Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was proven to be a winning formula by its older models. Mitsubishi decided to go the whole 9 yards with the Evo IV. The Evolution was still sold in two options, the RS and the GSR. Mitsubishi decided to try and split the models a little further apart.

The RS was regarded as the more “ready to race’ type by keeping few luxuries that normal buyers would look for. These luxuries were taken off to the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV as lightweight as possible. Things like electric windows and air conditioning were taken from the RS to result in the model weighing in at 1260Kg compared to the GSR model weighing in at 1345Kg. The RS weight was also due to lighter body panels and thinner windows. Though the RS model did have these luxuries removed it did have extra brace bars placed inside to strengthen the chassis.

With all the weight tweaks mentioned before, both models of the Evo IV were the heaviest yet. Fear not, the Evolution IV again boosted power from the engine by adding a new twin turbo to it. The power given was an increase of 14%. With each Evo, Mitsubishi place their best and brightest technology into their beast. This advancement was their best yet and still has remnants of the same technology in today’s Evo. The Active Yaw Control System (AYC) was placed in the Evo IV to control the rear differential by controlling torque to each wheel in the rear. The result was a major boost in traction with the addition of greater handling whilst turning in and powering out of corners.

With most manufacturers you would see this kind of technology only within their race cars, but Mitsubishi gave the average buyer all of this and extra’s to choose from. Drivers were offered different options upon their final gear ratio as well as a extra close ratio gear box or the standard five speed gearbox. Needless to say that the public went crazy over this version of Evo, the new power and technology coupled with the Evo IV’s more aggressive look was irresistible.

With the public taken into serious consideration, the Evo IV was still a rally machine. It was evolved for one purpose and (luckily for us) had to comply with Group A rules. These rules were changing which meant other manufacturers could produce cars only for rallying. The Evo was the best of both worlds, and still led the way in the world of rallying with Tommi Makinen taking another straight WRC title.