The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sedan might not be the right car for you. It was never designed to excel as the next great idea for shuttling kids to the mall, carrying loads of groceries or lumber, towing jet skis, or navigating grid-locked traffic. Though the Lancer Evolution series of compact high-performance sedans has proven capable of executing such routine tasks, this entire family of highly developed sedans exists for the sole purpose of domination in competition as Group A and Group N rally cars. It is a thoroughbred performance car that challenges enthusiast and race drivers to go faster, compete harder and find fulfillment behind the wheel.

Each installment of the Lancer Evolution sedans have incorporated design improvements, competition reinforcement, and increased capability over the previous generation car. In their domestic market, the later versions of Lancer Evolution sedans were not only noted for their ability to go faster, but also the increased refinement and drivability that made them superior overall designs. With the eighth edition of the vehicle, perhaps the greatest evolutionary change incorporated into the design has been its global reach. Previously, the Lancer Evolution fruit was a treat that only consumers in Japan or Europe were lucky enough to experience.

Lancer Evolution sedans are a species of super cars that beg for long expanses of uncongested, curvaceous roads and drivers willing to conquer such asphalt. Yet the vehicle also offers the practical capacity to carry four adults. Lancer Evolution is a car that goes, turns and stops unlike anything else in the current North American class of compact, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sedan class. It is a vehicle in a class all its own.

Every other vehicle in the Mitsubishi product arsenal is developed, in part, through a consumer-driven process that reviews competitive vehicle set data, consumer reaction or feedback, and plots preference for features or product virtues deemed valuable by car buyers. The Lancer Evolution series is the result of a development effort that de-prioritizes broad consumer appeal. The Lancer Evolution relies on a near zero-compromise approach to build a limited-production performance sedan that satisfies homologation rules for top-tier rally classes, and the desires of an obsessive enthusiast set who will accept no substitute for performance.

The eighth edition Lancer Evolution sedan is the latest in the decade-old line of Mitsubishi's competition-oriented sedans designed for the conquest of the FIA's Group A and Group N rally divisions. With the creation of such an undiluted, uncompromised performance vehicle -- borne from a corporate desire for conquest in motor sports -- the Lancer Evolution family has succeeded in being perhaps the most spirited of all Mitsubishi vehicles. The uniquely exciting and purposeful character of these specialty vehicles makes a bold statement about Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, and best represents the essence of the company's commitment to producing spirited cars for spirited people.

The definition of the Lancer Evolution's sales demographic is simple: enthusiast drivers of all ages. The Lancer Evolution driver will be a person knowledgeable of the vehicle's history in motor sports, including the four driver's championships from 1996 to 1999 and manufacturers' title in 1998. The typical Lancer Evolution enthusiast driver pool is expected to be 90 percent male, mostly married between their late 30s and early 50s with a median household income above $90,000. The Lancer Evolution driver will primarily be enthusiasts who crave a second or third car that is distinct, very capable and a thrilling drive.

An expected first-year volume of 6,500 units will help satisfy the needs of this passionate enthusiast audience. The excitement and performance-engineering image created by the Lancer Evolution sedan is expected to act as a brand-enhancing agent that will help stimulate interest and sales in other Mitsubishi products, especially the Lancer sedan upon which Lancer Evolution is based. The Lancer Evolution is a vehicle that offers similar capability, performance and behind-the-wheel excitement of vehicles such as the BMW M3, Mercedes C-class AMG, and Audi S4 at a fraction of the price. Arriving to market at under $30,000, the Lancer Evolution is far more than a "best bang for the buck" performance car. It is an enthusiast driver's dream: a competition-validated high-performance phenom, a cult-vehicle that has carved out a unique identity that enjoys a highly developed aftermarket eager to further expand the Lancer Evolution's performance envelope with a plethora of performance parts.

The vehicle's fairly unique mechanical specification (turbocharged all-wheel-drive) has endowed vehicles in the Lancer Evolution series with superb dynamic capability and an ease that engages seasoned drivers and novices alike. The Lancer Evolution combines surreal road holding, shocking acceleration, purposeful styling, seemingly telepathic responses and a sense of control found in few other vehicles. Lancer Evolution makes the strongest statement yet about the Mitsubishi brand with its excitement, technology and astonishing capability that stems from strong, competition-focused engineering.

