Market Segment:
Performance Compact Sedan (WRC Homologation Special)
Key Competitors 2006:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf R32, Honda Civic Type R (depending on market).
Performance Focus:
All-wheel drive, turbocharged engine, advanced suspension and differential systems for high-performance handling and rally-bred capabilities.
Historical Significance:
Descendant of rally racing heritage, celebrated for its driver engagement and engineering prowess.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emission controls, engine management (ECU/PCM).
Drivetrain Systems:
Manual transmission (5-speed/6-speed depending on variant), Active Yaw Control (AYC), Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC), transfer case, rear differential, drive shafts, CV joints.
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power assisted), braking system (ABS, Brembo calipers on performance variants), wheels and tires.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, gauges, power accessories, wiring diagrams for all circuits, ECU/PCM diagnostics.
Body Systems:
Body exterior, interior trim, doors, windows, locks, HVAC system, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts).
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine checks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, clutch, transmission, differential), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspections.
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, turbocharger diagnostics and replacement, fuel injector servicing, turbo system leak testing.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup and interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU data logging and analysis.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostics using wiring diagrams, continuity testing, voltage drop testing, component resistance checks.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Code:
4G63 (DOHC, 16-valve, Turbocharged Inline-4)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997cc)
Horsepower:
Approx. 270-286 HP (depending on market and specific model variant - e.g., Evolution IX GT)
Torque:
Approx. 270-295 lb-ft (depending on market and specific model variant)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (Evolution VIII MR) or TD05HRA-15G (Evolution IX) Twin-Scroll Turbocharger with intercooler.
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 7.4 Liters (15.6 US Pints).
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ/SL, ACEA A2/A3 or higher. Viscosity: 5W-30 or 10W-30 recommended (check manual for specific conditions). Capacity: Approx. 4.5 Liters (9.5 US Pints) with filter.
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission (Getrag-based, on most 2006 models, replacing the 5-speed from earlier Evo VIII).
Optional Transmission:
N/A (Performance variants typically featured manual transmissions exclusively).
Drivetrain Layout:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC).
Transfer Case Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil GL-5 SAE 75W-90. Capacity: Approx. 0.7 Liters (1.5 US Pints).
Rear Differential Fluid:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil GL-5 SAE 75W-90. Capacity: Approx. 1.0 Liters (2.1 US Pints).
Length:
Approx. 4490 mm (176.8 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1770 mm (69.7 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2625 mm (103.3 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1400-1450 kg (3086-3197 lbs) depending on trim and options.
NHTSA Ratings:
Refer to specific market regulations. Typically performed well in its class for the era.
Active Safety:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Active Yaw Control (AYC)/Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC).
Passive Safety:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags (optional), pre-tensioning seatbelts, reinforced chassis structure.
Infotainment System:
Basic factory radio/CD player with AM/FM. Higher trims may have optional premium audio systems (e.g., Rockford Fosgate).
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, EBD, AYC/S-AYC. Limited by the era, no modern electronic driver aids like adaptive cruise control or lane keeping assist.
Connectivity Features:
Minimal. Factory option for limited aftermarket Bluetooth integration on some units. Primarily focuses on core vehicle performance.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. Consider shorter intervals for aggressive driving/track use.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months. Inspect more frequently for dusty conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs (check manual for exact type and gap). Inspect at major services.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial maintenance item. Refer to manual for specific interval (typically around 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years). Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Brake Fluid Type:
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4. Recommend high-performance DOT 4 for spirited driving.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 1.0 Liters (2.1 US Pints).
Clutch Fluid Type:
FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3 or DOT 4 (shared with brake system). Capacity: Approx. 0.7 Liters (1.5 US Pints).
Engine Wear:
Piston ring wear or ringland failure at higher mileage or with aggressive tuning/abuse. Oil consumption can be an indicator.
Turbo Reliability:
Early turbo failures can occur due to improper maintenance (e.g., neglecting oil changes) or heat soak. Checking turbo oil feed and return lines is critical.
Clutch Wear:
High-performance clutches are subject to wear, especially with aggressive driving. Clutch pedal feel and engagement issues may arise.
Ayc/S-Ayc System:
Pump failures, leaks, or sensor issues can lead to warning lights and reduced handling performance. Proper maintenance and fluid changes are key.
Rust And Corrosion:
Common in older vehicles, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and underbody components if not properly maintained or undercoated.
Rally Dominance:
Built on a legacy of World Rally Championship (WRC) success, embodying motorsport DNA.
Evolution Series:
Represents a significant iteration in the Lancer Evolution lineage, bridging the gap between the Evo VIII and Evo X.
Production Period:
The Evo IX was produced from 2005 to 2007. The 2006 model year encompasses variants of the Evo IX, including the MR variants.
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.
Rally Heritage:
Strong association with its World Rally Championship heritage, which significantly influenced its market appeal and performance reputation.
Performance Car Awards:
Consistently praised by automotive media for its exceptional handling, acceleration, and driver involvement, often winning 'best performance car' or 'sports car' categories in its class.
Homologation:
Developed for homologation requirements for WRC competition, ensuring its road-going version meets stringent performance and engineering standards.