solutions are common for Bluetooth and USB integration.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3-6 months, depending on driving conditions. (Consult manual for exact recommendations)
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Approximately 30,000 - 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, iridium recommended).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles or 5-7 years. (CRITICAL for 4G63T - catastrophic failure if it breaks)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A3/B3/B4). Consider synthetic for high performance.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Genuine Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Type:
        
        
            API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Synthetic recommended for Getrag 6-speed)
        
     
    
        
            Transfer Case Fluid Type:
        
        
            API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (Synthetic recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Rear Differential Fluid Type:
        
        
            API GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (Hypoid gear oil, limited slip additive may be required for AYC differential)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Lifespan:
        
        
            The 4G63T is robust but requires diligent maintenance, especially regarding timing belt replacement and oil changes to prevent bearing failure or turbo issues.
        
     
    
        
            Clutch Wear:
        
        
            Aggressive driving can lead to premature clutch wear.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Bushings:
        
        
            Original rubber bushings can degrade over time, leading to reduced handling precision.
        
     
    
        
            Rust:
        
        
            Common rust points include wheel arches, rocker panels, and the subframe, especially in areas with salt exposure.
        
     
    
        
            Turbo Failure:
        
        
            Lack of proper warm-up/cool-down cycles or poor oil maintenance can lead to turbocharger failure.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Motorsport Connection:
        
        
            Mitsubishi has a rich history in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with the Lancer Evolution being its flagship rally car for the road.
        
     
    
    
        
            Evolution Line:
        
        
            The Evo VIII (CT9A) is the eighth generation of the Lancer Evolution series, introduced in 2003. It evolved from the Evo VII with significant mechanical and aesthetic updates.
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            2003-2005
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Japan
        
     
    
        
            Key Variants:
        
        
            GSR, RS (Ralliart Sport), MR Edition (GSR with Bilstein suspension and Enkei wheels)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Performance Awards:
        
        
            Consistently praised by automotive journalists and enthusiasts for its exceptional handling, acceleration, and performance-to-price ratio.
        
     
    
        
            Tuning Community Acclaim:
        
        
            Highly regarded within the tuning community for its robust 4G63T engine and adaptable chassis, making it a popular platform for modification and motorsports.