The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, sometimes known as “Evo,” is a sports sedan and rally car that Mitsubishi Motors of Japan produced from 1992 to 2016. It is based on the Lancer. Up to this point, there have been ten official versions, and each one is often identified by a Roman numeral. All-wheel drive systems and two-liter intercooled turbo inline four-cylinder engines are used across all generations.
The Evolution series was initially primarily meant for the Japanese market, but due to demand on the “grey import” market, it began to be sold through Ralliart dealer networks in the UK and other European countries from around 1998. In 2003, Mitsubishi made the decision to sell the eighth-generation Evolution to the US after seeing how well-received Subaru’s longtime rival, the Subaru Impreza WRX STi, did there.
Until the launching of the Evo IX in 2005, the Japanese-spec versions of all Evos were constrained to advertise no more than 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). However, according to reports, Mitsubishi was already building vehicles with more power while understating their stated outputs in order to comply with the contract. Every following iteration has therefore unofficially increased in power over the advertised values, with the Japanese-spec Evolution IX purportedly achieving an output of roughly 321 PS (236 kW; 317 hp). Several models with official power outputs up to 446 PS are available in different regions, mainly the UK (328 kW; 440 hp).
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Amount of Mitsubishi Evos produced
4 The Trimmed Final Edition. Mitsubishi created the Final Edition trim after announcing that it would no longer be producing the Lancer Evolution. The cars had a black top, “Final Edition” insignia, darker Enkei wheels, and a power increase from 291 horsepower to 303 hp. Only 1,600 of these versions were produced for the U.S.
What Mitsubishi Evo is the rarest?
These automobiles are owned by Mitsubishi’s UK operation, as the name implies. Due to their little use and exceptional maintenance while in the marque’s care, they are undoubtedly among of the finest examples in existence. Although they may have had a previous life, some of these cars today seem to be in fantastic shape overall.
A group of Lancer Evolution models, with variations for all types of Evo fanatics, is the item currently leading the auction. For instance, a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0 Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition with just over 10,000 miles on the odometer and a 1-of-200 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR FQ-360 HKS in nearly showroom condition are both up for bid. Check out the 1-of-40 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR, which is commemorating the 40th anniversary and may be one of the most uncommon Evos in the entire world, let alone the UK, for enthusiasts of more modern vehicles.
For those without large budgets, Mitsubishi Motors UK is also offering iconic vehicles up for auction, including the Outlander PHEV, an L200 that was transformed into the “Desert Warrior for Top Gear,” and a number of vintage models. Among them are a 1984 Mitsubishi Jeep CJ-3B, a 1987 Shogun MK1, a 2000 Shogun MK2, a 1974 Colt Galant 2.0, and a 1988 Starion.
A Mitsubishi Galant GTi rally replica and a 3000GT dubbed “possibly the best, all-original, fully healthy and useable example you are ever likely to find” round out the sale. Mitsubishi is also selling a few other models, along with a selection of number plates, which will all be sold at auction on April 30. View all the lots on the Auto Auction website and have a closer look at the fleet above.
In other developments, an auction is presently being held for a Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG 6.0 “Wide Body.
What varieties of Evos are there?
Saloon
- Specifications for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Evo VI (20002002). Power.
- Specifications for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Evo VII (20022003). Power.
- Specifications for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Evo VIII (20032005). Power.
- Specifications for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Evo IX (20052008).
- Specifications for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo Evo X (2008-2014).
Are Evo Wagons uncommon?
The Lancer Evolution has a solid reputation in the world of performance cars. Australians have been fortunate to have locally supplied Evos, but Mitsubishi does not always import all Evo versions. The difficult procedure of having a car’s ADR authorized is one of the factors contributing to the Evo Wagon’s scarcity. Joe at Xtreme Motorsports is a true enthusiast of Japanese automobiles. Joe and his wife have been to Japan and back more than twenty times between them. After ten years of serving as a wholesaler to other Sydney import yards, Xtreme is now selling directly to customers.
Joe acknowledges that he has approximately 10 automobiles that they have imported that he cannot part with, but the Evo Wagon is the one that means the most to him. They were produced in small quantities by Mitsubishi in Japan, although none were ever formally exported. Then, it would be understandable if you believed the Evo Wagon to be nothing more than a standard Lancer with a large boot attached, but you would be mistaken. Actually, Mistubishi engineers gave careful consideration to the lift back design to make sure the chassis was not jeopardized in any manner.
The top and side panels of the base model Lancer Wagon’s body are used, but the subframe has been strengthened further to increase overall rigidity and improve handling. In the end, the Evo Wagon’s boot is actually a little bit smaller than a typical one, but you wouldn’t know it from the driver’s seat thanks to an additional 50 spot welds and strengthening around the rear shock mounts.
It has a really unusual engine under the hood. Joe had JUN sweep their magic wand over the engine bay while waiting the necessary 12 months of car ownership in Japan before importing the vehicle. A Tomei 2.3-liter stoker kit with a forged bottom end provides the kind of low-end torque that a regular 4G63 can only imagine. Additionally, there are 1000cc injectors, JUN cams, a bespoke exhaust manifold, and an FP Green turbo. All of that adds up to a respectable 315kW at all four wheels.
After Joe made certain he had every option from Mitsubishi’s motorsport division, the cabin is loaded with Ralliart components. The shifter surround, head unit surround, gauge cluster, and gear knob are all extra Ralliart parts.
On each corner of the Evo are two-piece slotted brake rotors, 18-inch Advan RS wheels, and Bilstein coil over suspension with 255/40 tires.
One of the exterior components on the Evo made of carbon is its bonnet. Through the grille, Joe’s HKS intercooler can be seen, providing a glimpse of what’s concealed within.
