Despite sharing the same platform and genetic makeup as the Lancer, the Lancer Evolution had a firmer suspension and more power than the Lancer. These distinctions were some of the most significant ones between the two vehicles.
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What distinguishes a Lancer GTS from an Evo?
A 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 168 horsepower is what powers the Lancer GT, giving it average acceleration. A raucous 291-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder powering the Evo MR offers genuinely energizing acceleration once the turbo spools up.
How reliable is the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Although the Evo’s final year of manufacture is 2015, it is still one of the most exhilarating sedans available. A clever all-wheel-drive system keeps the tires firmly planted on almost any terrain, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with increased output guarantees that there is always plenty of power available.
What makes the Evo so unique?
Beyond its exceptional speed and handling, the Evo is well-liked and sought-after because of the “The performance’s unpolished nature. Even though many contemporary cars are more than capable of making comparable turns of speed (both in a straight line and in bends), very few of them can do it as exhilaratingly and authentically as the Evo. Driving one of them is a different sensation, and compared to many more contemporary cars that might be equally as good or better performers, you feel much more linked to the automobile “in writing. Because of this, driving purists continue to favor the Evo as their vehicle of choice.
STI or Evo, which is quicker?
The 122 horsepower per liter of the Evo significantly outperforms the 102 horsepower per liter of the STI. But it’s not that easy either, as weight to power is another crucial ratio to look at. The STI outperforms the Evo by at least 1.2 pounds per horsepower, regardless of how the measurement is done (from the crankshaft or the wheels).
What does Evo mean for automobiles?
Despite being capitalized, EVO is not an acronym. Instead, it adopts the Huracan Super Trofeo EVO’s naming scheme from the Lamborghini Huracan racing series. EVO is short for evolution in this context.
Mitsubishi discontinued the Evo for what reason?
In summary, Mitsubishi ceased production of the Evo for the same reason it ceased production of all of its other outstanding performance vehicles: money.
Most purchasers like cars that are useful, dependable, and affordable. Most consumers don’t care much about pure performance or excitement, preferring these qualities wrapped together in a crossover or SUV.
Despite the fact that vehicle aficionados tend to be a “loud minority,” the majority of people who buy cars today prefer the models that Mitsubishi offers.
The truth is that many of the people making such statements would not be likely to actually go through and purchase, despite the fact that many will declare (particularly online) that they would love to buy a new Evo if one were available today.
A manufacturer like Mitsubishi runs a significant risk by creating a new version of the Evo or another high-performance vehicle only to have it fail on the market. This could be a deadly decision for a business, particularly in the difficult economic environment we currently face.
For those of us who want for a return to the period of speed, handling, and thrill, it may be discouraging and upsetting, but ultimately it’s impossible to fault a firm like Mitsubishi for producing what its customers want.
Most people just want affordable transportation that will transfer them and their children in comfort, safety, and convenience, ideally with eco-friendly credentials.
If other, larger Japanese automakers succeed with any new performance vehicles, it may present the best chance for the revival of the storied Evo badge.
For instance, if Toyota succeeds with the new GR Yaris, Mitsubishi might be persuaded to resurrect the Evo (or at least develop another performance vehicle, such as the Mirage Cyborg!).
The Evo is no longer being produced by Mitsubishi, and there are no plans for a comeback, so now is the ideal moment to seek for your own Evo. Prices have been skyrocketing recently and are certain to keep rising as more examples succumb to accidents, neglect, and aging.
What was the Mitsubishi Evo’s successor?
All may not be bad. The Mitsubishi e-Evolution, which is the next car to use the Evolution nameplate after the Lancer Evolution, is also known as the Lancer Crossover in the image above.
How many different Evo models exist?
Mitsubishi made the decision to take a year off from rallying in order to reorganize their motorsports operations and create a better car as a result of this subpar performance.
Lancer Evolution WRC
With the WRC 04, Mitsubishi made a comeback to rallying in 2004. After 10 rounds, the team scaled back their schedule because this car was intended to serve more as a testbed for the 2005 season.
The WRC 05 was introduced by Mitsubishi the next year, and Harri Rovanper was hired to drive one car in each of the 16 rallies, with Panizzi and Galli sharing the second vehicle. Panizzi won the season’s opening race at Monte Carlo, giving Mitsubishi its first podium since 2001. Over the course of the season, the team and drivers accumulated consistent points, with Australia’s second place result being the best. Prior to Skoda, Mitsubishi placed fifth in the manufacturers’ rankings at the end of the campaign.
At the conclusion of the 2005 season, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation made the decision to discontinue its involvement in the WRC. With the support of Mitsubishi Motor Sports, the WRC 05 participated in a number of races for a few more years (MMSP formed in 2002).
The History of the Mitsubishi Evo
1992 saw the introduction of the first Lancer Evolution model, and 2016 saw the final one leave the production. The Evolution has been created in 10 different variants thus far, and each one is often identified by a Roman numeral.
In order to comply with the WRC’s homologation regulations, the first Evo model was created in 1992. For Mitsubishi to be competitive in rallying, 2,500 production cars had to be made. Mitsubishi released additional Evo production models as they improved their rally cars. Each new model came with fresh enhancements and a tiny bit more power than the preceding model. The 2004 Evo VIII FQ400 and the 2009 Evo X FQ400 are the two Evo models with the greatest power.
Mitsubishi Evolution 1992
In addition to being created to fulfill homologation standards, the initial Evolution model also served to enhance Mitsubishi’s reputation. Kenjiro Shinozuka, Kenneth Eriksson, and Iwao Kimata (a former rally chief for Mitsubishi) were all extensively involved in the Evo’s development before sales of the vehicle began in October 1992.
