The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, commonly referred to as the Evo, is a highly acclaimed sports sedan that was produced by Mitsubishi Motors from 1992 to 2015. Derived from the original Mitsubishi Lancer, the Evo was introduced as a high-performance variant with numerous sporty features that set it apart from its more pedestrian sibling.
Over the years, the Lancer Evolution evolved into a legendary car that garnered a loyal following of automotive enthusiasts and racing fans. From its advanced technologies to its sleek design and impressive performance capabilities, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution remains a highly respected and iconic sports sedan that continues to capture the imagination of drivers around the world.
Top 10 things you need to know about the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO
10. Paul Walker drove one in 2 Fast and 2 Furious
In the 2003 movie “2 Fast 2 Furious”, legendary actor and car enthusiast Paul Walker drove a heavily modified Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII, which gained a lot of attention from car enthusiasts around the world. The car was equipped with a custom body kit, oversized wing, and a high-performance turbocharged engine.
The EVO VII was chosen for the movie due to its reputation as a popular rally car and its ability to handle high speeds and tight corners. Paul Walker’s character, Brain O’Conner, used the car in several high-speed chase scenes, making the EVO VII one of the most memorable cars from the movie.
09. It was highly tuneable
The Lancer Evolution was a highly tunable car, which means it was easy to customize and improved performance. The car’s legendary 2.0 liter 4G63 four-cylinder turbocharged engine could be upgraded with a range of aftermarket parts, allowing owners to produce more power and torque. The car’s suspension could also be adjusted, allowing for improved handling and cornering ability. The high-level tuning capability of the EVO made it famous among races and car enthusiasts and was often used in rally racing and drag racing events around the world.
08. The EVO was also used by British Police
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was not only popular among car enthusiasts and racers but was also used by the British Police as a high-speed pursuit vehicle. Equipped with advanced technology and high-performance capabilities, the EVO was capable of keeping up with even the fastest criminals.
The EVO’s all-wheel-drive system and powerful turbocharged engine made it ideal for use in high-speed chases, while its sporty appearance allowed it to blend in with other performance cars on the road. The British Police force used the EVO as a part of their “Panda Car” fleet, which consisted of unmarked vehicles used to catch lawbreakers in a high-speed pursuit.
07. There was also a station wagon version
In addition to the sedan version, Mitsubishi also produced a station wagon version of the Lancer Evolution called the EVO Wago, It was designed to offer additional practicality and cargo space while still delivering the high-performance capabilities of the EVO.
These cars were produced in limited quantities and were never officially sold outside of Japan, making them rare and sought-after models among collectors and enthusiasts. The wagon body style added a unique twist to the already popular EVo lineup, providing an option for drivers who need extra space without sacrificing performance.
06. The EVO VI Extreme was the rarest Lancer
Introduced in 1999, the Lancer Evo VI Extreme is considered the rarest model of the Lancer Evolution line with only 29 of them ever produced, making it highly sought after among car enthusiasts and collectors. This car was built by Ralliart UK, and based on a RSII model that produced an incredible 350 hp. Which if combined with the lightweight body of the Lancer made it a hell of a fast car.
05. Jackie Chan and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO
Jackie Chan, the world-renowned actor and martial artist, has been a longtime fan of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (EVO) and even owned several of them over the years. Chan also owned a custom EVO IX with a yellow and black livery that he raced in the Macau Grand Prix Celebrity Race in 2008.
The car featured several modifications, including a new turbocharger, exhaust system, and suspension upgrades. Chan’s love for the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO extends beyond his movie roles and personal collection. In 2013, he became the ambassador for Mitsubishi Motors in China, helping to promote the brand and the Lancer EVO in particular to his legions of fans.
04. Part of several racing games
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (EVO) is a highly popular and revered car among automotive enthusiasts and racing fans. Its appearance in various movies and video games, including the “Fast and Furious” franchise and racing games like Gran Turismo and Need for Speed, has helped to increase its visibility and cement its status as a cult classic. Its influence on automotive culture and its continued popularity in media and entertainment prove that the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will continue to be an iconic car for years to come.
03. Safety car for major races
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (EVO) is a highly respected car that has been used as a safety car for major racing events. Its reputation for exceptional performance, handling, and safety features makes it a top choice for this role. The EVO’s presence as a safety car in events such as the World Rally Championship and the Dakar Rally serves as a testament to its reliability, advanced technology, and high-performance capabilities.
02. The Evolution was also called The Charisma GT
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was marketed as the Charisma GT in the European market, particularly for the Lancer Evolution IX model. The name “Charisma GT” was chosen to convey the car’s commanding presence, high-performance capabilities, and stylish design.
The Lancer Evolution IX Charisma GT featured advanced technologies such as Super All-Wheel Control and a turbocharged engine. The use of the name “Charisma GT” highlights the car’s performance, style, and comfort, making it a highly desirable car among automotive enthusiasts and drivers.
01. There was also a Limited Tommi Mäkinen Edition
The Limited Tommi Mäkinen Edition of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was released in 1999 to commemorate Tommi Mäkinen’s fourth consecutive World Rally Championship (WRC) title. Mäkinen was a Finnish rally driver who had won four WRC titles with Mitsubishi between 1996 and 1999, driving the Lancer Evolution.
Only 2,500 units of the Limited Tommi Mäkinen Edition were produced, making it a highly sought-after car among automotive enthusiasts and collectors. The car’s performance upgrades and unique design make it a special edition of the Lancer Evolution, reflecting the car’s status as a highly respected and iconic rally car.