Evolution of Lancer Evolution

This latest Lancer Evolution model is developed upon the Lancer sedan chassis that was introduced to the U.S. market in the fall of 2001. Every Lancer Evolution unibody begins life on the same assembly line as the economy - minded Lancer sedans. The Lancer chassis has served as the basis of the Lancer Evolution family of vehicles since 1992; its chassis and four-wheel independent suspension readily accepting the modifications that slowly evolved this vehicle toward super car status. The modifications implemented on the previous seven versions of the Lancer Evolution sedan represent the lessons learned by Mitsubishi through competition on the World Rally circuit. For the urban driver, who will never see organized competition, the Lancer Evolution vehicles represent a very capable, highly maneuverable, distinct, cutting-edge interpretation of the modern sports car theme and challenge the notion of just how fast and how far the performance envelope of a small compact sedan can be. Without the impulse of the vehicle's presence in rally racing, and Mitsubishi's corporate commitment to compete effectively at the highest level of competition, one wonders whether or not the sedan would ever have come into existence. It is the very specific competition nature, and the lack of compromise to many marketing considerations, that make this amazing car so appealing to enthusiast drivers.

The eighth version of the vehicle arrives to the largest, most important single car market on the planet, the U.S., as a bonafide performance car phenomenon whose reputation has grown primarily through word-of-mouth and video game exposure. The eighth installment in the Lancer Evolution story is designed to satisfy stringent bumper, safety, and emissions requirements and equipment packaging needs.

Purposeful Body and Exterior Design

Many of the details involved in the Lancer Evolution's mechanical design are guided by a prioritization of function, durability and capability of each component or system in a competitive setting. The Lancer Evolution builds upon a rigid, steel Lancer unibody as a starting point, and adds welded seams, thicker, reinforced suspension mounting points, and body member connections that improve flexural rigidity by 1.6 times while doubling torsional rigidity. The more rigid the unibody, the more effective the suspension becomes at handling a wide range of road conditions and maintaining the most precise geometry. The additional rigidity helps to offer the benefit of strength and occupant protection in the event of a collision.

The Lancer Evolution's sense of purpose is apparent in the vehicle's exterior design, which makes a loud statement its performance capability. Blistered, lightweight aluminum fenders, widened to accommodate the vehicle's increased track, offer weight savings over comparable steel units and immediately serve notice that this is no ordinary Lancer sedan. The blistered fenders protrude gently from the sides of the vehicle to help improve aerodynamics. A lightweight aluminum hood with a large vent opening helps evacuate engine heat and also helps reduce the vehicle's overall weight. A new front air dam design integrates an undercover that improves aerodynamics, as it directs air towards the brakes and transfer differential, there by helping to reduce lift and improve high-speed handling.

The front bumper has been enlarged and suitably reinforced to satisfy mandated U.S. requirements with an additional beam that increases the strength of the bumper support structure. Atop this new bumper structure is a split-grille design front fascia that features large efficient inlets that improve cooling, intercooler efficiency, and add to the vehicle's aggressive competition-minded appeal. The fascia also includes a pair of new four-bulb headlights with HID composite low beams that are matched to the wide body of the Lancer Evolution and offer improved nighttime visibility. Projector-type lamps supply high beam illumination. The rear lamps are designed to match the wider Lancer Evolution fenders and utilize a clear lens that has become popular among the tuner culture.

The Lancer Evolution is the first vehicle in the series to use a rear wing made entirely of carbon fiber reinforced plastic. By making one of the optional rear spoilers from carbon fiber, the properties of this aerospace-grade material have helped increase the wing's rigidity and performance. This carbon fiber airfoil is also relocated 58 mm further to the rear of the vehicle versus previous designs to help improve downforce. The non-adjustable airfoil as well as in the supportive inner and outer fins are made entirely of lightweight, carbon fiber. The Lancer Evolution's rear spoiler is two kgs lighter than and twice as strong as the plastic design used on the Lancer Evolution VII. The high strength to weight ratio of the carbon fiber material has allowed the airfoil to be reshaped, streamlined and optimized to provide greater down force with less mass and reduced drag.

