Segment:
High-performance compact sedan, rally homologation special.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance drivers, owners seeking in-depth knowledge for maintenance and modification.
Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R, Ford Focus RS.
Performance Focus:
All-wheel drive, powerful turbocharged engine, sophisticated active center differential (ACD) and Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC).
Rally Heritage:
Direct lineage from WRC-winning Lancer Evolution models.
Engine:
4G63T DOHC Turbocharged, including timing belt, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, emissions control, and engine management.
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 5-speed, optional 6-speed for Evo IX MR), including clutch, driveline, transfer case, and differential servicing.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link, including shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front Brembo (4-piston), Rear Brembo (2-piston) or equivalent, ABS, EBD, brake fluid flush procedures, caliper and rotor replacement.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems, audio, climate control, SRS (Airbag) system.
Body:
Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, structural repairs, chassis components.
Heating Cooling:
HVAC system, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, refrigerant recharge procedures.
Fuel:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure testing.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid flushes, belt inspections and replacements.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, OBD-II diagnostic codes, sensor testing, component diagnosis.
Repair:
Engine rebuilding, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component repair.
Installation:
Component replacement (e.g., turbocharger, injectors, clutch), body panel alignment.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic data.
Depth:
Extremely high. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged and intercooled.
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997cc)
Horsepower Evo Viii:
271 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/USDM variations may differ slightly)
Torque Evo Viii:
273 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/USDM variations may differ slightly)
Horsepower Evo Ix:
286 hp @ 6500 rpm (JDM/USDM variations may differ slightly)
Torque Evo Ix:
289 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (JDM/USDM variations may differ slightly)
Redline:
Approx. 7000-7500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Type Evo Viii:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag F5M51)
Type Evo Ix Mr:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag RS6F51R)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Center Differential:
Active Center Differential (ACD)
Rear Differential:
Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) for Evo VIII, Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC) for Evo IX.
Manual Gearbox Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mitsubishi DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not comprehensively rated for all configurations, but generally considered robust.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not comprehensively rated for all configurations.
ABS:
Standard, often with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Active on demand, integrated with ACD/AYC systems.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags were optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Chassis Construction:
Reinforced unibody construction with front and rear crumple zones.
Audio System:
Factory Mitsubishi CD player with radio, optional Rockford Fosgate premium audio system.
Display:
Basic digital display for climate control and audio functions. No integrated navigation or touchscreens in these model years.
Acd System:
Active Center Differential adjusts torque distribution between front and rear axles based on steering angle and throttle input.
Ayc System:
Super Active Yaw Control (Evo IX) actively distributes torque between rear wheels to enhance cornering stability.
Bluetooth:
Not standard. Aftermarket solutions common.
Usb:
Not standard. Aftermarket solutions common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles (or 6 months), depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 105,000 miles or 5-7 years. Critical for 4G63T engine; failure can cause catastrophic damage. Manual specifies exact interval.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type (Iridium recommended).
Engine Oil:
5W-30 or 10W-30 synthetic oil (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher). Capacity: Approx. 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter.
Coolant:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent P-HOAT coolant. Capacity: Approx. 7.0 Liters.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid or equivalent.
Engine Wear:
Camshaft seal leaks, piston ring wear (in high-mileage or heavily modified engines).
Turbocharger:
Oil feed line restriction can lead to turbo failure; regular oil changes are crucial.
Clutch:
Wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving.
Electronics:
Occasional issues with the ACD pump or sensors, power window regulators.
Mitsubishi Motors:
Long history in motorsport, particularly in rallying with the Lancer platform.
Evo Viii Introduction:
Introduced in 2003 for the US market, bringing the legendary performance to North America.
Evo Ix Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 with updates including the MIVEC variable valve timing system and a new 6-speed transmission option (MR).
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Production Run:
Eighth generation (2003-2005 MY), Ninth generation (2005-2007 MY).