The Mitsubishi EVO. Where to start?! Throughout its 24-year history, the EVO name has been legendary for the Mitsubishi brand. And since being phased out back in 2016, the namesake has become even more of an icon.
Totalling 10 generations in all, it’s been around for a while. Since 1992, in fact. Some could argue that actually there are 12 generations, but I would stress that the infamous ‘Tommi Mak’ variant was a special edition of the EVO VI rather than a completely different generation, while MR was a performance edition of the VIII.
The EVO family features characteristics that have stuck with the name throughout its 24-year history. It’s just one of those cars that you want to drive and drive properly. It’s a driver’s car! Its breadth of power, the rev limiter showing real freedom under your right foot, the sheer precision of the gearbox, along with the light compressive stress you feel to the well-balanced chassis as it takes you through a corner. It just makes you want to brush up on those left-foot braking skills (it’s harder than you think) just to experience the full capabilities of the technology.
Hold up a minute, though. We’re talking as though the EVO namesake is dead and buried. Well, it’s sort of not. By that, I mean Mitsubishi revealed a concept in the e-Evolution in 2017 at the Tokyo Motor Show. I wouldn’t get too excited, though, it’s not what you think. It’s no longer the nineties nor the noughties – unfortunately! Mitsubishi calls the new concept the e-Evolution, which says one thing: electric. Oh, and it’s in crossover guise. So, basically, nothing like the legends we once knew.
Speaking of EVO legends, let’s take a look at some of the stats, with a few fun facts thrown in about them. We’ll leave you to it; we’re off to buy a ‘proper’ second-hand EVO!
Mitsubishi Evo Generations:
Evolution I (1992)
Featuring a transversely mounted 2.0-litre, four-cylinder DOHC 4G63 intercooled unit, it got permanent four-wheel drive, MacPherson strut front suspension with a multi-link set-up at the rear and four-door body, with vents for the bonnet and a high-rise rear wing.
Weight: 1,240kg
Power: 247bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque: 228lb.ft @ 3000rpm
Evolution II (1994)
While they might look similar, the Evo II got a 10bhp power bump over its predecessor. It featured a longer wheelbase for improved handling, a larger spoiler and wider tyres, plus a few other minor changes.
Weight: 1,250kg
Power: 256bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque: 228lb.ft @ 3000rpm
Evolution III (1995)
The Evo III got a new front air dam and a larger rear wing for better aerodynamics, plus an extra 10bhp boost over the Evo II. It also featured more aggressive, rally-inspired styling, plus new side skirts and a larger rear spoiler to reduce lift.
Weight: 1,260kg
Power: 266bhp @ 6250rpm
Torque: 228lb.ft @ 3000rpm
Evolution IV (1996)
This generation introduced a new game-changing Active Yaw Control, replacing the previous viscous LSD, an electronically controlled rear differential that actively splits torque from side-to-side to create a yaw moment, helping to reduce understeer.
Weight: 1,350kg
Power: 276bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque: 260lb.ft @ 3000rpm
Evolution V (1998)
With its huge aluminium wing and improved Recaro bucket seats up front, the four-wheel drive model got a wider track and bigger brakes, complete with a five-speed manual gearbox and 276bhp.
Weight: 1,360kg
Power: 276bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque: 274lb.ft @ 3000rpm
Evolution VI (1999)
Often known as ‘the best’ – we can’t confirm as we haven’t driven them all – this was the generation that really established the EVO as a rally car. It got better cooling over its predecessors and a more durable engine, being the first production car to feature a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel to the turbocharger.
There was even an RS Sprint edition (tuned by Ralliart to boast 330bhp!) – only sold in the UK – lucky us, eh?! You’d be hard-pressed to find one now, though. Well, one at a decent price, anyway.
This was also the generation where Mitsubishi released a Tommi Mäkinen special edition (TME) to celebrate his four consecutive WRC wins. The TME had a faster-responding titanium turbo, a front strut brace, and sat 10mm lower than the standard model.
Weight: 1,365kg
Power: 276bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque: 274lb.ft @ 3000rpm
Evolution VII (2001)
Based on the larger Cedia chassis, the Evo VII was heavier but introduced an Active Centre Differential for the first time. It also had a variant with a five-speed automatic transmission, the GT-A, a first for the EVO.
Weight: 1,400kg
Power: 276bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque: 282lb.ft @ 3000rpm
Evolution VIII (2003)
This was the first EVO to be sold in North America. The Evo VIII MR (Mitsubishi Racing) introduced an aluminium roof to lower the centre of gravity and a six-speed gearbox.
For the Japanese market, the Evo VIII MR produced:
Weight: 1,400kg – 1,410kg (depending on trim)
Power: 276bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque: 290lb.ft @ 2500rpm
For the UK market, a range of legendary FQ models was introduced. These were a massive success and included variants with power outputs ranging from the FQ-300 to the insane FQ-400, which produced over 400bhp, pushing the 4G63 engine to its absolute limits.
Evolution IX (2005)
The final evolution of the 4G63 engine, this model introduced MIVEC variable valve timing for improved power and efficiency. It also featured a revised Super-Active Yaw Control using a planetary gear set for quicker transfer of torque.
For the Japanese market, the standard Evo IX (GSR) produced:
Weight: 1,410kg
Power: 286bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque: 289lb.ft @ 3500rpm
Just like the Evo VIII, the UK got its own range of legendary FQ models, including the FQ-300, FQ-320, FQ-340, and the particularly sought-after FQ-360, which boasted 366bhp and 363lb.ft of torque. Mitsubishi also produced a limited-edition Evolution IX Wagon in Japan, which combined the performance of the Evo with the practicality of a wagon.
Evolution X (2008)
The final generation saw the introduction of the new all-aluminium 4B11T engine and a new twin-clutch gearbox, the SST.
The EVO name kinda tanked a little with the last evolution; it just wasn’t as special as it once was. In a fitting send-off for the EVO, the introduction of the limited-edition FQ-400 variant, brought some of the rawness back that this particular model was missing with its incredible 403bhp output, featuring wider tracks and lower and stiffer suspension, along with a new twin-clutch gearbox and Brembo brakes. The revised Active Yaw Control technology featured on the X varies torque between the left and right wheels, allowing for maximum traction when cornering.
Weight: 1,560kg
Power: 290bhp @ 6500rpm
Torque: 300lb.ft @ 2500rpm
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