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The eighth Lancer Evolution was developed on the Lancer sedan chassis that was first introduced to the U.S. market in the fall of 2001. Every Lancer Evolution unibody begins life on the same assembly line as the base Lancer economy 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 helped this vehicle achieve supercar status. The modifications implemented on the previous versions of the Lancer Evolution sedan represent the lessons learned by Mitsubishi through competition on the World Rally circuit.
To achieve a curb weight lower than the already-lean Lancer Evolution, the Lancer Evolution RS sheds several non-essential items. Most notable from outside, the RS is not bedecked with the Lancer Evolution's distinctive rear wing spoiler. The high-intensity discharge headlights also were deleted, as was the rear window wiper. Inside, RS drivers must make do without an air conditioning system or an AM/FM/CD audio system. There are no power mechanisms for the windows, locks, or side mirrors. Trunk compartment trim has been removed, as have vanity mirrors, rear assist grips, map lamps, and the parking brake lever's leather covering. An antilock brake system is not available.
The Lancer Evolution RS doesn't compromise performance, whether performance is defined as straight-ahead acceleration or exit speed out of an apex. Higher performance is achieved in part by lowering the vehicle's mass, but the RS is also better equipped to handle lateral motion, thanks to the addition of its front limited slip differential.
This helical limited slip differential (LSD) takes the place of the Lancer Evolution's open front differential, giving the RS mechanical front and rear differentials that split power delivery between their respective left and right wheels, and a center differential that splits the power between front and rear. The front differential's helical design provides it with smooth operation and superior responsiveness. Small in both size and weight, the helical unit does not require special oil or additional maintenance.
Helical-type limited-slip differentials offer several advantages over the clutch-type or viscous LSDs. Viscous limited-slip units tend to wear out after extended use, as their oil is heated and reheated until it degrades, rendering the unit ineffective. Clutch-type differentials provide good off-the-line traction, but the 50/50 stability that's beneficial in a straight line is not so desirable when a vehicle is turning. The helical-type limited slip provides better durability and performance when it's needed most: while turning. Unlike an open differential, which shifts power to the wheel with less grip, the helical LSD constantly shifts the bias toward the wheel that has more traction.
Under straight-line acceleration, power remains evenly split between the front wheels. While cornering (e.g. accelerating out of a turn), the helical LSD directs power away from the inside wheel and toward the outside wheel, allowing the driver to begin accelerating earlier and exit the turn at a higher speed, without losing traction in the process. Performance is also improved on slippery mud or snow that's often encountered on isolated dirt roads, where the Lancer Evolution series spent much of its development.Source - Mitsubishi
To achieve a curb weight lower than the already-lean Lancer Evolution, the Lancer Evolution RS sheds several non-essential items. Most notable from outside, the RS is not bedecked with the Lancer Evolution's distinctive rear wing spoiler. The high-intensity discharge headlights also were deleted, as was the rear window wiper. Inside, RS drivers must make do without an air conditioning system or an AM/FM/CD audio system. There are no power mechanisms for the windows, locks, or side mirrors. Trunk compartment trim has been removed, as have vanity mirrors, rear assist grips, map lamps, and the parking brake lever's leather covering. An antilock brake system is not available.
The Lancer Evolution RS doesn't compromise performance, whether performance is defined as straight-ahead acceleration or exit speed out of an apex. Higher performance is achieved in part by lowering the vehicle's mass, but the RS is also better equipped to handle lateral motion, thanks to the addition of its front limited slip differential.
This helical limited slip differential (LSD) takes the place of the Lancer Evolution's open front differential, giving the RS mechanical front and rear differentials that split power delivery between their respective left and right wheels, and a center differential that splits the power between front and rear. The front differential's helical design provides it with smooth operation and superior responsiveness. Small in both size and weight, the helical unit does not require special oil or additional maintenance.
Helical-type limited-slip differentials offer several advantages over the clutch-type or viscous LSDs. Viscous limited-slip units tend to wear out after extended use, as their oil is heated and reheated until it degrades, rendering the unit ineffective. Clutch-type differentials provide good off-the-line traction, but the 50/50 stability that's beneficial in a straight line is not so desirable when a vehicle is turning. The helical-type limited slip provides better durability and performance when it's needed most: while turning. Unlike an open differential, which shifts power to the wheel with less grip, the helical LSD constantly shifts the bias toward the wheel that has more traction.
Under straight-line acceleration, power remains evenly split between the front wheels. While cornering (e.g. accelerating out of a turn), the helical LSD directs power away from the inside wheel and toward the outside wheel, allowing the driver to begin accelerating earlier and exit the turn at a higher speed, without losing traction in the process. Performance is also improved on slippery mud or snow that's often encountered on isolated dirt roads, where the Lancer Evolution series spent much of its development.Source - Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Lancer was first introduced in 1973, and since that time more than six million examples have been sold. It has carried many different names, sold by different manufacturers, and come in different shapes and sizes. Since the cars inception, it has proven to be a solid competitor in rally competition. It has been a very versatile, and capable automobile.
