Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, owners seeking in-depth maintenance knowledge.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Ford Focus RS
Performance Focus:
Renowned for its rally-bred performance, sophisticated AWD system, and potent engine.
Diy Orientation:
Provides detailed instructions and diagrams essential for do-it-yourself maintenance and repairs.
Engine:
4G63 MIVEC Turbocharged inline-4
Transmission:
6-speed Manual (GSR), 5-speed Manual (GT)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link independent suspension
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, Rear Brembo 2-piston calipers
Electrical:
Full vehicle electrical system, ECUs, sensors, wiring diagrams
Body:
Body structure, panels, interior trim, exterior components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system
Fuel:
Fuel delivery system, tank, pump, injectors
Cooling:
Engine cooling system, radiator, thermostat, fans
Exhaust:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plugs
Diagnosis:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension repair
Disassembly:
Component removal and installation procedures
Reassembly:
Component reassembly and torque specifications
Specifications:
Tightening torques, clearances, fluid capacities, pressure specifications
Depth:
Factory-level detail for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostics including ECU scanning and interpretation.
Troubleshooting:
Detailed symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Performance Tuning:
Information relevant to engine and drivetrain performance modifications and diagnostics.
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997 cc)
Aspiration:
Turbocharged and Intercooled
Valvetrain:
MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) system
Horsepower:
286 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/USDM spec)
Torque:
289 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/USDM spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter
Engine Oil Specification:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 5W-30 (or 0W-30, 5W-40 based on climate)
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors)
Type Gsr:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Type Gt:
5-speed Manual Transmission
AWD System:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 (for gearbox), API GL-5 (for transfer case/rear diff, often a specific formulation recommended)
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Gearbox: 2.2 L, Transfer Case: 0.6 L, Rear Differential: 1.0 L (approximate, check manual)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not widely rated, but structural integrity is high.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not specifically rated, but typical for vehicles of its era.
Acd:
Active Center Differential for enhanced traction and handling.
S Ayc:
Super Active Yaw Control for improved cornering stability.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory premium audio system, often with CD player and AM/FM radio. Optional Rockford Fosgate system available.
Traction Control:
Integrated with AWD system (ACD/S-AYC), and often a separate 'TCL' button for deactivation.
Cruise Control:
Standard feature on most models.
Aux Input:
Rarely standard, often an aftermarket addition or requires specific trim level.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (severe driving conditions).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (NGK Iridium recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000-70,000 miles (or based on condition/mileage).
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-3 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent.
Clutch Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (shared with brake system).
Engine Wear:
Potential for piston ring and cylinder wall wear on high-mileage or poorly maintained engines. MIVEC system can sometimes be sensitive to oil quality.
Turbocharger:
Oil starvation or contamination can lead to premature turbo failure; proper cool-down procedures are crucial.
Acd Pump:
ACD pump and sensors can fail over time, leading to AWD system faults.
Suspected Issues:
Clutch wear, differential wear, aging rubber bushings and hoses are common for vehicles of this age.
Rally Origins:
Direct descendant of Mitsubishi's successful World Rally Championship (WRC) cars.
Generation Ix:
The final iteration of the legendary Lancer Evolution VII-IX platform, representing a peak in its development.
Key Updates Ix:
Introduction of MIVEC engine technology, revised turbocharger, improved interior and exterior styling compared to Evo VIII.
Production Period:
2005-2007
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