Inside the Wagon, there is only one Defi gauge. The simplicity of the cabin truly appeals to us.
Another optional item Joe had to get from Ralliart Japan was the Ralliart front lip. A carbon rear diffuser and carbon HKS side spats are also included.
After taking these pictures of the Xtreme Evo, we caught up with Joe to get an inside look into bringing this extremely rare vehicle to our shores and registering it.
T-LD: The Evo Wagon is undoubtedly attracting a lot of attention. Its originality is what most people find appealing. Can you explain the car’s past and the steps taken to bring it to our country?
Extreme: While residing in Yokohama a few years ago, I bought the automobile. I had a special spot for them because I had owned numerous imports and a speedy Evo IX in the past. When I was in Japan, I started seeking for the rarest Evo and discovered the Evo 9 MR Wagon. I looked everywhere for a low-mileage MR Wagon with the six-speed manual transmission rather than the automatic. Finally, a dealer 450 kilometers away had this black beauty with only 3,000 kilometers on the clock.
Once we made the decision to return, the only issue was importing the car to Australia. I checked with the government officials and discovered that I needed to have owned the car in my name in Japan for more than a year. Additionally, I had to confirm that I had all the necessary paperwork. The amount of paperwork is overwhelming, and gathering it is difficult. Although I have imported a few personal items in the past, this time was really challenging. Fortunately, my wife retains all of the paperwork, and everything was there. After then, the approval procedure took around three months, but when it was finally completed, it was worth the wait!
T-LD: The wait would have been agonizing! As the proprietor of a specialized automotive import company, your enthusiasm for Japanese automobiles is evident. What led you to choose the Evo Wagon from the wide array of vehicles you could have imported?
Let’s face it, there are a lot of importers in existence. 99 percent of them, in my opinion, are only in it for the money and lose sight of how their company should function. I am really passionate about cars, especially imports, and my wife and I only sell vehicles that we would personally drive. Our personal collection includes a wide variety of imports, including an R35 GTR, Honda NSX, Nissan Cube, Evo 3, and AE86 Trueno, but the Wagon is the most sentimental vehicle for us. I enjoy being unique, and the Wagon just appeals to that part of me. Overall, it’s the ideal package.
T-LD: Tell us how long the car was in the waiting area. How long did everything take?
XTREME: Wow, that was a challenging section. The automobile was scheduled to depart in January 2011, but it was postponed since no space was available on any ships bound for Australia. Then, BANG, Japan was struck by an earthquake and tsunami. I was devastated because I had a lot of friends there. Then it dawned on me: my Evo is waiting to be shipped at the wharf! Is it all right? Is it submerged? Does it float in the ocean? I was in a panic. My business partner’s phone wasn’t working, so I tried to call him but couldn’t get through. I can attest to my stress. It took me four days to reach him, but when I did, he reassured me that everything was okay. I briefly believed that the car wouldn’t make it. It ultimately took three and a half months to get here.
T-LD: When the automobile finally arrived, was it in its original configuration or had some alterations already been made?
XTREME: Tokyo, Japan’s JUN Machine Shop had already modified the vehicle. I had the Tomei 2.3-liter stroker kit installed along with other motor modifications. If you’re going to do something, do it completely and correctly, in my opinion. I told them to do what they needed to do as I gave them control of the car. I stopped by Ralliart along the way to make sure I had access to all of their options for the wagon. With Cusco centers, we upgraded the front and rear diffs as well. The track days allowed us to upgrade from the TME turbo and re-flashed ECU we were using at the time. The power was great in Japan. I didn’t start wanting more until the Evo arrived in Australia, at which point we upgraded the turbo and engine management.
T-LD: What goals did you have in mind when you modified the car? Was there a particular goal you were pursuing? Are there any plans for the vehicle’s future?
XTREME: Originally, I had planned to construct it as a cross between a track and a street, but now that I’m itching for a quarter-mile run, I’m planning to take it to the drag strip soon. Future-related plans are always present. To attain 400kW+, I’m considering strengthening the turbo once more. As I’ve already chewed through a few normal gears in the six-speed, I’m also in the process of creating a powerful five-speed gearbox to match the power of the automobile.
Which stock Evo is the fastest?
The quickest times from 0 to 60 mph are:
- 3.6 seconds for the #1 Lancer Evolution X FQ440.
- 3.8 seconds for the #2 Lancer Evolution VIII FQ400.
- 3.9 seconds for the #3 Lancer Evolution IX FQ360.
- 4.0 seconds for the #4 Lancer Evolution X FQ360.
- 4.3 seconds for the #5 Lancer Evolution IX FQ340.
- 4.4 seconds for the #6 Lancer Evo X FQ330.
Is Evo 9 uncommon?
You’re going to adore this if you enjoy collecting rare Japanese automobiles. The Evo IX GT-A Wagon is an extremely cool imported vehicle. Although they are not particularly novel, performance wagons in the compact segment are often ignored.
The Evo 6 is uncommon.
supposedly the 26th and final model. The auction for a rare 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI is currently underway. The car, which was first marketed as a “Extreme edition,” is thought to be the 26th and final model made.
Is an Evo a quick vehicle?
The Evo’s outstanding performance is one of the most obvious factors in its sustained popularity.
Early Evos were fast cars and are still fast by today’s standards. At the time, they were still subject to the Japanese “Gentleman’s Agreement,” which restricted vehicle power to 280 BHP, despite claims to the contrary by several manufacturers, including Mitsubishi.
Later models had considerably greater power, with some variants in specific areas having up to 440hp.
The best Evo is which?
The Evo 8 is undoubtedly the best evolution. It combines the sixth generation’s redesign with the strength and comfort of the current era. Although it may not be as luxurious as cars from the last ten years, it is still better than average for its series.