From Evo I to Evo X: The End of an Era, The Birth of a Legend

The Mitsubishi EVO has won many worldwide champions, among them all the most significant ones being the World Rally Championship driven by the Finnish driver Tommi Mäkinen. He won the WRC consecutively in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999 driving Mitsubishi EVO. This great success made EVO a legend and the news soon spread all over the world. Another dazzling entrance of the EVO is in the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious (the second film in the Fast & Furious series), with Paul Walker behind the wheel of an EVO XII in a high-stakes drag race. 

However, its roots can be traced back to its predecessor - the Galant VR-4. In the late 1980s, Mitsubishi built Galant VR-4 as an attempt to enter World Rally Championship. Its powerful 4G63T turbocharged 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve engine gained recognition, but the car was too bulky for remaining competitive at that time. Hence Mitsubishi decided to refine the vehicle, this resulted in the creation of the first Lancer Evolution.

Lancer Evolution I

Mitsubishi originally only planned to manufacture 2500 EVO I in order to be qualified according to Group A rules. Launch in Japan in 1992, it took only 3 days and all of them were sold out. Mitsubishi eventually manufactured another 2500 EVO I. With all the mechanical elements of Galant VR-4 including the 4G63 engine and five speed transmission, EVO I was rated at 250 horsepower at 6000rpm. The first-generation EVO had already established its most iconic design, featuring a distinctive vented hood and a large rear wing equipped with a high-mounted brake light. These two signature elements went on to become defining characteristics of every subsequent generation of the Lancer Evolution.

Lancer Evolution II

In late 1993, Mitsubishi implemented a model revision for the EVO, using still the 4G63 engine, officially launched EVO II. There were minimal improvements in power output. However, the front and rear track widths were increased by 15 mm and 10 mm, respectively; tire size went from 195/55R15 to wider size of 205/60R15, upgraded the suspension along with control arm and damper…etc. These enhancements resulted in a better handling and more stable car. 

Lancer Evolution III

EVO III was the first EVO that participated in World Rally competition and won not only the race, also the reputation. In early 1995, EVO III was presented with improved aerodynamics which gave it more downforce, and a new turbocharger that boosted the engine up to 273 horses. Tommi Mäkinen drove a series of Ralliart-prepped EVO IIIs, EVO IVs, Vs, and VIs and won the World Rally Championship in 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999. 

Lancer Evolution IV

Mitsubishi followed up on its success by launching the fourth generation of the EVO in 1996. The EVO IV introduced two large round fog lights and a taller rear wing, giving this generation a more aggressive and battle-ready appearance. This generation still featured the 4G63 engine, but the layout was reversed left to right, resulting in improved torque steer control and better front-to-rear weight distribution, also included a new twin-scroll turbocharger, producing up to 280 horses. This is the maximum horsepower limitation for passenger cars agreed by all Japanese automakers. EVO IV was equipped with the brand’s in-house developed Active Yaw Control (AYC) system, the system distributed engine torque to the wheels with the most traction, significantly enhancing cornering performance. Mitsubishi planned to launch only 6,000 of EVO IVs in the domestic market, but due to overwhelming demand, an additional 6,000 EVO IVs were produced and exported to the Europe for the very first time! 

Lancer Evolution V

In order to align new rules from the World Rally competition, Mitsubishi built EVO V. Due to the horsepower limitation agreement among Japanese car manufacturers, EVO V remains at 280 horsepower. However, the turbo exhaust outlet was made bigger, the pistons were lighter, the fuel injector, fuel pump, radiator, and oil cooler…etc. were improved to help top the performance even better. EVO V was considered the closest to perfection in terms of performance output. Other changes include flared wheel arches, wider front and rear tracks, 17-inch wheels and tires, better suspension geometry as well as adjustable rear wing. Only 6,000 EVO Vs were produced that year and were sold out completely. 

*Image credit: “Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V” by FotoSleuth, licensed under CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lancer Evolution VI

In 1999, EVO VI was introduced with smaller fog lights moving to the sides of the bumper, and the dual-layer rear spoiler became the most distinctive feature of the EVO VI. Performance wise the horsepower was increased to 290 horsepower, Tommi Mäkinen drove it to win the fourth World Rally Championship. It’s easy to imagine how EVO’s reputation was at its peak during that time. To honor Tommi Mäkinen, there was a Tommi Mäkinen Edition EVO VI that painted similar design as his rally rides. Trim was a bit different and Recaro seats with special logos were equipped. This special edition is considered collectible. 

Lancer Evolution VII

Going to EVO VII, it was based on Lancer Cedia, which had a larger body. Instead of carrying the sharp, aggressive lines of its predecessors, it featured a rounder, smoother design. The rear wing also transitioned from the previous generation’s dual-layer design back to a single-layer configuration. As for the powertrain, it remains largely unchanged, but torque is now 282 pound-feet at 3200 rpm. 

Lancer Evolution VIII

Mitsubishi unveiled the EVO VIII in 2003, marking the next chapter in the Evolution legacy. It came standard with 17-inch Enkei wheels and a Brembo braking system, further enhancing its handling capabilities. Power remains at 280 hp with transverse-mounted 2.0-liter DOHC inline four-cylinder engine. EVO VIII was the first EVO that was available in American dealerships. Mitsubishi even launched “MR FQ” edition EVO VIII in the UK market, offering 4 power variants: 300 hp, 320 hp, 340 hp, and 400 hp. Rumor has it that “FQ” stood for “Fucking Quick.” The renowned British automotive TV show Top Gear conducted a track test of the FQ-400 model, recording a lap time of 1 minute 24.8 seconds—just about 1.1 seconds behind the supercar Lamborghini Murciélago.

Lancer Evolution IX

EVO IX continued to use the 4G63 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine —staying true to its roots. However, with the introduction of Mitsubishi’s MIVEC variable valve timing technology, output was increased to 291 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The EVO IX could be described as the first fully computer-controlled generation, with Mitsubishi boldly declaring to turn it into an even more formidable "street warrior." In fact, you can still see EVO IXs appearing in various kinds of races nowadays due to its immense tuning potential. Many enthusiasts heavily modify the EVO IX—pushing it to 500 horsepower, or even 1000 horsepower. 

Lancer Evolution X

In the last Lancer Evolution – EVO X, the reputable 4G63 engine was finally replaced by new 4B11 engine with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant. The new engine features aluminum block and variable valve time, which produced an easy 295 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. The GSR model used a five-speed manual transmission but the MR model got a new 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission. Another new feature is S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control), it uses torque vectoring technology to send different amounts of torque to each individual wheel. 

Lancer Evolution Final Edition

In 2015, Mitsubishi announced that the production of the Lancer Evolution Final Edition would be the final Evolution it offers. It includes special production badges on the center console with a particular number indicating which number it is in the allocated amount. There were “Final Edition” emblems on their black roof with darker Enkei wheels. Power increased to 313 horsepower. Only 1600 of these were sent to the US for sale. This model marked the final chapter in Lancer Evolution. A legendary car model had at last become a part of automotive history and collective memory.

Carry on the EVO legacy, upgrade your EVO turbo now! 🔥
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