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Photo of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Ten generations of turbocharged all-wheel drive, born to fight in Group A.12

Researched October 30, 2026 from 35 sources

Also called

  • EvoThe short name used by English speakers.2
  • LanEvoThe name used in Japan.2

At a glance

0250500
247–440 hpPower
0510
3.8–5.4 s0–60 mph
0150300
225.3–257.5 km/hTop speed
0300600
309–525 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,170–1,660 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.1810131415

Engine
I–IX: 2.0 L 4G63T turbo I4; X: 2.0 L aluminum-block 4B11T17
Layout
All generations: front engine, all-wheel drive1
Gearbox
5-/6-speed manuals; VII/IX Wagon: 5-speed auto; X: 6-speed TC-SST11012
Built at
Nagoya and Mizushima plants, Japan1

The story

Created for Group A rallying, the Evolution put Galant VR-4 turbo power and all-wheel drive into a compact Lancer. Ten generations spanned 1992–2016.123

1992: 2,500 homologation cars sell out in days19921995: II and III: 256 hp, then 266 hp19951996: IV rotates the engine and adds AYC19961998: Evolution V widens for Group A19981999: VI: UK debut and Mäkinen tribute19992001: VII brings an active center differential20012003: VIII: 271 hp for America's debut20032007: X: aluminum 4B11T and six-speed TC-SST20072016: Production ends after the Final Edition2016 Evolution I (CD9A): 1992–1994CD9AEvolution II (CE9A): 1994–1995Evolution IV (CN9A): 1996–1998CN9AEvolution V (CP9A): 1998–1999Evolution VI (CP9A): 1999–2001CP9AEvolution VII (CT9A): 2001–2003CT9AEvolution VIII: 2003 launchEvolution VIIIEvolution IX: 2005 launchEvolution IXEvolution X: 2007–2016Evolution X 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsMilestones136781023
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1992–1994Evolution I (CD9A)
1994–1995Evolution II (CE9A)
1996–1998Evolution IV (CN9A)
1998–1999Evolution V (CP9A)
1999–2001Evolution VI (CP9A)
2001–2003Evolution VII (CT9A)
2003 launchEvolution VIII
2005 launchEvolution IX
2007–2016Evolution X
19922,500 homologation cars sell out in days
1995II and III: 256 hp, then 266 hp
1996IV rotates the engine and adds AYC
1998Evolution V widens for Group A
1999VI: UK debut and Mäkinen tribute
2001VII brings an active center differential
2003VIII: 271 hp for America's debut
2007X: aluminum 4B11T and six-speed TC-SST
2016Production ends after the Final Edition
  1. 1992

    2,500 homologation cars sell out in days

    Launched in October, the original packed Galant VR-4 turbo hardware and full-time 4WD into a compact Lancer. Its first 2,500 cars sold out within days.3

  2. 1995

    II and III: 256 hp, then 266 hp

    January 1994's II stretched the wheelbase and raised output to 256 hp; February 1995's III added a larger turbo compressor, 266 hp and more cooling airflow.13

  3. 1996

    IV rotates the engine and adds AYC

    A new platform turned the engine and transaxle 180 degrees. The GSR introduced Active Yaw Control, varying torque between the rear wheels.14

  4. 1998

    Evolution V widens for Group A

    The V grew to 1,770 mm wide so its Group A racer could follow. Track widened 10 mm; 17-inch wheels accommodated Brembo brakes.15

  5. 1999

    VI: UK debut and Mäkinen tribute

    The VI gained larger coolers and official UK imports. December's Tommi Mäkinen Edition honored his four WRC drivers' championships.16

  6. 2001

    VII brings an active center differential

    The VII moved to the larger Lancer Cedia platform. An active center differential joined Active Yaw Control, with Gravel, Snow and Tarmac modes.17

  7. 2003

    VIII: 271 hp for America's debut

    Japan's VIII gained Super Active Yaw Control; the U.S. debut made 271 hp and narrowly beat the STi in a comparison test.1789

  8. 2007

    X: aluminum 4B11T and six-speed TC-SST

    Japan's final generation arrived with an aluminum-block 2.0-liter 4B11T turbo four, available six-speed TC-SST and integrated S-AWC.110

  9. 2016

    Production ends after the Final Edition

    A 2015 U.S. farewell run numbered 1,600 Final Editions with 303 hp. Mitsubishi ended Evolution production in April 2016.111

Every generation

  • Evolution I
    CD9A1992–1994
  • Evolution II
    CE9A1994–1995
  • Evolution IV
    CN9A1996–1998
  • Evolution V
    CP9A1998–1999
  • Evolution VI
    CP9A1999–2001
  • Evolution VII
    CT9A2001–2003
  • Evolution VIII
    Evolution VIII2003 launch
  • Evolution IX
    Evolution IX2005 launch
  • Evolution X
    Evolution X2007–2016

Power over the years

From 247 hp to 440 hp in 22 years.