Interior

Despite its performance-oriented transformation, the Lancer Evolution's interior maintains a strong similarity to the appealing, functional cabin layout found in the Lancer sedan. The Lancer Evolution sedan is available with dark-gray and monotone black interior hues covering the door panel, console, and other interior surfaces that help add to the "all business" nature of this spartan, yet sporty cockpit.

A leather-covered, three-spoke MOMO(R) steering wheel and leather-covered shift knob help improve the driver's sense and tactile feel of these vital control surfaces. Round, clearly legible performance gauges are boldly illuminated full-time with a striking red hue, adding some visual character to the exciting performance nature of this vehicle. The center of the Lancer Evolution's dash panel is decorated with titanium-colored paint, while the decorative panel that spans the width of the dash is accentuated with an argent hue. The Lancer Evolution is equipped with a 140-watt, six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo, should one ever tire of hearing the turbocharged shriek of the engine's pleasing exhaust note.

Proving that high-performance driving can become more enjoyable through refinement, the Lancer Evolution includes several creature comforts not expected in a zero-compromise performance sedan. Lancer Evolution drivers are firmly cradled by supportive custom Recaro(R) front sport seats that help alleviate fatigue, and can be adjusted to the ideal driving position. Measures have been taken to help make this seat far more comfortable and supportive for American drivers. The seats provide effective side support and include sliding and reclining controls that rely on a step-free design, allowing the precise adjustment and location of optimum seating points. The Recaro(R) front seats offer a lower center of gravity that places driver hip point at 30 mm lower than the seats equipped on the Lancer sedan. The Lancer Evolution's rear seat area includes a folding center armrest with cup holder, as well as upper and lower tether anchors to accommodate a child seat.

Engine and Drivetrain

The Lancer Evolution series has become legendary among car enthusiasts, not for its Recaro(R) seats or bulging fenders, but as a result of a mechanical specification that endows this compact sedan with performance capabilities rivaling many exotic sports cars. The drivetrain found beneath the skin of the Lancer Evolution series has served as testament to Mitsubishi's engineering and technological mastery as a car builder. Every generation of the Lancer Evolution sedan has relied on a high-output, transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine mated to a secure-handling all-wheel-drive system that allows this vehicle to be driven quickly and confidently by both novice and expert drivers alike.

Lancer Evolution is powered by a proven and potent version of the 2.0-liter, 4G63, DOHC, four-cylinder engine design that has been steadily refined for improved durability, flexibility and peak power over the past decade. The engine's reciprocating assembly has been suitably reinforced with forged metal components to better withstand the increased cylinder pressures of forced induction.

Forged connecting rods and forged aluminum pistons spin from a rugged forged steel crankshaft that is located at the bottom of a cast-iron cylinder block. An aluminum cylinder head with high-velocity intake ports and four valves per combustion chamber endow this motor with excellent breathing characteristics that are exploited by exhaust-driven forced induction.

The combustion chambers are fed up to 19.0 psi of pressurized ambient air by a turbocharger whose design is optimized for improved throttle response and increased torque throughout the rpm range. The turbocharger's exhaust gas-driven turbine wheel is surrounded by a twin-scroll housing that helps direct and maintain exhaust gas velocity over the turbine wheel at lower speeds to improve engine response in the low-to-mid rpm range. A lubricated shaft connects the turbine to a compressor wheel whose impeller design helps build boost earlier, reducing lag and improving response across the rev-range.

The pressurized air fed to the engine is cooled using a large front-mounted air-to-air intercooler. Additional air charge cooling efficiency is gained by the use of a water spraying system that lowers intercooler temperature with either a manual or automatic spray mode. The Lancer Evolution is equipped with a cold-air intake system that repositions the vehicle's battery to achieve the most desirable airflow characteristics.

