Mitsubishi Lancer & Lancer Evolution - ZTH BIBLE

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MITSUBISHI LANCER

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact automobile built by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. It has been sold in various countries as the Colt Lancer, Dodge/Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Mitsubishi Carisma, and Mitsubishi Mirage, and formed the basis of numerous Proton models in Malaysia.

1973
The Lancer (LA series in Australia, where it was called the Chrysler Valiant Lancer initially) was first launched in 1973 and proved to be particularly successful in rallies, a claim that it retains today. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi had its keicar, the Minica, and the mid-size Galant, so it made sense to have a compact to fill the gap in the growing Japanese concern. Twelve models were launched, ranging from a 1200 cm³ basic sedan to the powerful 1600 GSR model.

Celeste
In 1975, the Lancer was complemented by an attractive hatchback coupé called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (plain Mitsubishi Celeste or Colt Celeste in some markets; it was the Chrysler Lancer Coupé in Australia and the Plymouth Arrow in the United States), and sold with 1400 and 1600 cm³ options. The exterior design was reminiscent of the Renault 17. (It was not renewed within the Lancer range, its role taken over in 1982 by the Mitsubishi Cordia coupé.)

Facelift and exports
A facelifted Lancer followed soon after, called the LB series in Australia (and without the Valiant tag). It was this series that emerged in the United States as the Dodge Colt for the 1977 model year, taking over from a badge-engineered Mitsubishi Galant from the previous year. It was offered for one more model year before the Dodge Colt name was transferred to the front wheel drive Mitsubishi Mirage.

1979
In 1979, the new Lancer EX (the EX tag was not used for all export markets) débuted. The EX series included, from 1980, a turbocharged 1800 cm³ model. Stylistically, the boxy, angular look replaced the "coke bottle" of the LAs and LBs.

Lancer Fiore
In 1982, a confusing new model was launched called the Lancer Fiore, based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. The Fiore was often sold as a Lancer in international markets, but also the Mirage Sedan and, with the five-door hatchback model, remained in production for a good part of the 1980s. In Australia, it would eventually be sold as the Mitsubishi Colt Sedan. Thus, Mitsubishi had two similarly sized models competing in the same market segment.

1983
The following year, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed. The Mirage four-door and Lancer sedan became the same car. Fuel injected and turbocharged models were an integral part of this range. A station wagon was added in 1985, and it spawned a raised, four wheel drive version. Often, the Mirage (or Colt) would be the name used on the three-door hatchback, and the Lancer name used on the remainder. This model formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, Malaysia's first car.

1987
In 1987, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the successful Galant. A five-door hatchback was added to the range. The Mirage and Lancer nomenclature continued. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape, as did, in some markets, a five-door version of the Mirage. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer.

1992
It was only in 1992 that there was greater differentiation between the Mirage and Lancer. Although both were on the same platform, the Mirage four-door received different sheetmetal from the Lancer sedan. The Mirage variant was sold in North America under the Eagle Summit name. Minivan models, such as the Mitsubishi Space Runner and Mitsubishi Chariot, were mechanically related. In 1993, the Lancer wagon, named the Libero in Japan, was launched. A V6 variant was also introduced, with only 1.6 L, making it the smallest production V6 ever. The turbocharged GSR version formed the basis of the popular Lancer Evolution (or 'Evo') from September 1993, using the drivetrain of the successful Galant VR-4 rally car.

The Mirage Asti Coupé in Japan was offered as the Lancer Coupé in many export markets.

1995
In 1995, the Lancer was renewed for its seventh generation, building on the earlier model's format. Apart from the Evo models' continuation, it did not depart from the established Lancer formula. A sedan and wagon (Libero in Japan) were offered, with a related Mirage model. The coupé continued as the Mirage Asti in Japan, Lancer Coupé elsewhere.

2000
The year 2000 saw the release of the eighth-generation Lancer Cedia, though in some markets the seventh generation Lancer continued (becoming increasingly uncompetitive), built at Mitsubishi's Thai plant. The new model was available in sedan and station wagon forms. The Mirage, apart from the export models, became a different car in Japan that was unrelated to the Lancer. In Europe, the Lancer was not offered in some countries, being too close to the size of the Dutch-built Carisma, so the Evo VII model sold there bore the Carisma name.