The Lancer Evo has a strong engine and a lightweight body. Mitsubishi developed the GSR model because they were unsure if they would sell 2500 pure motorsport cars (RS Evo). In essence, the GSR was a milder, less expensive version of the standard Evo, and it contributed to the Lancer’s rise in popularity.
When the automobile was introduced, Mitsubishi’s concerns of a sales catastrophe were unfounded. Within 3 days of their release, all 2500 models were sold out, necessitating the company’s production of an additional 2500 to meet demand.
The engine installed in the Evo was essentially a Galant VR-4 that had been upgraded. The 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged engine generated 247 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 227 lb/ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. Better throttle response was created, especially at higher rpms, through reduced internal friction, and an oil cooler was included as standard equipment.
Unsurprisingly, the Evo was not equipped with an automatic transmission. Mitsubishi paired a close-ratio 5-speed manual gearbox with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. On the permanent 4WD system, a limited-slip differential was employed at the rear and a viscous-coupled center differential. These two things were taken from the Galant VR-4.
Mitsubishi modified the suspension of the Lancer GSR to increase performance. Both the front and the back of the vehicle were equipped with anti-roll bars, and the ride was set up to be challenging but not oppressively so for regular day use.
At the front, ventilated discs were employed, and at the back, solid discs. The GSR model included 195/55VR15 Michelin XGT tires mounted on 15-inch alloy wheels. ABS for all four wheels was standard.
Air conditioning, Recaro bucket seats, power steering, a three-spoke Momo steering wheel with leather covering, and a six-speaker stereo radio-cassette were all standard on the Lancer Evolution. A front LSD, an electric sunroof, Cibie foglights, and a number of other optional upgrades were also available to buyers.
A simplified model, the RS Evolution was 70 kg lighter than the GSR (RS weighed 1,170 kg). Air conditioning, ABS, and numerous other electrical components were removed by Mitsubishi. The Recaro seats were swapped out for more affordable ones after certain trim elements were removed. It was equipped with a mechanical rear limited-slip differential and had steel wheels.
Mitsubishi Evolution II 1994
At the end of 1993, the second iteration of the Evo was unveiled, and sales began in January of 1994. A total of 5,000 vehicles were made available at launch, with the GSR and RS model grades remaining.
The Evo II looked a little bit different from the first-generation automobile. The rear spoiler had a base with the word “Evolution II on it, and rear foglights were added. The car was the same overall width and length as the first one, but it was 25mm taller.
The Evo II’s longer wheel base (2510mm; original was 2,500mm) and wider track are its two key modifications (15mm more at the front and 10mm at the rear). The car’s wheel arches were substantially deeper than they were on the original vehicle because the front wheel centers were shifted forward and wider tires were installed.
Mitsubishi kept the 4G63 engine from the original Evo, but boosted boost and improved the exhaust flow. The power rating went boosted to 257 hp (from 247) and the torque rating stayed the same at 228 lb/ft. The 5-speed manual transmission was kept, but an air-cooled oil cooler was installed (although third and fourth gained double-cone synchronizers). Both models now have a 1.5-way limited-slip differential at the back of the vehicle.
The suspension was strengthened and given a number of modifications. The car was equipped by Mitsubishi with larger 205/60 HR15 tires mounted on OZ five-spoke alloy wheels, and the spring rate was raised (these were standard on the GSR). The same tires were installed on steel wheels for the RS variant. The adjustments made resulted in an improvement in handling performance.
The Evolution II’s interior resembled the first model in most respects. The new Recaro seats for the GSR were all-black, and the audio and central locking systems were upgraded. The Evo II is also touted to have 30% higher torsional rigidity than the first version.
Mitsubishi Evolution III 1995
Released in January 1995 was the third iteration of the Evolution model. A total of 7,000 Mitsubishi Evolution IIIs were made available when it first went on sale on February 10. The majority were intended for the domestic Japanese market, although some have ended up in international markets.
Over the Evolution II, the new Evo model came with a number of improvements. Mitsubishi upgraded the Evo III’s pistons, which resulted in a 9.0:1 compression ratio boost. The maximum power was boosted by 9 horsepower to 266 horsepower at 6250 rpm, while the torque stayed the same at 228 lb/ft. Mitsubishi updated the exhaust system and turbocharger in addition to the pistons to improve response.
The Evolution III’s final drive was a little bit higher, but the gearbox ratios were the same as those of the Evo II. Mitsubishi made a number of alterations to the body but retained the wheels and tires from the Evo II. Along with a taller rear spoiler that included a high brake light on the base, they provided the car a new front airdam with cooling ducts for the brakes and transfer box. Additionally, “The side skirts were altered, and Evolution III was imprinted onto them.
The GSR model received a new three-spoke Momo steering wheel, while the RS maintained its previous model “Cobra II first On both versions, new seat materials and a new gearknob were also installed. The rest of the equipment was same, although the car’s weight increased by 10 kg (GSR: 1,260kg, RS: 1,190kg).
A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo’s top speed?
The last version, the Lancer Evolution Final Edition, has 303 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, with a top speed of around 155 mph.
Will Lancer Evo make a comeback?
Despite investor pressure to bring back the venerable vehicle, which was retired in 2016, Lancer Evolution just doesn’t make any financial sense, according to Takao Kato, CEO and President of Mitsubishi Motors.
The “Evo” will stay in the past, at least temporarily, despite the brand’s intended return to motorsports and the revival of Mitsubishi’s Ralliart Racing Division. This is especially regrettable given that the Evolution’s former opponent is still in the works, with the release of its most recent version scheduled for 2022.