Fuel delivery for the four-cylinder engine is handled by a multi-point fuel injection with a computer control that also governs ignition timing. This single ECU is programmed with fuel and ignition maps that help maximize the engine's useable torque across the rpm range while still meeting stringent LEV1-LEV emissions requirements. The Lancer Evolution sedan uses a large-diameter (60.5 mm) free-flowing exhaust system that reduces back pressure and includes a catalytic converter and two sound-absorbing pre-mufflers. The low restriction main muffler utilizes a built-in back-pressure variable valve that reduces exhaust noise at low engine speeds and improves exhaust flow at higher speed. The output for the U.S.-specification 2.0-liter engine is 271 horsepower at 6,500 rpm, and 273 lbs-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm from a vehicle that requires a strict diet of synthetic oil.

The vehicle's decade-old engine package has resulted in numerous subtle, yet effective refinements that include weight reduction of some of the engine's components. Certain weight-saving measures lower the engine's center of gravity to help improve handling such as casting the 4G63's valve cover in super lightweight magnesium, and casting both iron camshafts with hollow centers. The reduced mass of the camshafts, the use of lightweight aluminum valve retainers and hollow exhaust valve stems also help reduce valvetrain mass to improve the engine's responsiveness by reducing the inertia of fast-moving pieces. In the interest of extended durability, the Lancer Evolution utilizes a high-capacity radiator with an aluminum core and a powerful electric fan unit, and an external air-to-oil cooler to help control underhood temperatures under all conditions.

For drivers to exploit such a highly tuned engine, Lancer Evolution is equipped with a rugged competition-tested five-speed manual transmission. This strengthened transmission includes many small measures to ensure the unit's capability of withstanding the engine's increased torque output in competition tune. Each of the transmission's gears is made of high-strength, surface-treated material to help better withstand sporting or competition driving.

The transmission's shifting action and engagement are improved with the use of triple syncros on the first and second gears and double syncro on third gear. The transmission is equipped with a 4.529 final drive ratio that helps to dazzle drivers with stunning acceleration. Drivers actuate the rugged five-speed transmission using a slick, short throw, leather-wrapped, five-speed shifter that provides quicker gear engagement one expects from a competition-minded vehicle.

The power goes from the transmission to a transfer differential that helps ensure superior traction and acceleration off the line. The transfer differential consists of a bevel gear center differential and viscous coupling unit. The torque is distributed equally (50:50) between the front and rear wheels. On slippery surfaces, the viscous coupling unit limits the differences in torque distribution and helps distribute the torque delivery to the non-slipping wheels. The Lancer Evolution's front differential is a reliable, open-type, bevel gear unit. From the transfer differential the engine's power goes to the rear differential through a durable three-section propeller shaft. The U.S. version of the Lancer Evolution sedan uses a mechanical, plate-style limited-slip differential that limits wheel slippage and improves traction and handling. This reliable mechanical unit relies on regular hypoid gear oil for lubrication, and is a component that has proven its worth in competition.

Suspension

The Lancer Evolution's suspension is designed with competition in mind through use of high-strength, lightweight aluminum and refined pillow ball linkages that improve suspension movement, response and performance. The Lancer Evolution's front suspension relies on a combination of large-diameter inverted struts and oversized coil springs designed to handle high cornering loads on a variety of surfaces. The front coil spring rate is optimized to realize a rapid response rate and are rolled from a premium steel material chosen for its superior durability. The front suspension's forged aluminum lower control arm help reduce component weight and load on the coil springs to provide a more nimble, faster-reacting suspension action. The control arm uses large-diameter reinforced bushings in addition to low-friction pillow ball bushings to free suspension movement. The Lancer Evolution's front suspension also utilizes larger-diameter ball joints that offer improved reliability in stressed conditions. In addition, the large-diameter front stabilizer (24 mm) is attached to the suspension using pillow ball bushings that reduce friction and help improve movement.

