Market Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Peugeot 206 WRC (in rallying context), but direct road competitors include performance variants of other compact sedans.
Driving Dynamics:
Legendary all-wheel-drive system (4WD), advanced Active Yaw Control (AYC) system, powerful turbocharged engine, focused suspension tuning for rallying.
Performance Focus:
Designed with rally homologation in mind, offering exceptional grip, acceleration, and handling capabilities.
Engine And Drivetrain:
Engine mechanical, cylinder head, valvetrain, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, turbocharging, exhaust, clutch, manual transmission (all-wheel drive system - AYC/ACD).
Chassis And Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, braking system (ABS), wheel alignment, chassis components.
Electrical And Electronics:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), powertrain control module (PCM), body control module (BCM), wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, power windows/locks, charging system, starting system.
Body And Interior:
Body exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, HVAC system, safety systems (airbags).
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnostics, electrical system testing.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Special Procedures:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) system calibration and service, timing belt replacement, turbocharger service, clutch replacement, differential service.
Depth:
Detailed torque specifications, tolerances, component testing procedures, wiring schematics, diagnostic flowcharts, component removal and installation sequences, exploded views.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS (JDM) / 276 HP (Export markets, often rated lower for tax purposes)
Torque Nm:
330 Nm (JDM) / 335 Nm (Export)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Fuel Pump
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (95 RON or higher recommended)
Turbocharger Type:
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G6-10.5T (Twin-Scroll)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with advanced ignition and fuel mapping.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Code Standard:
F5M51
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic (Rare for Evo VI models, typically found in standard Lancers or specific markets).
Transmission Code Optional:
V5M31
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (4WD) with Active Yaw Control (AYC)
Differentials:
Front: Limited Slip Differential (LSD) - Helical. Rear: Active Yaw Control (AYC) unit with Electronic Control Unit.
Crash Test Ratings:
Limited official ratings for this era and homologation model; focus was on performance and structural integrity for rallying. Refer to specific country safety standards of the time.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Ayc:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) system for enhanced stability and cornering grip.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard on most models).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player. Aftermarket upgrades are common.
Instrumentation:
Performance-oriented gauges including boost gauge, oil pressure gauge, tachometer, speedometer.
Traction Control:
No explicit electronic traction control beyond the AWD system and AYC.
Connectivity Options:
Limited to factory-installed options like power windows/locks. No modern Bluetooth or USB connectivity from factory.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 km (4,500 miles) or 6 months, whichever comes first. More frequent under severe driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 4 years, whichever comes first. Crucial due to interference engine design.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3; Viscosity SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 recommended (refer to manual for specific oil type and capacity).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Capacity: Approx. 7.5 Liters.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90. Capacity: Approx. 2.3 Liters.
Differential Fluid Rear:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90. Capacity: Approx. 1.3 Liters (AYC unit).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Issues:
Cracked cylinder heads (especially in earlier models or heavily modified cars), turbocharger wear, oil consumption, piston ring wear.
Drivetrain Issues:
AYC pump failure, clutch wear, transmission synchro issues (especially with hard driving).
Body And Chassis Issues:
Rust (especially around wheel arches, sills), suspension bushing wear.
Motorsport Legacy:
Mitsubishi's extensive involvement in World Rally Championship (WRC) with Tommi Mäkinen winning multiple titles.
Evo Vi Development:
Evolved from Lancer platform, focusing on aerodynamic improvements (e.g., larger front bumper openings, revised rear spoiler), enhanced cooling, stronger engine internals, and refined AYC system.
Special Editions:
Wider availability of RS models (homologation specials) and the highly sought-after Tommi Mäkinen Edition (TME) with unique styling and mechanical enhancements.
Production Location:
Japan
Production Volume:
Relatively limited compared to standard Lancer models, especially for RS and TME variants.
