The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is world-renowned for being one of the best rally cars ever produced. The first generation of the Lancer Evolution to go on sale in the United States was the Evo VIII in 2003, quickly winning car enthusiasts' hearts. The Lancer Evolution's production run in the US was short but sweet, ending just over a decade after it first went on sale in 2015. The success of the Evo is due to a few factors: a rich rally history, being featured in the movie 2 Fast 2 Furious, and lack of competition besides the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Since the eighth generation of Lancer Evolution was the first available in the United States, that's where we'll start.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Generations
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (10th Generation: 2008 - 2015)
Key Improvements: X marks the spot or, in the case of the Lancer Evolution, the final generation of production. The tenth-generation Lancer Evolution features drastically different styling than its predecessor, except for the massive rear wing. The Evo X features a redesigned chassis compared to the Evo VIII and IX that focuses on improving ride quality and safety. Torsional rigidity is increased by 56%, and crash safety is enhanced thanks to the use of high-tensile steel used in Mitsubishi's RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) unibody design. In addition to improving handling, the Evo X also gets more power (291 HP / 300 LB-FT) thanks to the 4B11T engine.
While the Lancer Evolution has traditionally been a manual transmission car, the Evo X MR features a twin-clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). This automated manual transmission can provide fast gear shifts without the power loss associated with a manual transmission.
Model Updates: Mitsubishi created the Final Edition during the Lancer Evolution X's final year of production to bid it farewell. The Evo X Final Edition is limited to 1,600 vehicles, each with an individually numbered plaque. The Final Edition is the most potent Lancer Evolution, producing 303 horsepower and 305 lb-ft torque. To help keep everything under control at the performance limits, the Evo uses its Super All-Wheel Control system and lightweight two-piece Brembo brakes.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (9th Generation: 2006)
Key Improvements: The ninth-generation Lancer is an evolution of the eighth-generation, pun intended. Notable changes include an upgraded turbo, redesigned interior, restyled front bumper, and the addition of MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve Timing and Electronic Control). The engine upgrades yield additional power and raise the output to 286 horsepower and 289 lb-ft torque. The variable engine timing helps deliver more power across the RPM range, allowing the 4G63T to make 143 horsepower per liter.
Model Updates: The Evo IX was only on sale in the United States for one model year, and no updates were made throughout the ninth-generation.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (8th Generation: 2003 - 2005)
The Evo VIII uses Mitsubishi's legendary 4G63T turbocharged inline-four-cylinder engine, which also can be found under the hood of the turbo Eclipse models. The 2.0-liter engine makes 271 horsepower and 273 lb-ft torque, allowing the Evo VIII to sprint from 0-60 MPH in 5 seconds flat. The advanced AWD system makes the Lancer a formidable competitor on and off the pavement. Thanks to limited slip differentials, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and Enkei lightweight wheels, the Evo VIII can complete the quarter-mile sprint in 13.4 seconds.
Model Updates: The final year of the Lancer Evo VIII is 2005, and Mitsubishi made improvements to provide more torque lower in RPM range. The maximum power output increased to 276 horsepower and 286 lb-ft torque with a peak boost of 20.3 PSI of boost. All 2005 Evo models feature an active center differential with three drive modes (tarmac, gravel, and snow) to maximize performance for various driving conditions. Drivers looking for the ultimate Evo VIII should consider the MR model, which has many performance upgrades, including a six-speed transmission, aluminum roof, and vortex generators.
Used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Prices by Generation
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Years
