10 November 2015 Lancer Evolution Heritage

Lancer Evolution I

The Lancer Evolution series was originally developed to conquer the FIA . As its name suggests, the car was derived from the Lancer sedan and first took to the road in October 1992 as a high-performance 4WD sports sedan that boasted levels of speed and acceleration, cornering and handling, and braking that had been elevated to the limit.

Significantly stiffer than the standard Lancer sedan, Evolution I’s compact and lightweight body was powered by the 4G63 2.0-litre turbo-charged and inter-cooled engine, boasting a maximum of 309Nm of torque, and the well-proven full-time 4WD system from the Galant VR-4 that had used to campaign the WRC with until then. The suspension was by MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear.

Lancer Evolution I sported functional and aggressive styling that identified it as a rally machine. The principal design elements included a front bumper with a very bold cooling vent, an aluminium engine hood with air outlet and an oversize rear wing to generate downforce.

Evolution II

Evolution I was quickly superseded by Lancer Evolution II in January 1994. Changes included a longer wheelbase, wider front and rear tracks and optimised suspension. These, together with the use of larger tyres, brought a significant improvement in handling stability. Improvements to the intake and exhaust systems gave Evolution II an extra 7kW of engine power.

Evolution III

The series gained another 7kW with the introduction of Lancer Evolution III in February 1995 as a result of improvements to the turbocharger and a higher compression ratio. Cooling performance was improved as was its aerodynamic performance with the use of a larger front airdam, larger side skirts and a larger rear wing that incorporated a wickerbill.

At the time, the WRC was contested by machines homologated under regulations which required at least 2,500 of the base production model to be produced each year. When the Lancer Evolution joined the fray in 1993 it met all expectations right from its first race. Evolution chalked up its first win in the second round of the 1995 WRC, the Swedish Rally,

steered by Kenneth Erikson. The following year piloted his Lancer Evolution to the 1996 WRC drivers’ title.

Evolution IV

Lancer Evolution IV, the first model in the second generation of the series, made its debut in August 1996.

The standard Lancer sedan had undergone a full model change and while there were no major changes in dimensions, the body was a great deal stiffer. The fitting of a twin scroll turbocharger pushed engine performance up to 260kW and 353Nm and the gear ratios were revised to match. The front suspension design was retained but the rear suspension was revamped with, among other changes, the use of aluminium for the upper control arms.

Evolution IV also came with larger tyres and brakes for a well-balanced and all round improvement in dynamic performance. The Active Yaw Control (AYC) adopted for the first time on the GSR trim level featured a torque transfer mechanism in the rear differential and its ECU controlled the torque split between the rear wheels to match road surface and driving conditions. Not only did this realise a dramatic improvement in cornering ability but it also contributed to the vehicle’s active safety potential.

Evolution V

Launched in January 1998, Lancer Evolution V used front blister fenders and rear over fenders to bring its width up to the 1770mm maximum allowed under the new regulations enforced the year before. Other changes included the use of wider front and rear tracks as well as inverted shock absorbers and aluminium lower control arms in the front suspension. These changes, and the use of wider tyres, raised the new model’s cornering ability another notch. Improvements to the turbocharger pumped engine torque up to 373Nm and the fitting of Brembo® brakes to the GSR trim level made a dramatic improvement in stopping power.

Evolution VI

The series continued along its evolutionary path with the advent of Lancer Evolution VI in January 1999. Tyre-surface contact and grip were improved with the use of aluminium rear control arms and optimisation of suspension stroke and the roll centre height. Cooling performance was uprated by offsetting the license plate and downsizing the fog lamps to allow the use of larger air intake openings at the front end. Aerodynamic performance was refined with the use of a double-wing rear spoiler.

The Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Special Edition launched in January 2000 marked the last iteration of the second generation. The model was very much a monument to the

glorious achievements of Tommi Mäkinen who monopolised the WRC drivers’ title four years in succession between 1996 and 1999. The Tommi Mäkinen Special Edition sported a specification the details of which differed somewhat from the normal incremental improvements expected in a new model. Lowering ground clearance by 10mm and optimising roll centre heights front and rear, the tarmac-specific suspension worked in concert with a new quick ratio steering box to realise enhanced steering response.

The switch to a titanium-aluminium alloy turbocharger brought improved throttle response and also allowed the engine to reach peak torque at just 2750 rpm. In 1998 the winning ways of Tommi Mäkinen assisted by colleague Richard Burns, saw Mitsubishi Motors take the WRC manufacturers’ title and accomplish what had been Lancer Evolution’s original goal.