When first introduced, it joined Mitsubishi's other models which included the Galant, their compact car, and the Minica kei car. The Lancer fell into ranks between these two models, serving as the company's lower-to-middle class vehicle. When introduced, it was offered in twelve different trim levels, included the base 1.2-liter sedan, and ranging towards the rally-prepared 1600 GSR. Two bodystyles were offered, the 2-door coupe and the 4-door sedan. There was also a five-door station wagon, but the production levels on this never reached very high. A hatchback was added in 1975, called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste and offered with either a 1.4- or 1.6-liter engine. A 2.0-liter unit was later added.
The second generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer was introduced in 1978 and remained in production until 1983. The only bodystyle offered was the four-door sedan; two engine sizes were available, a 1.4- and 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit. The big news for this generation was the addition of the Lancer EX, which brought with it a turbocharger for the 1.8-liter engine.
In 1982 the next generation of the Lancer was introduced. A new model was launched, dubbed the lancer Fiore and based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. This generation of the Lancer was offered in a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and five-door station wagon. The 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines were still available. A diesel version was introduced, and fuel injected and turbocharged versions were offered.
The station wagon was added in 1985, and it was followed quickly by a four-wheel drive version.
In 1988 the next iteration of the Lancer began, and would persist until 1992. The design changed; the car became less boxy, and more aerodynamic in appearance and principle. The edges became more round and modern. The shape followed the design of the Galant.
By now, the Lancer name was being shared with the Dodge Lancer, which was being sold in the United States by Chrysler Group. In Japan, the model was known as the Mirage Aspire.
This generation of the Lancer was sold as a 3-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and 5-door hatchback. Front and four-wheel drive was available.
In 1991, the differences between the Mirage and the Lancer became even greater, though both were still built on the same platform. In the North American market, the Lancer was sold as the Eagle Summit.
A V6 engine, which displaced just 1.6-liters, was introduced and powered the Mirage, along with other Mitsubishi cars. It would even become the power source for one of the HSR Concept vehicles. This V6 engine was the smallest mass-produced V6, a title it retains to this day. Other engine options included a 1.3, 1.5, 1.8, and 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines. The 1.3 and 1.5-liter versions were SOHC while the rest were DOHC. The 1.8 was created in both SOHC and DOHC fashion. The standard gearbox was the five-speed manual, with the four-speed automatic being sold as optional equipment.
The big news was the Lancer GSR, which had a high-performance turbocharged engine and would form the groundwork for the Lancer Evolution, commonly known as the Lancer Evo, which began in September of 1993. The Evo used the drivetrain of the Galant VR-4 rally car, and would soon prove its potential as a high performance competition machine.
All of the Lancer Evolutions has shared a two-liter, turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive system. The Evolutions, prior to version V, are the officially-approved models for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA Pro Rally Championship. The cars are built on the same platform as the other Lancers, but given many performance upgrades and mechanical improvements.
Lancer Evolutions continue to race in Group A and Group N classes.
The seventh generation of the Lancer was introduced in 1995 and produced until 2000. It continued the Lancers successful formula of enjoying strong sales throughout the world. In Japan, the name for the sedan and wagon continued as the Libero; related Mirage models were still available. The Coupe was known as the Mirage Asti in Japan, and the Lancer Coupe in the rest of the world.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V is the only Mitsubishi to earn the WRC Constructors Championship for its marque. Tommi Makinen has claimed four WRC Drivers Championships, from 1996 through 2000, in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (IV, V & VI). Makinen has driven Mitsubishi's in most of his WRC career. The exception being a Ford Escort RS Cosworth in 1994 and a Subaru Impreza WRC in 2002.
The eight generation of the Lancer was introduced in 2000 in Japan. Most of the other markets continued with the seventh generation. The 8th gen Lancer was available in a four-door sedan configuration or as a station wagon.
Styling changes for the Lancer occurred in 2004 and 2005 for the North American market. The grille was given more fins so it was closer in design to the American version of the Galant. The facia was changed slightly again in 2006.
The Sportback and Ralliart were introduced to the US in 2004. Both of these trim levels brought more equipped and bigger engines. The Sportback has a 160 horsepower engine and the Ralliart was just a little higher, at 162. For both, the suspension had been improved, resulting in better handling and performance. The cars were lowered and 16-inch alloy wheels could now be found on all four corners. Aerodynamic ground package, fog lamps, and front bucket seats completed the ensemble. The Ralliart was given clear rear tail lights and a rear deck spoiler, which did little except enhance the cars appearance. All Sportbacks were equipped with an INVECS-II automatic gearbox. The Ralliart had the five-speed manual as standard and the four-speed automatic as optional.
Slow sales and financial difficulties for Mitsubishi had the Sportback canceled after just one year.
