2005 Lancer Evolution VIII MR Edition The Lancer Evolution is Mitsubishi's flagship sports car, initially based on the Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, and is colloquially known as the "Evo". The Evolution is the homologation model for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA Pro Rally Championship (This only applies to Evolution models prior to version VI, as the Evo VII and VIII did not need to meet WRC homologation requirements). In order to follow these rules, the Evolution is based on the same platform as the Lancer compact car, but is much faster and practically shares no parts with the Lancer. Eight street versions of the Evolution have been produced from 1993 up to today.
The Evo was originally intended only for Japanese markets but demand on the 'grey import' market led the Evolution series to be offered through limited type-approval in various European markets from around 1998 (Evo V-VI). The demand for import sports cars in the United States eventually made Mitsubishi decide to import the eighth-generation Evolution to the US in 2003. The current Evolution (US market) includes a turbocharged 271 horsepower (202 kW) inline four-cylinder engine and a full-time all wheel drive powertrain. The Japanese-spec cars were limited by a gentleman's agreement to advertise no more than 280 PS (276 bhp), but various versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 345 bhp (257 kW).
The Lancer Evolution was unique among its competitors in the World Rally Championship in that it's a homologation Group A car slightly modified to be able to race competitively against WRC class cars. The Evolution however has now been replaced by a the Lancer/Carisma GT and the new Lancer WRC04, the Evos however still compete in the Group A and Group N classes.
In some European markets, the Evo was sold as the Mitsubishi Carisma Evolution.
External links
http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/evolution/specifications.asp?strCar1=QD4
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