Why you need the Mitsubishi Evolution IX

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution first appeared in the early 90s to pave the way for Mitsubishi’s entry into the World Rally Championship’s Group A class and the SCCA Pro rally Championship. Only the Japanese were lucky enough to witness the first ever Evo’s which were based on the Mitsubishi’s family Lancer saloon.

The car was soon a sought after gem and was crossing european borders to enter the import market as a prized grey-market import. Mitsubishi were fast to realize the interest and quickly paved the way for official imports to the UK in 1998.

The first Evolution was a four wheel drive with a 5 speed gearbox and 2.0 litres of power that summoned a powerful 244bhp. This was a blueprint which set the future standards for the Evo, and Mitsubishi didn’t let us down as there have been many incarnations.

The Evo was built alongside the more family orientated Lancer Saloon, like a hot headed big brother, and though the evo got heavier, the power and the handling got better and better until Mitsubishi had literally evolved a cult classic. The Evolution developed respect amongst speed freaks and rally drivers alike and although the car wasn’t a real eye opener to look at, under the bonnet punch was key to a long and successful life.

The Evolution IX was introduced in 2006 and was the final box edged Evo to grace us before a replacement model was drafted in. This model was a very different beast to the original and sported a lightweight aluminum roof and larger carbon fibre rear wing for better weight ratio and snake control. The engine was still a 2.0 litre turbo with variable valve control, and really kicked in with 345 bhp controlled by a 6 speed sports box.

This car could shake out top speeds close to 148mph and power from 0-60 in just over 4.2 seconds, which is pushes you firmly into the back of your seat and dries out the inside of your mouth pretty fast, so yes, the Evolution was quick but it was popular for more than just sheer power. The Evo was was very smooth to handle so rally drivers loved it dearly, put bluntly, the Evo was probably one of the best handling sports saloons ever made.

There weren’t many contenders that could beat an Evo from one point to another on snaking roads and tracks, much thanks to the low centre of gravity and four wheel drive. Super active Yaw control and Bilstien dampers gave the car handling to die for, so if you manage to grab one, take heed. These cars can shift.

Mitsubishi hinted quite heavily at what the future Evolution X may look like when they unveiled the Concept X show car in 2005. The visuals had changed with smoother lines and modern bodystyle to entice the changing market trends, gone are the squared edges. All this aside, the car remains true the Evo traditions, but fresher and sexier. The Evolution has once again evolved.

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