Legendary car ever...
1994.1 :The Lancer Evolution 2 is launched. Engine power is improved to 260 horsepower, with the rear differential being a mechanical limited slip type (LSD). The handling of the first Evolution was called a weak point by most and so Mitsubishi improved and sharpened the handling. Wider 205/60R15 tyres are fitted ; up by 10mm in tread width
1995.2:The body strength of the Lancer Evolution 3 is improved by 20%, allowing more body twist than the previous model. A revised large rear spoiler is equipped.
1996.10 :The new platform for the Evolution 4 is introduced. The conventional LSD is changed for an Active Yaw Control (AYC) system that can change left and right rear torque distribution. This is achieved by utilizing a torque transfer differential that controlled by various sensors and an electronic control unit (ECU) to enable a difference in torque to go to each of the rear wheels. This results in optimal power distribution between the left and right rear wheels to maintain maximum traction when cornering, correction under steer and over steer.
1998.1 :The Lancer Evolution 5 is developed as the base model for Group-A rally car. The Lancer Evolution 5 continues the evolution process (pun intended), with a further increase in engine torque and substantially improved handling thanks to a wider treads and upgraded BREMBO braking..
Tyre size is increased up to 225/45ZR17. The Evolution 5 is also equipped with a delta-shaped wicker and adjustable rear spoiler that can provide four different angle-of-attack settings for the wing to vary rear aerodynamic down-force to suit a wider range of driving conditions.
1999.2 : The Lancer Evolution 6 conforms to the WRC regulation for 1999. Improvements in safety and cooling are achieved in the latest EVO incarnation. The Evolution 6 features a number of new aero parts in its revamped exterior and interior design, as well as further improvements in handling, stability and cooling performance resulting in greater performance.
The 4G63 engine has been improved by changing the water temperature regulation, adding cooling channels to the pistons and by using a high-volume oil cooler. A larger diameter air intake hose and turbocharger air intake port is used to achieve improved high-end power output and response.
The interior boasts black/blue RECARO seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, a blue-stitch shift lever boot and a blue dial face instrument cluster.
Also available by order is the RS Evolution 6 competition model designed for entry in motor sports events.
1999.10 : MITSUBISHI introduces the Lancer Evolution 6 TOMMI MAKINEN Edition, EVO 6.5. The MAKINEN edition features a tarmac tuned suspension that gives improved initial response on tarmac surfaces. A high-response titanium turbocharger gives better low-end and mid-range torque, using a smaller size compressor wheel. A new exhaust silencer is employed with a single large bore circular tailpipe for improved performance. 17-inch alloy wheels share the same design as on Mitsubishi's WRC Group-A works car
2001. 1 : MITSUBISHI announces the Lancer Evolution 7 go on sale on 3 February. Major features of the Evolution 7 include :
Face lifted exterior styling that combines superior aerodynamics and engine and brake cooling performance.
Improvements to the 4G63 in-line 4-cylinder DOHC turbocharged engine concentrate on boosting medium range torque that bears a maximum out put of 280 horsepower 39.0kg-m of torque.
A newly developed Active Center Differential (ACD) brings better handling response and traction to Evolution 7. Integrated control of the ACD and the Active Yaw Control (AYC) further increase acceleration and handling.
The Evolution 7 uses Mitsubishi's Sports ABS system incorporation electronically controlled brake force on each of the four wheels to maximize stopping power, steering response and stability during hard cornering.
Extensive weight reduction, reinforcements in the welding of the chassis, particularly at the joins, achieves a 50% increase in Torsional stiffness than Evolution 7's predecessor.
2004. 1: MITSUBISHI announces the release of the Lancer Evolution 8 sports sedan in Japan on January 31.
The main features of the Lancer Evolution 8 are :
Exterior :
Evolution 8 presents a more aggressive exterior design that incorporates the Mitsubishi design logo in the front grille and sees improvements in aerodynamic and cooling performance.
Intercooler efficiency has been boosted with a 10% enlargement of the mid-bumper air intake.
The rear spoiler adopts carbon fiber-reinforced plastic in its composition.
Engine :
Evolution 8 is powered by an improved version of the 2.0liter in-line 4-cylinder 16-valve DOHC twin scroll intercooled turbocharged 4G63 engine that develops maximum of 280 horsepower and 40.0kg-m of torque.
Optimization of the turbocharger has produced maximum torque of 40.0kg and even gutsier, flatter torque in the 3000rpm to 5000rpm band.
To enable the higher torque, cooling performance has been improved by updating the water pump capacity and by enlarging the water passages in the turbocharger. Engine durability and reliability have also been improved by up rating the aluminium pistons and forged steel conrods.