A reinforcing crossmember connects the left and right control arm mounts and helps increase lateral rigidity, increasing steering feel and cornering stiffness. The Lancer Evolution uses a forged knuckle arm that reduces suspension component weight while increasing component strength. The alignment of the suspension components takes advantage of the vehicle's wider track and optimizes the roll center height to realize increases in cornering limits and faster steering responses. The Lancer Evolution's steering is handled by a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system with a quick-reacting (13:1 ratio) steering gearset that enables more immediate steering reactions with exceptional road feel.

Lancer Evolution's rear suspension arrangement replaces the trailing arm with a multi-link set-up found beneath the basic Lancer sedan with a competition-inspired multi-link design that utilizes double-wishbone to help realize superior handling stability on a variety of surfaces. As with the front suspension, many of the rear suspension's major components are forged from durable, lightweight aluminum. The use of ball joints at key suspension points reduces friction to create a suspension arrangement that exhibits superior, faster-reacting suspension movement in all conditions. The rear suspension's trailing arms, upper arm, lower arm, and toe arm are all forged from heat-treated aluminum to help increase rigidity without increasing weight. The knuckle arm mount and rear lower arms are attached using pillow ball bushings that offer superior movement. The rear suspension is braced by a large, stout suspension crossmember that is also forged from aluminum and helps stabilize the movement of the suspension components. As with the front suspension, the rear suspension uses larger-diameter shocks, springs and large (22 mm) stabilizer to control cornering forces, offer increased dampening response, and improve ride quality while high cornering limits.

Wheels and Brakes

The Lancer Evolution uses lightweight, 17-inch, one-piece aluminum wheels that are eight inches wide. Each six-spoke wheel is three pounds lighter than those on the previous Lancer Evolution edition, helping to reduce unsprung weight. These attractive wheels were developed exclusively for the Lancer Evolution by Enkei(R) and are mounted with Lancer Evolution-specific 235/45R17 Yokohama ADVAN A046 tires. The rubber compound and tread pattern used in the construction of these tires is designed specifically for the Lancer Evolution to help improve grip at high g-force loads and elevate the vehicle's cornering limits. The Lancer Evolution uses large Brembo(R) disc brakes, with aluminum opposed calipers, combined with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) and Sport ABS to help improve braking power and stability. The front brakes utilize a large ventilated 12.65-inch (320 mm) rotor and strong four-piston calipers, while the rear uses a two-piston caliper and solid 11.8-inch (300 mm) rotor design.

This competition-oriented Brembo(R) braking system provides incredible stopping power to match the vehicle's drivetrain capability. The Lancer Evolution is equipped with an EBD system, which utilizes computer control to help ensure optimal distribution of braking forces. In addition, this system governs rear brake forces to help reduce temperature build-up in the front brakes under hard braking conditions. Independent control of the left and right rear brakes also help the vehicle realize better braking balance during cornering.

The Lancer Evolution's Sport ABS offers four-wheel independent control to help optimize the braking actions from each wheel and help maintain control and stability. The system utilizes a steering wheel angle sensor, longitudinal and lateral G-sensors, and four-wheel speed sensors that provide the Sport ABS computer with precise data to help the processor determine how to regulate the minute, millisecond reactions of lightweight hydraulic actuators that control braking loads.

Race or Street Ready

The Lancer Evolution stands ready to deliver a captivating driving experience as the daily transportation for an enthusiast yearning for a distinct, high-performance vehicle that offers a "giant-killing" performance envelope. The Lancer Evolution sedan enjoys a successful rally competition history that has yielded mechanical, safety and aerodynamic refinements that have been justified and tested in the fires of competition, giving the Lancer Evolution series an unmatched performance pedigree among super-performance sedans. Just five minutes behind the wheel vindicates its iconic status, and reminds one just how empty the driving video game experience can be in the face of driving reality.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all of the North American operations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. As a single company consolidated on January 1, 2003, MMNA and its subsidiaries manufacture, distribute, finance and market Mitsubishi brand coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of nearly 700 dealers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Mitsubishi Motors sold its first vehicle in the U.S. in 1981, and began building cars here in 1988 at its manufacturing facility in Normal, Ill.

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