A facelift for the Cedia for the 2004 model year brought it into line with the Mitsubishi corporate look, and this model continues today. Thai production was switched to the new model, and in all markets the seventh-generation model was finally laid to rest, four years after the Cedia's introduction.

North America got the station wagon as the Lancer Sportback in 2004, but due to Mitsubishi's deteriorating financial situation and slow sales, it was cancelled there less than a year after it was introduced.

In some European markets, the Lancer began to take the place of the Carisma in 2004.

 

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MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION - FAMILY BIBLE!

The Lancer Evolution (colloquially known as the "Evo") is Mitsubishi's flagship sports car, initially based on the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan. Evolution models prior to version V were the officially approved (homologation) models for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA Pro Rally Championship. In order to follow these rules, the Evolution is based on the same platform as the Lancer, but is much more powerful and the only part in common between the Evo and the Lancer is the unibody. Nine street versions of the Evolution have been produced from 1993 up to today. Evolution versions VI, VII, VIII and IX did not need to meet WRC homologation requirements.

The Evo was originally intended only for Japanese markets but demand on the 'grey import' market led the Evolution series to be offered through limited type-approval in the United Kingdom and in various European markets from around 1998 (Evo V-VI). The demand for import sports cars in the United States eventually made Mitsubishi decide to import the eighth-generation Evolution to the US in 2003. The current 2005 Evolution (US market) includes a turbocharged 276 hp (205 kW) inline four-cylinder engine and a full-time all wheel drive powertrain. 2006 models are all rated at 286 hp (213 kW) with an 10 additional hp realized from turbocharger diffuser adjustments. Variable valve timing is also an Evolution first in 2006, coming in the form of MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing-and-lift Electronic Control). Japanese-spec cars were limited by a gentleman's agreement to advertise no more than 280 PS (276 bhp), but various versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 405 bhp (302 kW).

The Lancer Evolution was unique among its competitors in the World Rally Championship in that it is a homologated Group A car slightly modified to be able to race competitively against WRC class cars. The Evolution however has now been replaced by the Lancer/Carisma GT and the new Lancer WRC04, but the Evo still competes in the Group A and Group N classes.

In some European markets, the Evo was sold as the Mitsubishi Carisma Evolution. Proton Motors of Malaysia races a Evolution VII as the Proton Pert in various APAC rally series.

 

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Evolution I

The Evolution I was introduced in 1992 to compete in the World Rally Championship. Using the VR-4 drivetrain, Mitsubishi put it in the Lancer (known as the Mirage in the United States) chassis, and sold it in GSR and RS models. The latter was a stripped-down club racing version that lacked power windows and seats, anti-lock brakes, a rear wiper, and had steel wheels to save approximately 155 lb (70 kg) less than the 2730 lb (1238 kg) GSR, while the former came with all of the conveniences of a typical street car. It came with Mitsubishi's 2.0 L turbocharged DOHC 4G63 engine producing 247 PS (244 hp/182 kW) at 6000 RPM and 228 ft·lbf (309 N·m) at 3000 rpm, along with all wheel drive which would become a trademark on all Evo models. 5,000 Evo Is were sold between 1992 and 1993.


Evolution II

The successful Evo I was changed in December of 1993, and was produced until 1995. It consisted mainly of handling improvements, including minor wheelbase adjustments, larger swaybars, bodywork tweaks including a larger spoiler, and beefier tires. Power output was increased to 256 PS (252 hp/188 kW) from the same engine and torque was unchanged for both GSR and RS models.


Evolution III

Once again the Evo II was tweaked in 1995 with most of the minor changes affixed to the previous model. Mitsubishi's goal for the third generation was improving cooling and reducing lift, and a revised turbocharger and increased compression ratio of 9.0:1 meant a 10 PS (9.9 hp/7.4 kW) boost to 266 PS (262 hp/196 kW). 7,000 were sold between 1995 and 1996, making it the best-selling Evo yet.