0200400600 19952000200520102015 hp 1992 · 247 hp · Evolution I1994 · 256 hp · Evolution II1995 · 266 hp · Evolution III1996 · 276 hp · Evolution IV GSR / RS2003 · 271 hp · U.S. Evolution VIII2004 · 405 hp · Evolution VIII FQ-4002006 · 286 hp · Evolution IX MR SE / MIVEC2006 · 366 hp · Evolution IX FQ-3602008 · 291 hp · Evolution X MR2009 · 403 hp · Evolution X FQ-4002014 · 440 hp · Evolution X FQ-440 MR2015 · 303 hp · U.S. Final Edition 440 hp Evolution X FQ-440 MR 247 hp Evolution I
13781113151617
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1992247Evolution I
1994256Evolution II
1995266Evolution III
1996276Evolution IV GSR / RS
2003271U.S. Evolution VIII
2004405Evolution VIII FQ-400
2006286Evolution IX MR SE / MIVEC
2006366Evolution IX FQ-360
2008291Evolution X MR
2009403Evolution X FQ-400
2014440Evolution X FQ-440 MR
2015303U.S. Final Edition

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Evolution VI GSR / RS / RS2

    Standard

    Evolution VI GSR / RS / RS2

    1999–2001

    276 hp
  • Evolution X GSR / MR / MR Touring

    Standard

    Evolution X GSR / MR / MR Touring

  • Evolution VIII 260 and MR FQ models

    Performance

    Evolution VIII 260 and MR FQ models

  • Evolution IX MR / MR SE

    Performance

    Evolution IX MR / MR SE

    2006

  • Evolution X FQ-300 / FQ-330 / FQ-360

    Performance

    Evolution X FQ-300 / FQ-330 / FQ-360

  • Evolution IX FQ-360 / MR FQ-360

    Performance

    Evolution IX FQ-360 / MR FQ-360

  • Evolution IX Wagon GT / GT-A / MR

    Special

    Evolution IX Wagon GT / GT-A / MR

  • Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition

    Special

    Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition

    276 hp
  • Evolution VIII FQ-400

    Performance

    Evolution VIII FQ-400

    2004

    405 hp
  • Evolution X FQ-400

    Performance

    Evolution X FQ-400

    2009

    403 hp

  • Limited

    Evolution X FQ-440 MR

    2014

    440 hp

    40 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • The original Evolution pairs large front-bumper openings with an oversized rear spoiler.3
  • Evolution V/VI: a vented hood and pronounced front wheel arches.18
  • Evolution VI: the offset front license plate leaves more room for cooling airflow.6

Year by year

  1. 1996 (Evolution IV)

    The body becomes rounder, with two large front-bumper fog lamps; those lamps were optional on RS.118

  2. 1998 (Evolution V)

    Flared front and rear arches, an adjustable aluminum rear wing and 17-inch wheels accommodating Brembo brakes.1

  3. 1999 (Evolution VI)

    Front fog lamps shrink and move to the bumper corners, freeing space for cooling airflow.1

  4. 2006 (IX MR, Japan)

    MR sedans gain an extended front air dam and red MR trunk badge; Wagon MR adds darkened headlight surrounds.12

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
    Lancer Evolution
    Photo of a Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2009)
    Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2009)

    Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (2009)

    Look at the fenders: the Ralliart lacks the contemporary Evolution's bulging wide-body treatment.22

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
    Lancer Evolution
    Photo of a Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2003)
    Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2003)

    Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2003)

    The Subaru's tall hood scoop feeds a top-mounted intercooler; the Evo's intercooler sits up front.89

Against its rivals

  • Lancer Evolution vs Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2003 test)

    Dirt-course time lower is better

    Lancer Evolution48.6 s
    Subaru Impreza WRX STi (2003 test)48.9 s
    89
  • Nissan 350Z

