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Mitsubishi Lancer EVO Specs, Info & History

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo specs, model information & history, from the EVO 1 to the EVO 9. 

Includes Engine specs, transmission specs and details of general updates for each incarnation of the Lancer Evolution.

Contents: EVO 1EVO 2EVO 3EVO 4EVO 5EVO 6EVO 7EVO 8EVO 9


Lancer EVO 1/EVO I Specs & Info

In October of 1992 the EVO 1 went on sale with 2,500 examples being available to meet Group A Rally homologation rules. The first 2,500 cars sold out in 3 days which led to Mitsubishi making another 2.500 cars. The differences between the normal road going Lancer and the Lancer Evolution were huge. The 4G63 powerplant was thoroughly updated with improvements being made to the breathing, turbo, fuel injection as well as the engine internals. A larger front mounted intercooler was installed which included its own water spray system.

Although these changes only gave the car an extra 10bhp the engine was well capable of handling more power. As would be expected with a rally car the body shell was extensively stiffened to cope with the rigors of the Safari and Acropolis Rally’s. The EVO 1 came with a viscous centre differential and a limited slip diff at the rear.


The GSR version was the more focused version and this came with air conditioning, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel. tinted glass, abs, electric windows and mirrors plus a 6 speaker  car audio system. The body work also had to comply with the rally regulations which meant all the scoops and vents which would be used to full effect on the rally car were also present on the road going version of the Lancer Evolution.

The RS EVO was much more focused  on the rally stage meaning that it came without ABS, air conditioning, the Recaro seats and  the alloy wheels found on the GSR. Instead the RS came with steel wheels and the result of the systems being left off the RS led to a 70kg reduction in weight.

Lancer Evolution 1 Specs:
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 250PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 228lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1240kg (RS 1170kg)
Top Speed: 143mph
0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Brakes: 276mm front, 260mm rear
Wheels: 6.5×15 front and rear
Tyres: 195/55 VR15
Weight: 1240kg
Power to weight: 202bhp/ton

Couple this remarkable agility and adjustability with an engine that gets going at about 3500RPM and climbs with ever increasing savagery to well over 7000rpm and you have a car that is devastatingly fast across the ground….Harry Metcalfe later admits to working pretty hard to keep in touch in the 403bhp EVO X – EVO Magazine Issue 181

Amateur vid showing a drive-by of each incarnation of the EVO


Lancer EVO Specs/Information – EVO 2/EVO II

Although the EVO 1 proved extremely popular there were many areas that were improved upon for the EVO 2. The EVO 2 went on sale in December of 1993 and had a production run of 5000 examples, these took just 3 months to sell out.

The improvements of the EVO 1  started with the chassis, the track and wheelbase were increased to give better stability and cornering performance for the road car and the rally car, these track changes allowed the EVO 2 to wear 205/60-R15 tyres without rubbing. The torsional rigidity of the EVO 2 was increased by 30 percent over the EVO 1. Engine power was increased by another 10bhp with the use of a redesigned performance exhaust system and an increases in boost pressure. The gearbox and clutch were uprated and the rear LSD changed meaning that the RS and GSR versions both used the same item. On the outside there was a lower front bumper and an extra element was added to the rear wing. The interior saw even more supportive Recaro seats.  The RS now came with same Momo steering wheel as the GSR.

Lancer Evolution Specs – EVO 2/EVO II
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 260PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 228lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1250kg (RS: 1180kg)
Top Speed: 147mph
0-60 mph: 5.0 seconds


Lancer EVO Specs/Information – EVO 3/EVO III

The EVO 3 was released in January 1995 again with 5,000 examples being available with these being bought up faster than the EVO 2. The exhaust systems was upgraded again for the EVO 3 as a new TD05-16G6-7 turbo was used, this along with a slight increase in engine compression led to a 10bhp power rise. Cosmetically the front of the car was opened up dramatically leading to a much more aggressive look. These changes gave much better cooling not only for the intercooler and engine but also for the brakes. To compliment the new look at the front new side skirts were adopted along with a new rear bumper and new, higher rear wing.

