Automotive Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Escort Cosworth, Lancia Delta Integrale, Toyota Celica GT-Four
Performance Orientation:
Engineered for rally sport homologation, featuring advanced AWD, turbocharged engine, and robust chassis.
Technical Innovation:
Pioneering use of Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) in production vehicles.
Owner Profile:
Enthusiasts, tuners, mechanics specializing in performance Mitsubishi vehicles.
Model Years Covered:
1992-2008
Generations Covered:
I (CD9A), II (CE9A), III (CE9A), IV (CN9A), V (CP9A), VI (CP9A), VII (CT9A), VIII (CT9A), IX (CT9A)
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands of pages (comprehensive factory data)
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Digital Format:
Searchable PDF
Powertrain:
Engine (4G63 variants: DOHC Turbocharged), Transmission (5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, optional automatic), Drivetrain (All-Wheel Drive with Active Center Differential, Active Yaw Control)
Chassis:
Suspension (MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear), Steering (Power assisted rack and pinion), Brakes (Ventilated discs front/rear, ABS), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control System (ECU, sensors, actuators), Ignition System, Fuel System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Body Electrical (power windows, locks, mirrors), Audio System, HVAC Controls
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Sealing
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Component Testing Procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, differential service, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical system diagnostics and repair, body panel repair and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, circuit diagrams, component symptom analysis
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances, measurements, wiring diagrams, exploded views, part identification
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including complex electronic system diagnostics.
Engine Code:
4G63T (various iterations)
Configuration:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged, Intercooled
Horsepower Range Ps:
250-280 PS (varies by generation and market)
Torque Range Nm:
314-370 Nm (varies by generation and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (DIS - Direct Ignition System on later models)
Cooling Type:
Water-cooled, pressurized system with thermostatically controlled fan.
Oil Type Specification:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher, SAE 10W-30 / 10W-40 / 15W-40 (check manual for specific model/climate recommendations)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (early generations), 6-Speed Manual (later generations)
Optional Transmission:
4-Speed Automatic (less common, usually on non-performance variants or specific markets)
Drivetrain System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWC) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and optional Active Yaw Control (AYC).
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-3 or GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific model/generation)
Transfer Case Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (check manual for specific model/generation)
Rear Differential Fluid Spec:
API GL-5 SAE 80W-90 (check manual for specific model/generation)
Length Mm:
Approx. 4,350 - 4,490 mm (varies by generation)
Width Mm:
Approx. 1,770 - 1,810 mm (varies by generation)
Height Mm:
Approx. 1,400 - 1,450 mm (varies by generation)
Wheelbase Mm:
Approx. 2,600 - 2,630 mm (varies by generation)
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1,300 - 1,450 kg (varies by generation and trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg:
N/A (Specific to model variants, refer to manual)
Trunk Volume Liters:
Approx. 250-300 Liters (varies by generation and chassis)
NHTSA Ratings:
N/A (Ratings vary significantly by year and market; early models predate standardized testing as we know it)
IIHS Ratings:
N/A (See NHTSA)
ABS:
Standard on most models, advanced versions on later generations.
Ayc:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) available on performance variants for enhanced cornering stability.
Acd:
Active Center Differential (ACD) for intelligent torque distribution to front and rear axles.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags standard from mid-generation onwards; side airbags available on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure designed for rally safety standards, including front strut tower bracing.
Infotainment Systems:
Basic AM/FM/CD players with limited screen functionality on earlier models. Later models saw upgrades to more integrated systems with basic navigation on some trims.
ABS:
Standard anti-lock braking system.
Ayc Acd Control:
Proprietary advanced torque vectoring and distribution systems.
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; basic audio system connectivity. Later models may have basic auxiliary inputs or rudimentary Bluetooth on select trims/aftermarket.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 km or 6 months (whichever comes first), more frequent under severe driving conditions (refer to manual).
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
Every 15,000-30,000 km (check manual).
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 60,000-100,000 km (depending on plug type - iridium recommended, check manual).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 90,000-105,000 km or 7 years (critical maintenance, check manual).
Engine Coolant Specification:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (e.g., Prestone Extended Life) - typically a pink or red ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific model/generation).
Power Steering Fluid Specification:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent (check manual).
Engine Wear:
Bearing failure on high-mileage or poorly maintained 4G63T engines, piston ring wear, valve stem seal deterioration.
Turbocharger:
Oil starvation due to clogged banjo bolt screens (especially on older models), turbo seal failure leading to oil consumption or smoke.
Clutch:
Wear and tear on the clutch assembly, especially in spirited driving.
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on connectors, aging wiring harnesses, issues with ECU or sensors on older vehicles.
Rust:
Common rust points include wheel arches, sills, and subframes, especially in regions with road salt.
Motorsport Legacy:
Directly derived from Mitsubishi's successful World Rally Championship (WRC) Lancer rally cars.
Generation I:
1992-1993 (CD9A): Introduction of the performance variant based on the Lancer platform.
Generation Ii:
1994-1995 (CE9A): Refined chassis, aerodynamic enhancements, introduction of AYC.
Generation Iii:
1996 (CE9A): Minor updates, enhanced styling.
Generation Iv:
1996-1998 (CN9A): Complete redesign, more aggressive styling, introduction of ACD, twin-scroll turbo.
Generation V:
1998-1999 (CP9A): Further styling refinements, larger intercooler, revised suspension.
Generation Vi:
1999-2001 (CP9A): 'Tommi Makinen Edition' introduced, significant performance and handling upgrades.
Generation Vii:
2001-2003 (CT9A): Complete platform change, more modern styling, available 5-speed auto, new AWD system.
Generation Viii:
2003-2005 (CT9A): Introduction to North American market, revised turbocharger, new DCCD (Driver Controlled Center Differential) on MR models, Bilstein suspension.
Generation Ix:
2005-2007 (CT9A): MIVEC variable valve timing on intake camshaft, improved turbocharger, revised styling, further enhancements to AWD system.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times, particularly for the VIII and IX generations.
Wrc Titles:
While the manual covers production cars, the Lancer Evolution's lineage is built on numerous WRC Constructors' and Drivers' Championships.
Motortrend Car Of The Year Contender:
Often a strong contender and praised by automotive journalists for its performance and handling.