    Lancer Evolution vs Nissan 350Z

    48–80 km/h, top gear lower is better

    Lancer Evolution11.7 s
    Nissan 350Z9.1 s
    89

Prices

Value today $18.0K–$67.5K2930

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$100K$200K$300K$400K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $18,000–$67,500 2003 · $29,582 · US base2006 · $35,814 · US base, MR SE2006 · $37,424 · US as tested, MR SE2008 · $33,710 · US base, GSR2008 · $38,965 · US base, MR2008 · $41,515 · US as tested, MR2010 · $34,335 · US base, GSR2010 · $39,735 · US base, MR2015 · $37,995 · US MSRP, Final Edition 2003 · $29,582 · US base price, 2003 model year 2025 · $341,800 · 2001 VII, 2 Fast 2 Furious Stunt Car No. 1, Bonhams2025 · $67,500 · 2000 VI GSR Tommi Makinen Edition, ~55k miles, BaT2025 · $34,500 · 1998 V GSR, ~90k miles, BaT2026 · $35,500 · 2011 X GSR 5-speed, 38k miles, BaT2026 · $25,000 · 1995 III GSR, modified, ~67k miles, BaT2026 · $18,000 · 2001 VII GSR, ~93k miles, BaT2026 · $46,000 · 2015 Final Edition 5-speed, 341 miles, BaT2026 · $30,000 · 2005 VIII, 129k miles, BaT $341.8K Bonhams, 2025
91115162529303132333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2003Launch price$29,582US base price, 2003 model year
2003Price when new$29,582US base
2006Price when new$35,814US base, MR SE
2006Price when new$37,424US as tested, MR SE
2008Price when new$33,710US base, GSR
2008Price when new$38,965US base, MR
2008Price when new$41,515US as tested, MR
2010Price when new$34,335US base, GSR
2010Price when new$39,735US base, MR
2015Price when new$37,995US MSRP, Final Edition
2025Auction sale$341,8002001 VII, 2 Fast 2 Furious Stunt Car No. 1, Bonhams
2025Auction sale$67,5002000 VI GSR Tommi Makinen Edition, ~55k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$34,5001998 V GSR, ~90k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$35,5002011 X GSR 5-speed, 38k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$25,0001995 III GSR, modified, ~67k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$18,0002001 VII GSR, ~93k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$46,0002015 Final Edition 5-speed, 341 miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$30,0002005 VIII, 129k miles, BaT
2026Value today$18,000–$67,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 12 stories from its legend
    • “Four WRC crowns earn a named Evolution VI”
    • “Seven wins secure a manufacturers' crown”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 9 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 25 YEAR CLUB: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution | Japanese Nostalgic Car japanesenostalgiccar.com
  3. Car History | History of Mitsubishi Motors | Company | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  4. Mitsubishi’s Lancer heritage shapes today’s award-winning lineup mitsubishi-motors.ca
  5. 1998 | World Rally Chanmpionship | MOTOR SPORTS | brand | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  6. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI (1999 – 2001) review – the Subaru Impreza's finest foil | evo evo.co.uk
  7. An Idiot's Guide To The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: History, Generations, And Our Rankings | CarThrottle carthrottle.com
  8. Tested: 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution caranddriver.com
  9. 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vs. Subaru Impreza WRX STi caranddriver.com
  10. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X (2008-2016) review: does it live up to the legend? | evo evo.co.uk
  11. Evolved to Extinction: Mitsubishi Rolls Out Final Edition Evo | The Daily Drive | Consumer Guide® blog.consumerguide.com
  12. Mitsubishi Evo IX: Japan finally gets MoRe - Autoblog autoblog.com
  13. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR review: ultimate Evo driven retromotor.co.uk
  14. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII - review, history, prices and specs | evo evo.co.uk
  15. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Long-Term Road Test caranddriver.com
  16. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR SE - Long Term Verdict - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  17. Mitsubishi Evo | evo evo.co.uk
  18. Used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4/5/6 review - ReDriven redriven.com
  19. Time Trials: Mitsubishi raided parts bin to bring an Evo wagon to market in record time autoweek.com
  20. 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  21. Remember When Top Gear Compared a Mitsubishi Evo to a Lamborghini? roadandtrack.com
  22. Tested: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart caranddriver.com
  23. 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution: Mitsubishi's 10th-gen Evolution leaves rally roots behind autoweek.com
  24. WTAC 2010 Results | World Time Attack worldtimeattack.com
  25. Paul Walker’s Lime-Green Evo VII Just Rewrote Mitsubishi History - Autoblog autoblog.com
  26. Update Notice (1.52) - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  27. Visiting Artist Series Welcomes Omer Halilhodžić | CWI cwi.edu
  28. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX buying guide - Mitsubishi Evo IX buying guide checkpoints | evo evo.co.uk
  29. No Reserve: 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $18,000 on July 8, 2026 (Lot #251,478) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. JDM 2000 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR Tommi Makinen Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $67,500 on July 11, 2025 (Lot #200,050) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 38k-Mile 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $35,500 on September 2, 2026 (Lot #261,169) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: Modified 1995 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III GSR for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,000 on July 10, 2026 (Lot #251,790) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: 341-Mile 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $46,000 on June 23, 2026 (Lot #249,185) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,000 on May 7, 2026 (Lot #241,479) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $34,500 on April 28, 2025 (Lot #189,418) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • japanesenostalgiccar.com
  • mitsubishi-motors.com
  • mitsubishi-motors.ca
  • evo.co.uk
  • carthrottle.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • blog.consumerguide.com
  • autoblog.com
  • retromotor.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • redriven.com
  • autoweek.com
  • themarket.co.uk

Photo credits

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