Lancer Evolution Specs: EVO 3/EVO III
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 270PS @ 6250rpm
Torque: 228lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1260kg (RS: 1170kg)
Top Speed: 149mph
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds


Lancer EVO Specs/Information – EVO 4/EVO IV

Mitsubishi were really starting to hit their stride with the EVO 4, this version was built on the new model Lancer which was released in October 1995 with the first batch of 6,000 EVO 4’s arriving in July of 2006. This number was increased to a total of 9,00 cars as the first batch sold out within three days.

In the EVO 4 the engine was turned through 180degrees to the now familiar transverse layout to allow the use of a new 4wd system. The 4G63 motor in the EVO 4 was the first to use a red cam cover. The engine was also revised with new internals and turbo. The new engine hit the Japanese power ceiling of 280ps with torque increasing by 14 percent. The new turbo was a TD05HR-16G6-9T which was connected to the engine with a newly designed exhaust manifold and downstream to a new higher flowing exhaust system. As the EVO 4 was built around the new Lancer the external differences were many with new bumpers, side skirts and a hoop rear wing in contrast to the previous versions which used a rear wing with a separate element. The EVO 4 saw the first version of Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control (AYC). The first version only acted on the rear diff and allowed the torque output to be altered from left to right depending on the attitude of the car. This change basically led to increased traction out of corners and was probably the single biggest improvement made to the Lancer Evolution up to the present day with the later versions using more sophisticated versions of this original AYC system.

The weight of the EVO 4 also increased as did the size of the brake sand the stiffness of the body shell. The GSR got a Momo steering wheel which now incorporated an air bag, passenger side air bag, white faced instrument cluster, new Recaro seats and a bolt on strut brace. The RS version came with a Momo steering wheel minus the air bag.

Lancer Evolution Specs: EVO 4/EVO IV
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 280PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 260lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1350kg (RS 1260kg)
Top Speed: 145mph (RS: 128mph)
0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds (RS: 4.4 seconds)`
Brakes: 276mm front, 284mm rear
Wheels: 6×16
Tyres: 205/55 R16
Weight: 1350kg
Power to weight: 208bhp/ton
0-62mph: 5.5secs
Top Speed: 112mph

As an all rounder it’s a much better car than the first EVO, but perhaps I expected a bigger leap. Some of the wildness has been dialled out to make way for greater control – EVO Magazine Issue 181

Viki Butler Henderson – Fifth Gear EVO 6 vs EVO 9


Lancer EVO Specs/Information – EVO 5/EVO V

Mitsubishi really went to town on the EVO 5 exploiting many more of the Group A rally regulations. Body work and chassis dimensions were increased to the maximum allowed by the Group A regulations. The wider track meant the EVO 5 had to have flared wheel arches to cover the wider 7.5 inch OZ alloy wheels. The bonnet was now home to the largest bonnet vent allowed by the regulations and the rear wing now had two elements.

On the suspension side camber adjusters were now incorporated as standard and new inverted type suspension struts were now used. The EVO 5 also got a new power steering pump which saved a few kgs over the old design. The engine was again revised with new pistons, a new turbo, new intercooler as well as the cooling system allowing the extra torque of this car to be delivered reliably both on the special stage and on the road. Bigger Brembo brakes were used which included 320mm diameter discs and 4 pot calipers with 300m solid discs being found at the back clamped by 2 pot Brembo calipers. The RS came without ABS and came with steel wheels and the same brakes found on previous EVO’s leaving it open to buyers to choose their own brake set up.

Lancer Evolution Specs: EVO 5/EVO V
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 280PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 274 lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1360kg (RS: 1260kg)
Top Speed: 145mph (RS: 128mph)
0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds (RS: 4.4)


Mitsubishi EVO Specs/Information – EVO 6/EVO VI

The EVO 6 looked basically the same expect for a few minor revisions which increased stability and downforce, these were to comply with the new WRC regs. Again the cooling system was further revised which included a new external oil cooler. On the RS the turbo was changed to a TD05HRA-16G6-10.5T item which used a titanium turbine impeller to reduce weight and for increased strength. Both cars were given a better flowing intake pipe. Chassis modifications included forged aluminium suspension arms, extra spot welding, thicker steel and improved adhesive to increase strength and torsional rigidity. The EVO 6 also came with a new design of alloy wheel in the same size as he EVO 5. The interior had blue detailing in the form of stitching, materials and gauge cluster faces. MOMO steering wheel and Recaro seats were still included in the GSR.

