Classic pearls of the future - Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
01/18/2015
From 1992, Mitsubishi began to build so-called "Evolution" models based on the Lancer, which served as the basis for racing. But even earlier there was a hot Lancer version, the Lancer Turbo of the early 1980s. Back then, the compact sedan with rear-wheel drive and 170 turbo horsepower was almost unbeatably fast.
However, things really took off with the all-wheel drive versions of the Evolution series.
The Evolution I was available from 1992 to 1994 and was based on the Lancer generation of the time. Around 240 hp and a relatively civilian appearance characterized this first model.
As early as 1994, the Evolution II appeared with a more aggressive exterior and now over 250 hp.
The Evolution III then arrived in 1995 and featured a further change to the bodywork. The power output increased to around 270 hp. In 1996, Tommi Mäkinen won his first World Rally Championship title with the Evo III.
And Mitusbishi followed up with the Evolution IV, which was based on the new Lancer platform. Around 280 hp was now available, but the weight was now also around 1300 kg.
The fifth generation followed in 1998 with the Evolution V. Officially, the engine still produced 280 hp, but unofficially it was already more. And Tommi Mäkinen continued his winning streak.
In 1999, the Lancer Evolution VI was introduced, which then also became more widespread in Central Europe. It was also available as a "Tommi Mäkinen" version to celebrate the World Rally Championship titles. The power output was around 300 hp.
This was followed in 2001 by the Evolution VII (pictured above), which was designed in accordance with the Group A homologation rules now in force. It was also available with an automated gearbox and these models were also very popular in our wide grades and, like their predecessors, were usually the alternative to the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. It then continued with Evolution VIII, IX and currently X.
The models of the Evolution VI and VII series are already sought-after classics as fast and very fast saloons and the prices are at a completely different level to those of their weaker series brothers. Film series such as "The Fast and the Furious" led to even more demand and there is probably no end in sight. However, original examples are quite rare and are traded at a correspondingly high price, especially if they have low mileage.
Further reports on classic gems can be found in the dedicated topic channel.