Transmission :
Evolution 8 adopts a 6 speed close-ratio gearbox to maximally utilize the engine's outstanding power and torque characteristics. The RS comes with a 5 speed manual gearbox and is available with 6 speed gearbox.
The 6 speed gearbox employs a pull-ring mechanism to prevent accidental selection of reverse.
All wheel control system :
Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control system, comprising ACD, AYC and Sports ABS, has elevated Evolution's traction and dynamic performance to new levels. Debuting on Evolution 8,the new Super AYC now brings further and significant improvements to handling performance.
Super AYC uses a planetary gear differential in place of the bevel gear type in the current AYC to double the amount of torque it can transfer between the rear wheels. This enables Super AYC to boost both cornering and traction performance.
Brakes :
The Evolution 8 uses the same brakes as its predecessor ; 17 inch ventilated discs with 4 piston BREMBO callipers at the front and 16 inches ventilated discs with 2 piston callipers at the rear.
Evolution 8 also retains Sports ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), which uses a steering wheel angle sensor to detect steering inputs. The computer uses this information to regulate braking force at each wheel independently and improve handling behavior under braking.
Body :
To improve handling stability and perceived driving quality, Evolution 8's body has been made stronger and stiffer in a program pinpointing those areas giving the largest gain in strength for the smallest increase in weight.
Suspension :
Complementing the stiffer body, detailed revision of Evolution 8's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension results in better at-limit handling stability and perceived driving quality on all conditions.
2004.2 : Lancer Evolution VIII MR.
The Lancer Evolution 8 is the first production model in Japan to use a lightweight aluminum roof panel. Other distinguishing features include exclusive BILSTEIN shock absorbers developed jointly with BILSTEIN, and BBS lightweight forged alloy wheels (optional).
The turbocharger waste gate now uses two solenoids. This optimizes boost pressure control to give more stable torque in the low to mid range, and the engine achieved torque of 4.08kg-m at 3500rpm. Detail improvements to the ACD + super AYC + sports ABS electronic all-wheel drive control system realize a more natural and better mannered driving.
2006: Mitsubishi announces the Lancer Evolution IX. The 2.0 L 4G63 engine now gets MIVEC technology (variable valve timing), boosting official power output to 286 hp (213 kW) and torque to 289 ft·lbf (392 N·m) - however actual figures are believed to be at least 10% higher. [citation needed]
The Lancer Evolution IX models (RS,IX,MR) vary in their performance capabilities. Subtleties unique to each model account for variations in acceleration, handling and top speed. The decontented RS is the purist's car, reaching 60 mph in a mere 4.4 seconds, compared to 4.5 for the slightly heavier IX and MR models (which have power windows, rear spoilers, and Xenon lights). Weight savings of over 60 pounds give the RS a subtly sharper handling responsiveness that helps it shave fractions of a second off the lap times of the IX and MR on an identical course. The premium price of the top-model MR is not spent in vain if speed is a priority, as the MR's 6th forward gear allows it to reach 165 mph at 7,000 rpm compared to 157 at 7,000 in 5th for the RS and middle-positioned IX models. (Note: Data relevant to U.S. model specifications)
The IX keeps all the Evolution VIII MR goodies like Bilstein shocks, a 6-speed manual transmission, vortex generators, BBS alloy wheels, Recaro bucket seats, Brembo brakes, MOMO steering wheel, and an aluminium roof. Additional revisions from 2005 include a closer gear ratio for the 5-speed transmission, new lighter Enkei wheels on non-MR models, a redesigned front end w/c a more efficient air dam (the most noticeable feature are the two small oval ducts to cool the intercooler pipes) and new rear bumper with a diffuser undersurface to smooth out the airflow coming out of the car.
Mitsubishi also developed the Evolution MIEV, based on the Evolutions IX's chassis but with 4 electric engines connected to the four wheels as a test bed for the Mitsubishi In-wheel Electric Vehicle (MIEV) next-generation electric vehicle. The in-wheel engines use a hollow doughnut construction to locate the rotor outside the stator unlike other electric motors where the rotor turns inside the stator. The result of this is a lighter engine which translates into lower unsprung weight in a system where the engines are mounted in the wheels. Each in-wheel engine produces a power output of 68hp, thus giving a massive combined output of 272 hp comparable to that of regular, gas powered Lancer Evolutions. The car subsequently competed in the Shikoku EV (Electric Vehicle) Rally 2005.
2006: Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next-gen EVO at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Mitsubishi Concept-X. This version is rumored to be put into production in 2007, with possible adjustments in the rear lights and 20" wheels.
Alongside the new look, Mitsubishi is packaging this model with a new S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system, which, as on previous models has 3 settings, Dirt, Snow and Tarmac. Smart All Wheel Systems have always been Mitsubishi's entry into the high performance car world.