Lancer Evolution Specs: EVO 6/EVO VI
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 280PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 275lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1360kg (RS: 1260kg)
Top Speed: 150mph (RS: 128mph)
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (RS: 4.2 seconds)

Mitsubishi EVO Specs/Information – EVO 6 Tommi Makinen Edition

mitsubishi_evo

Unlike most car manufacturers where special editions have only superficial differences from the rest of the model line-up the Tommi Makinen Edition included some core improvements over the standard EVO 6. This included a new TD05HRA-15GK2-10.5T with a titanium turbine wheel, a quieter exhaust system, 10mm lowered suspension and a quicker steering rack. The front bumper lost the large driving lights and were replaced by large vents. The Makinen edition came with Enkei 17inch alloy wheels. 2,500 were made with many believing this to be the best example of the EVO line.

Everything you touch seems to have been honed until it’s operation is smooth and seamless, from the steering to the Brembo brakes – EVO Issue 181

Lancer Evolution Specs: EVO 6/EVO VI
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 280PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 275lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1360kg (RS: 1260kg)
Top Speed: 150mph
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
Wheels: 7.5×17
Tyres: 225/45 ZR17
Price New: 32,995 GBP 2000
Brakes: 263mm front, 252mm rear
Transmission: 5 speed, center viscous coupling unit, AYC rear differential

EVO 6 Ralliart Special Editions
RS II – RS version with some GSR extras
RS Sprint – 320PS with special ECU, exhaust and air filter.
RSX – GSR/RS cross over, no AYC or ABS but with electrics
ZeroFighter (eXtreme UK): 340ps, red and white colour scheme
RS450: Based on RS II with 380PS and 390lbs/ft.


Mitsubishi EVO Specs/Information: EVO 7/EVO VII

Available in January 2001 and controversially based on the Cedia platform the EVO 7 was heavier, bigger and less focused than previous versions. The engine in the EVO 7 featured hollow camshafts and a magnesium alloy cam cover to reduce weight at the top of the engine. The biggest improvement came with the update of the AYC which now worked with the ABS and had manually selectable settings of Snow, Gravel and Tarmac. The chassis was reworked but still used MacPherson struts at the front and multi link suspension at the rear. Mitsubishi claimed that the EVO 6 was a better handling car than the Tommi Makinen edition but many disagree. The interior got super supportive Recaro seats a new design of MOMO steering wheel with the rev-counter now placed centrally in front of the driver but unfortunately tyre car lacked auxiliary gauges. A redesigned rear spoiler was evident which increased downforce without increasing drag.

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 7/EVO VII
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 280PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 282lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1400kg (RS: 1320kg)
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds (RS: 4.7)

Other EVO VII’s

RSII: Half way between GSR and RS

RS Sprint: 318hp, 327lbs/ft – Created by Ralliart (Xtreme Autos). 

Basis is a lightweight Japanese Spec EVO without ABS and AYC, shorter gearing than a GSR & has wind up windows. Xtreme Autos adds Recaro seats , firmer suspension, faster steering, 2.2 turns lock to lock and stronger con rod bolts to allow 1.4 bar of boost and a HKS Super Flow filter. Peak power is 320bhp and 327lbs/ft up 40bhp and 40 lbs/ft.

EVO End of Term March 2003 EVO Magazine – John Barker

“11 months has been like living life with a finger on the fast forward button…….its resillient ride, neck snapping on/off power delivery, manically short gearing & intake blare left me feeling as if I’d been assaulted….Co-ed Richard Meaden wrote, its like being caught up in a series of explosions…you can’t expect more than 20mpg…..only a hardened Caterham or Radical driver would complain about lack of sharpness because the EVO RS is full on whether your going to work or down the Craner Curves”

GT-A: More weight, less torque, semi auto gearbox

Extreme Autos: 339bhp

Extreme S: 357hp

Extreme SC: 458hp

2 Official versions in the UK: RSII & FQ-300 RSII equivalent of GSR


HKS Hipermax EVO 8 at Tsukuba – Second half shows the inboard



Mitsubishi EVO/Specs Information: EVO 8/EVO VIII

Restyled exterior but with the new Super AYC.