Evolution VII

The third-generation Lancer Evolution VII debuted in January 2001, derived from the Lancer Cedia (later renamed Lancer) which was distinguished from its predecessor by a longer wheelbase and larger cabin. Gleefully accepting the yet stiffer new-generation body, Evolution VII stayed with the well-proven floor pan and suspension while making improvements to their component parts. While front and rear tracks were slightly wider, the wheelbase had been stretched by no less than 100mm and this contributed to much improved straight-line stability.

The latest iteration in the Evolution series sported a new Active Centre Differential (ACD) using an electronically-controlled variable multi-plate hydraulic clutch to tailor front/rear wheel slippage between free and locked for different driving conditions, thereby striking the optimum balance between steering response and traction control. Being integrally controlled by the same ECU meant that the ACD and AYC (Active Yaw Control) systems were able to realise synergistic benefits not available had they been under independent system control.

Evolution VII produced another leap forward in the use of electronically-controlled systems with the adoption of Sport ABS that regulated braking force at each wheel individually. Detail improvements to the engine raised maximum torque to 382Nm.

Evolution VIII

Brought to market in January 2003 Lancer Evolution VIII saw the introduction of Super AYC which replaced the bevel gear with a planetary gear differential to allow the new unit to transfer twice the torque of the original AYC, cranking up cornering limits and traction a further notch or two. A new six-speed manual transmission and improvements to the engine boosted maximum torque to 392Nm. Aerodynamic performance was enhanced with a new rear wing using carbon-reinforced plastic for both horizontal and vertical components and an oversize front airdam cover.

The Lancer Evolution VIII MR, introduced in February 2004, was a special edition model using some of the items intended for the Evolution IX that was planned for introduction in 2005. The MR moniker deriving from the Mitsubishi Racing designation traditionally reserved for Mitsubishi high-performance sports models. Features exclusive to Evolution VIII MR included high-response Bilstein® shock absorbers that delivered enhanced handling with an optimum balance between handling stability and ride and a lightweight aluminium roof panel that lowered the centre of gravity and reduced roll moment for better handling.

Changes to the turbocharger and cam profile raised maximum torque to 400Nm.

Evolution IX

Lancer Evolution IX took the stage in March 2005. The first Evolution to employ MIVEC technology (variable valve lift and timing), the engine generated gutsy low-end and mid- range torque while also pumping out power smoothly at higher engine speeds. The MIVEC engine was also more fuel efficient and produced cleaner emissions. The titanium- magnesium alloy turbocharger used on RS and GT trim levels produced a dramatic improvement in boost response and a major reduction in turbo-lag.

August 2006 saw the launch of the Lancer Evolution IX MR which represented the crystallisation of everything achieved in the third generation models. Teaming the Bilstein® shock absorbers with new Eibach® springs, ground clearance was lowered 10 mm. The Super AYC traction control system was programmed with a sportier bias as it reached full maturity in realising handling that faithfully reflected steering inputs.

As befitted their “high-performance 4WD sports sedan” moniker, much effort had also gone into raising perceived driving quality as well as dynamic performance in the third generation models. These Evolutions served not only as a base model for competition use but also offered all the qualities expected of a road car.

Mitsubishi were constantly looking forward in seeking the form the Lancer Evolution should take. This can be seen with the introduction of the first automatic model the Evolution VII GT-A in January 2002, the Evolution Wagon model in September 2005 and its uprated cousin the Evolution Wagon MR in August 2006. After adapting specifications to comply with vehicle regulations in other regions, Lancer Evolution IX became the first fully homologated model in the series to be exported, first to North America and later to Europe, Australia and China.

Evolution X

2008 Lancer Evolution featured a powerful new engine; an inter-cooled and turbo-charged 2.0-litre DOHC inline four cylinder with reinforced cast-aluminium cylinder block matted to an all-new Twin Clutch Sport Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The high-end technology continued with a new generation Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) incorporating an Active Centre Differential, Super Active Yaw Control (SAYC), Active Stability Control and Sports Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and a Limited Slip Differential supplying a significant advance in dynamic capability.

In its tenth and final generation, the Lancer Evolution Final Edition delivers the highest engine performance in the legendary Evo series. The Lancer Evolution Final Edition increases power to 226kW and 414Nm of torque. This has been achieved in part through the use of sodium filled exhaust valves which increases cooling efficiency, allowing the engine to generate an even higher output.

Previously used in the Lancer Evolution VII, VIII and IX engines, the cylinder head valves are sodium-filled. The valves are hollowed out and then filled with specially formulated sodium. This achieves a weight reduction and improved heat dispersion compared to standard valves.

Only 150 Lancer Evolution Final Editions will be available in Australia.

Connect with Mitsubishi Motors Australia

View the making of the Final Edition Lancer Evolution video here.

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