Evolution IV

The Lancer platform was completely changed in 1996, and along with it the Evo, which had become extremely popular throughout the world. A new twin-scroll turbocharger, limited-slip front differential on the RS model, increased power to 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW) at 6500 rpm and 260 ft·lbf (352 Nm) of torque at 3000 RPM, and Mitsubishi's new Active Yaw Control (which adjusted torque split individually to the rear wheels to minimize understeer) meant that the 6,000 Evo IVs produced all sold quickly. The Evo IV can be distinguished by its two large foglights on the front bumper, which would become yet another trademark of the Evolution series. This new generation marked the end of lightweight Evos in favor of more technology and power.


Evolution V

In 1997, the WRC created a new class, "World Rally Car", and while these cars still had to abide by Group A standards, they did not have to meet homologation rules. Mitsubishi completely redesigned the Evo IV with this in mind and introduced the Evo V in January of 1998. All aspects of the car were changed, most notably the turbocharger, brakes and cylinder bore (by 0.3 mm) that had both increased in size. Torque was increased to 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 3000 RPM. Power officially stayed the same, at 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW) as agreed by Japan's automotive gentlemen's agreement that all cars would have 276 or less hp, but reputable sources claim horsepower was actually somewhat higher. More aggressive bodywork finished the package along with Brembo brakes.


Evolution VI

The Evo VI's changes mainly focused on cooling and engine durability. It received a larger intercooler, larger oil cooler, and new pistons, along with a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel for the RS model, which was a first in a production car. Also, the Evo VI received new bodywork yet again, with the most easily spotted change in the front bumper where the huge foglights were reduced in size and moved to the corners for better airflow. A new model was added to the GSR and RS lineup; known as the RS2, it was an RS with a few of the GSR's options. Another limited-edition RS was known as the RS Sprint, and was tuned by Ralliart to be lighter and more powerful with 330 hp.


Evolution VI TME EDITION a.k.a EVO 6.5

Yet another special edition Evo VI was also released in 1999: the Tommi Mäkinen edition, named after Finnish rally driver Tommi Mäkinen. It featured Recaro seats, 17" wheels, a MOMO steering wheel and shift knob, and came in an exclusive shade of red with special decals, replicating Mäkinen's rally car's colour scheme. This car is also sometimes referred to as an Evo 6.5.

It was during the Evo VI's model run that American car enthusiasts, who had been previously denied the Evolution models, began to clamour for its introduction to the United States. This was primarily due to exposure of the Evolution in movies, anime like Initial D, and video games such as the Gran Turismo series.


Evolution VII

In 2001, the Mitsubishi decided to race in the WRC class instead of the Group A class, and thus did not need to follow homologation rules. The Evo VII was based on the larger Lancer Cedia platform and as a result gained more weight over the Evo VI, but made up for this with multiple important chassis tweaks. The biggest change was the addition of an active center differential and a more effective limited-slip differential, while a front helical limited-slip differential was added. Torque was increased again to 284 ft·lbf (385 N·m) with engine tweaks that allowed greater airflow, and horsepower officially remained at 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW).Don't be fooled by the civilian apperence. This car can easily run with a Ferrari 360 Modena and beat it, as seen in Best Motoring videos.


Evolution VIII

The Evolution was changed again in 2003, this time sporting Super Active Yaw Control to handle traction and a 6-speed manual gearbox. It was available with 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW) in three trims: standard (GSR in Japan), RS (devoid of all excess components, such as the rear wing, trunk carpeting, interior map lights, power windows/doors, and radio) and MR, which came with a new vortex generator (a set of ridges above the rear window to improve aerodynamics). Both RS and MR Editions came with a revised limited-slip front differential.

The Lancer Evolution VIII MR uses slick-response Bilstein shocks for improved handling. The aluminium roof panel and other reductions in body weight have lowered the centre of gravity to realize more natural roll characteristics. Detail improvements have also been made to Mitsubishi’s own electronic all-wheel drive, to the ACD 5 + Super AYC 6 traction control and to the Sports ABS systems. The Lancer Evolution VIII displayed at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show took the MR designation traditionally reserved for Mitsubishi Motors high-performance models and used first on the Galant GTO.