Peter Lyon EVO – 6 Speed gearbox, triple cone syncros on first and second instead of double. Super AYC with double computing power of AYC & more efficient planetary gears. Cornering limits lifted to a new level (in back to back test with EVO 7). Super AYC sends more power to the outer rear wheel. 10kg heavier than EVO 7.

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 8/EVO VIII
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 280PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 282lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1410kg
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds

Buy EVO Books at Amazon UK Now

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Mitsubishi EVO/Specs Information: EVO 8 MR/EVO VIII MR

Billed as the ultimate EVO 8. Came with an aluminium roof, lightweight suspension, Bilstein dampers, anthracite alloys, carbon fibre rear wing element.

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 8 MR/EVO VIII MR
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 280PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 282lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1400kg
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 8 VIII 260/EVO VIII 260
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 265PS @ 3600rpm
Torque: 262lbs/ft @ 3200rpm
Weight: 1470kg
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 5.9 seconds

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 8 FQ-330/EVO VIII FQ-330
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 335PS @ 6800rpm
Torque: 315lbs/ft @ 5000rpm
Weight: 1410kg
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 8 FQ-340/EVO VIII FQ-340
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 345PS @ 6200rpm
Torque: 320lbs/ft @ 4985rpm
Weight: 1400kg
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 8 FQ-400/EVO VIII FQ-400
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 410PS @ 6700rpm
Torque: 355lbs/ft @ 5400rpm
Weight: 1400kg
Top Speed: 175mph
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds


Mitsubishi EVO Specs/Information: EVO 9 /EVO IX

MIVEC, Mitsubishis innovative variable valve timing technology was first seen on the EVO 9. In Japan the GT replaced the RSII. An estate version was also available. In the UK only FQ models were available.

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 9 /EVO IX
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 286PS @ 6500rpm
Torque: 289lbs/ft @ 3500rpm
Weight: 1400kg (RS: 1310kg)
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (RS: 4.2)

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 9  FQ-300/EVO IX FQ-300
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 305PS @ 6950rpm
Torque: 297lbs/ft @ 4400rpm
Weight: 1400kg
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 9  FQ-320/EVO IX FQ-320
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 326PS @ 6700rpm
Torque: 305lbs/ft @ 4300rpm
Weight: 1400kg
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs: EVO 9  FQ-340/EVO IX FQ-340
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 345PS @ 6800rpm
Torque: 321lbs/ft @ 4600rpm
Weight: 1400kg
Top Speed: 157mph
0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds

Mitsubishi Evolution Specs EVO 9 MR FQ-360
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 366bhp@6900rpm
Torque: 363 lbs/ft @ 3200rpm
Transmission: 6 speed manual, front LSD, Active center diff, Super AYV rear diff
Front suspension: McPherson struts, coil springs, dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear: Multi link, coil springs, dampers, anti-roll bar
Brakes: Ventilated, 320mm front, 300mm rear, ABS, EBD
Wheels: 8×17 front and rear
Tyres: 245/40 -18 front and rear
Weight: 1400kg
Power to weight: 266bhp/ton
0-62mph: 3.9 secs
Top speed: 157mph
Price New: 34,529GBP 2006

The result is immense turn-in agility and a frankly astonishing economy of input required to blast across these wet, freezing roads at breakneck speed. However, if you examine the detail, you find that not so much has changed from that first EVO – EVO Issue 181

see also:
EVO Tuning Specs vs Power
EVO 9 Performance Part Power Test
Mitsubishi EVO FQ300 Review
Mitsubishi EVO VII RS Sprint Review
Mitsubishi EVO Buying Guide
Mitsubishi EVO Tuning Specialists
EVO Tuning Guide

Find performance parts on ebay




This page was last modified Apr 13, 2022 @ 9:09 pm

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