Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

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 286 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 hp), a mark already reached by the time of Evo IV; however, each generation of Evo's power has clandestinely evolved above the advertised number, with the Evo IX having real output of about 320 PS, and various versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 405 bhp (302 kW). Unfortunately, the Evo has also been evolving into a heavier and heavier vehicle with each generation in face of tougher worldwide safety and emission regulations.

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 The Evolution however has now been replaced by the Lancer/Carisma GT and the new Lancer WRC04, but the Evo still competes in the Group A and Group N classes.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 an Evolution VII as the Proton Pert in various APAC rally series.