The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution first arrived in 1992 originally to give Mitsubishi a path into the World Rally Championship’s Group A class and the SCCA Pro rally Championship. The debut Evolution’s were only for sale in Japan originally and were crafted on the standard Mitsubishi Lancer saloon.

The car was soon a sought after gem and was crossing european borders to enter the import market as a prized grey-market import. Mitsubishi were fast to realize the interest and quickly paved the way for official imports to the UK in 1998.

The very first model had a 5 speed gearbox and a powerful 2.0 litre engine, brought together with a four wheel drive system, this car could bump out 244bhp which was pretty meaty stuff for a saloon. This was the president which was set for future standards for the Evo, and Mitsubishi didn’t come off the gas at any point giving us many different and powerful versions of a classic motor car.

The Evo was built alongside the more family orientated Lancer Saloon, like a hot headed big brother, and though the evo got heavier, the power and the handling got better and better until Mitsubishi had literally evolved a cult classic. The Evolution developed respect amongst speed freaks and rally drivers alike and although the car wasn’t a real eye opener to look at, under the bonnet punch was key to a long and successful life.

The Evolution IX was launched in 2006 and was the last box edged Evo off the production line before the newer model was introduced. The Evolution IX had many new improvements over the original with a new lightweight aluminum roof and a carbon fibre rear wing which was larger for better weight distribution and corner handling. The engine was still a 2.0 litre turbo with variable valve control, and really kicked in with 345 bhp controlled by a 6 speed sports box. Read the rest of this entry »