Top 4 Greatest Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Generations
Remembering the Evo's greatest iterations throughout its history
Lancer Evolution VI Rally Car
Photo: Dag Kirin via Flickr
The Lancer Evolution is a rally car that’s been perfected for 10 generations, only to be unfortunately discontinued after the 2015 model year. In honor of the vehicle’s legacy, let’s look back at our four favorite generations of the Evo. If you agree or would pick different entries, let us know your thoughts!
Related: 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Overview
Lancer Evolution X
2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Concept
As the last Lancer Evolution, the Evo X features the latest and greatest technology inside and out. It’s a rally car down to the core with a 291 horsepower engine and Super All-Wheel Drive Control with a lightning fast available twin clutch transmission and huge Brembo brakes. This is by far the smartest Evo with its Active Yaw Control that varies torque between the left and right wheels to give drivers maximum traction during turns.
Lancer Evolution VIII
Lancer Evolution VIII
Photo: Lee Sam via Flickr
The Evo VIII was the first Lancer Evolution to be sold in the US, so that alone makes it great. It was such a hit in the US that they made it available in four trim levels with various performance and comfort features. They also further reduced the weight in the Evolution VIII MR with an aluminum roof panel. It uses the famous 4G63 engine that’s a hugely popular platform for tuners thanks to its legendary durability under high levels of turbo boost.
Lancer Evolution VI
1999 Lancer Evolution VI
Photo: RL GNZLZ via Flickr
This generation established the Evo as a proper rally car. The Lancer Evolution VI featured better cooling and a more durable engine and was the first production car to have a titanium-aluminide turbine wheel in the turbocharger. The RS Sprint version was tuned by Ralliart to generate 330 horsepower but it was only sold in the UK. Rally driver Tommi Mäkinen won four World Rally Championship titles for Mitsubishi and got a special edition of the Evo VI named after him in 1999.
Related: 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Overview
Lancer Evolution V
Lancer Evolution V
Photo: FotoSleuth via Flickr
We like this one based on looks alone, but we imagine it would be a great car to drive after five generations of constant improvement. This generation featured a huge aluminum rear spoiler and better Recaro seats in the front. It also had a wider track than the previous generation and bigger brakes. With a 5 speed manual, 276 horsepower, and all-wheel drive, this car would be a blast on a windy dirt road.
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