The Lancer Evolution is Mitsubishi's flagship sports car, initially based on the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, and is colloquially known as the "Evo". The Evolution is the officially approved (homologation) model for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA Pro Rally Championship (This only applies to Evolution models prior to version VI, as the Evo VII and VIII did not need to meet WRC homologation requirements). In order to follow these rules, the Evolution is based on the same platform as the Lancer compact car, but is much faster and practically shares no parts with the Lancer. Eight street versions of the Evolution have been produced from 1993 up to today.

The Evo was originally intended only for Japanese markets but demand on the 'grey import' market led the Evolution series to be offered through limited type-approval in various European markets from around 1998 (Evo V-VI). The demand for import sports cars in the United States eventually made Mitsubishi decide to import the eighth-generation Evolution to the US in 2003. The current Evolution (US market) includes a turbocharged 271 horsepower (202 kW) inline four-cylinder engine and a full-time all wheel drive powertrain. 2005 Models are all 276 horsepower (206 kW). The Japanese-spec cars were limited by a gentleman's agreement to advertise no more than 280 PS (276 bhp), but various versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 405 bhp (302 kW).

The Lancer Evolution was unique among its competitors in the World Rally Championship in that it's a homologation Group A car slightly modified to be able to race competitively against WRC class cars. The Evolution however has now been replaced by a the Lancer/Carisma GT and the new Lancer WRC04, the Evos however still compete in the Group A and Group N classes.

In some European markets, the Evo was sold as the Mitsubishi Carisma Evolution. Proton Motors of Malaysia builds a nearly identical copy of the Evolution as the Proton Pert.

Evolution VIII

FQ-400

In the United Kingdom, a special Lancer Evolution VIII, the FQ-400, produces 302.13 kW (405.2 hp), from a 4G63 engine. At 202.9 hp (151.3 kW) per liter, it has possibly the highest specific output per liter of any production engine.

Evolution IX

Mitsubishi introduced the 2006 Lancer Evolution IX at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The 2.0 L engine now gets variable valve timing, boosting power output to 286 hp (213 kW) and torque to 289 ft.lbf (392 Nm).

Three models will be available. All models use the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine.

• Standard/GSR - 5-speed
• RS - 5-speed
• MR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks

Films

Cars of the Evolution Series have been featured in films including Jackie Chan's Thunderbolt and Who Am I? The American film 2 Fast 2 Furious, and the French films Taxi 2 and Taxi 3.

External links

http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/evolution/specifications.asp?strCar1=QD4

• Mitsubishi Motors
• US Lancer Evolution discussion forums
• UK Lancer Evolution discussion forums