In the United Kingdom, many special Evolutions were introduced, which included FQ320, FQ340, and FQ400 variants. They each came with 320, 340, and 400 hp (239, 254, and 298 kW), respectively.

The FQ400, while not officially developed by Mitsubishi, is of noticeable interest: it produces 302.13 kW (405.2 hp), from its 2.0 L 4G63 engine as the result of being specially modified by UK tuning firms Rampage, Owen Developments and Flow Race Engines. At 202.9 hp (151.3 kW) per litre, it has one of the highest specific output per litre of any roadcar engine. BBC's Top Gear demonstrated how the FQ-400 could easily keep up with a Lamborghini Murcielago supercar around a test track.

The Lancer Evolution VIII was also the first Evolution to come to the United States, spurred by the astounding success of the Subaru Impreza WRX which had been released there just three years prior. However, the internal components for the American versions were based largely on the specs for the Japanese Lancer Evolution VII. No US spec Evolution has AYC, including the 2006 Evolution IX. The American 2003 and 2004 GSRs are without the helical limited-slip front differential and 6-speed manual transmission. The 2004 US spec RS model, however, does have a front helical limited-slip differential. All 2003, 2004 and 2005 RS and GSR models have the Japanese Evolution VII's 5-speed transmission. The MR edition was introduced to the US in 2004, the first model to sport the ACD and still (as of 2005) the only model with a 6-speed transmission. The 2005 US spec RS and GSR have the ACD standard, and the front helical limited-slip differential is now standard on all models. The timing and tuning are also slightly more conservative than its Japanese counterpart, but this is mainly to adhere to the strict emissions regulations of the US (California in particular).


Evolution IX

Mitsubishi introduced the 2006 Lancer Evolution IX at the 2005 New York International Auto Show. The 2.0 L engine now gets MIVEC technology (variable valve timing), boosting official for 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.

The IX keeps all the Evolution VIII MR goodies like Bilstein shocks, a 6-speed manual transmission, vortex generators, and an aluminium roof. Additional revisions from 2005 include a closer gear ratio for the 5-speed transmission and new lighter Enkei wheels on non-MR models.

All three models will be available in the US. All models use the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine. All models use a front and rear LSD (Limited Slip Differential), and an ACD (Active Center Differential).

Standard/GSR - revised 5-speed, standard model
RS - revised 5-speed, aluminium roof, gauge pack, minimal interior
MR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, aluminium roof, gauge pack
Three models will also be available in Europe and Japan. Although all models use the same 286 hp (213 kW) engine, the torque differs from one model to another. The GSR produces 295 ft·lbf (400 Nm) of torque while the RS and GT produce 300 ft·lbf (407 Nm).

RS - revised 5-speed, aluminium roof, gauge pack, minimal interior, LSD and a titanium-magnesium turbine
GT - revised 5-speed, this is basically the RS mechanically, but with some of the GSR's features (mainly interior pieces).
GSR - 6-speed, Bilstein monotube shocks, aluminium roof, gauge pack, AYC (Active Yaw Control), and double-din radio (this is roughly equivalent to the MR)

A 2,500-piece, limted edition Evolution IX station wagon will be released in Japan soon after the sedan's debut. It uses the back end of the Lancer Sportback wagon grafted onto the sedan. Two trim models will be introduced: the GT with a six-speed manual transmission and the GT-A with a 5-speed automatic. Other than the station wagon back end, redesigned seats, and some small chromed trim pieces, the car's interior is the same as the sedan. There is some debate over whether or not the wagon will be introduced to the United States or other markets.

Evolution X - Concept Version

Mitsubishi introduced a concept version of the next generation EVO at the 39th Tokyo Motor Show named the Mitsubishi Concept-X.


Mitsubishi Links, Click below:

http://www.mitsubishicars.com/lancerevolution/
http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/evolution/
http://www.evolutionm.net/
http://www.socalevo.net/
http://www.norcalevo.net/
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=39&article_id=1402&page_number=1
http://www.lancerregister.com/
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=19&article_id=9394
http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/141evoevolution/01/
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/features/0304scc_lancerevo/
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/corporate/about_us/technology/review/e/pdf/2004/16E_03.pdf