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The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series has long been a symbol of high-performance, rally-inspired sports cars. Each iteration has built upon the legacy of its predecessors, pushing the envelope of what a compact sedan can achieve on both the road and the rally track. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Mitsubishi Evolution 4, a pivotal chapter in the Evo’s history, delving into its design, engineering, and the impact it had on the automotive world.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4, often referred to as the Evo IV, made its debut in 1996. Building on the success of the Evolution 3, this fourth-generation model aimed to set new standards in performance, handling, and design.
The Evo IV retained the iconic and aggressive styling cues that had become synonymous with the Evolution series. With its distinctive front grille, air intakes, vented hood, and rear wing, it showcased its rally-bred heritage while improving aerodynamics and cooling.
One of the notable design changes in the Evo IV was the adoption of a more angular and aggressive front fascia, which gave it a modern and menacing look. The evolution of its appearance was a reflection of its constant pursuit of performance.
Under the hood, the Mitsubishi Evolution 4 was powered by a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, the 4G63T. This engine produced around 280 horsepower, further pushing the envelope of performance in the Evo lineup. Combined with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, a finely-tuned suspension, and improvements in weight distribution, the Evo IV delivered exceptional handling and agility.
A significant advancement in the Evo IV was the introduction of the Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) systems. These technologies allowed for more precise control of power distribution to the wheels, enhancing cornering capabilities, and stability during high-speed driving.
The Mitsubishi Evolution 4 continued the Evo’s dominance in rallying, achieving victories and podium finishes in various motorsport events. Its rally success not only solidified its reputation but also contributed to its appeal among automotive enthusiasts who sought accessible performance and tuning potential.
In addition to its racing achievements, the Evo IV played a vital role in shaping the sports car landscape during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It offered a unique combination of everyday usability and exhilarating performance, making it a desirable choice for both enthusiasts and practical-minded drivers.
The Mitsubishi Evolution 4, with its bold design, powerful engine, and advanced handling technologies, represented a significant milestone in the Evolution series. It continued to be a rallying icon while expanding its influence on the streets, cementing its place in automotive history.
As we look back at the Mitsubishi Evolution 4, we appreciate its contribution to the world of sports cars and the lasting impact it had on enthusiast culture. Whether you’re a rally enthusiast, a sports car aficionado, or simply someone who appreciates automotive excellence, the Evo IV stands as a testament to Mitsubishi’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and engineering in a compact sedan.
The Lancer platform was redesigned in 1996, and along with it, the Evolution. The engine and transaxle were rotated 180° to better balance the weight and eliminate torque steer.
There were two versions available, the RS and GSR. The RS version was produced as a competition car with a limited-slip front differential and a friction type LSD at the rear. It also came with GLX seats and a choice of either 15-inch or 16-inch OZ lightweight racing wheels. The RS also had wind-up windows, optional air conditioning in some models, and a few extra brace bars to strengthen the chassis, one behind the front grille and another across the boot floor, and an aluminum rear strut tower brace.
The GSR and the RS shared a new twin scroll turbocharger which helped to improve response and increase power to 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft) torque at 4,000 rpm. Mitsubishi’s new Active Yaw Control appeared as a factory standard on the GSR model, which used steering, throttle input sensors and g sensors to computer-hydraulically control torque split individually to the rear wheels and as a result, the 10,000 Evolution IVs produced all sold quickly.[citation needed]
The Evolution IV can be distinguished by its two large fog lights in the front bumper (option on RS version), and the newly designed tail lights on the rear, which became a standard design to Evolution V, which would become yet another trademark of the Evolution series, note the RS has no light mounts on the boot/trunk for further weight saving.
This new generation was slightly heavier than previous Evo’s—the GSR in particular due to the added technology systems—but to counter this, the car produced even more power—the weight of the RS being 1,260 kg (2,778 lb) and the GSR being 1,345 kg (2,965 lb) (Sunroof model 1,370 kg (3,020 lb)).
An Evolution IV was used in the anime series Initial D as well as appearing in the film Who am I? as the car driven by Jackie Chan‘s character.
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