The Mitsubishi Concept X was unveiled to the public at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show; Concept-Sportback was shown a little while later at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new lancer drew its design inspiration from both of these concepts, which was officially unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show. Sales for this generation of vehicle went on sale in the US in March of 2007. it is available as a four-door sedan.
When first introduced, it joined Mitsubishi's other models which included the Galant, their compact car, and the Minica kei car. The Lancer fell into ranks between these two models, serving as the company's lower-to-middle class vehicle. When introduced, it was offered in twelve different trim levels, included the base 1.2-liter sedan, and ranging towards the rally-prepared 1600 GSR. Two bodystyles were offered, the 2-door coupe and the 4-door sedan. There was also a five-door station wagon, but the production levels on this never reached very high. A hatchback was added in 1975, called the Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste and offered with either a 1.4- or 1.6-liter engine. A 2.0-liter unit was later added.
The second generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer was introduced in 1978 and remained in production until 1983. The only bodystyle offered was the four-door sedan; two engine sizes were available, a 1.4- and 1.8-liter four-cylinder unit. The big news for this generation was the addition of the Lancer EX, which brought with it a turbocharger for the 1.8-liter engine.
In 1982 the next generation of the Lancer was introduced. A new model was launched, dubbed the lancer Fiore and based on the Mitsubishi Mirage. This generation of the Lancer was offered in a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback, and five-door station wagon. The 1.6- and 1.8-liter engines were still available. A diesel version was introduced, and fuel injected and turbocharged versions were offered.
The station wagon was added in 1985, and it was followed quickly by a four-wheel drive version.
In 1988 the next iteration of the Lancer began, and would persist until 1992. The design changed; the car became less boxy, and more aerodynamic in appearance and principle. The edges became more round and modern. The shape followed the design of the Galant.
By now, the Lancer name was being shared with the Dodge Lancer, which was being sold in the United States by Chrysler Group. In Japan, the model was known as the Mirage Aspire.
This generation of the Lancer was sold as a 3-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and 5-door hatchback. Front and four-wheel drive was available.
In 1991, the differences between the Mirage and the Lancer became even greater, though both were still built on the same platform. In the North American market, the Lancer was sold as the Eagle Summit.
A V6 engine, which displaced just 1.6-liters, was introduced and powered the Mirage, along with other Mitsubishi cars. It would even become the power source for one of the HSR Concept vehicles. This V6 engine was the smallest mass-produced V6, a title it retains to this day. Other engine options included a 1.3, 1.5, 1.8, and 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines. The 1.3 and 1.5-liter versions were SOHC while the rest were DOHC. The 1.8 was created in both SOHC and DOHC fashion. The standard gearbox was the five-speed manual, with the four-speed automatic being sold as optional equipment.
The big news was the Lancer GSR, which had a high-performance turbocharged engine and would form the groundwork for the Lancer Evolution, commonly known as the Lancer Evo, which began in September of 1993. The Evo used the drivetrain of the Galant VR-4 rally car, and would soon prove its potential as a high performance competition machine.
All of the Lancer Evolutions has shared a two-liter, turbocharged engine and four-wheel drive system. The Evolutions, prior to version V, are the officially-approved models for Mitsubishi's efforts in the World Rally Championship's Group A class and SCCA Pro Rally Championship. The cars are built on the same platform as the other Lancers, but given many performance upgrades and mechanical improvements.
Lancer Evolutions continue to race in Group A and Group N classes.
The seventh generation of the Lancer was introduced in 1995 and produced until 2000. It continued the Lancers successful formula of enjoying strong sales throughout the world. In Japan, the name for the sedan and wagon continued as the Libero; related Mirage models were still available. The Coupe was known as the Mirage Asti in Japan, and the Lancer Coupe in the rest of the world.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V is the only Mitsubishi to earn the WRC Constructors Championship for its marque. Tommi Makinen has claimed four WRC Drivers Championships, from 1996 through 2000, in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (IV, V & VI). Makinen has driven Mitsubishi's in most of his WRC career. The exception being a Ford Escort RS Cosworth in 1994 and a Subaru Impreza WRC in 2002.
The eight generation of the Lancer was introduced in 2000 in Japan. Most of the other markets continued with the seventh generation. The 8th gen Lancer was available in a four-door sedan configuration or as a station wagon.
Styling changes for the Lancer occurred in 2004 and 2005 for the North American market. The grille was given more fins so it was closer in design to the American version of the Galant. The facia was changed slightly again in 2006.
The Sportback and Ralliart were introduced to the US in 2004. Both of these trim levels brought more equipped and bigger engines. The Sportback has a 160 horsepower engine and the Ralliart was just a little higher, at 162. For both, the suspension had been improved, resulting in better handling and performance. The cars were lowered and 16-inch alloy wheels could now be found on all four corners. Aerodynamic ground package, fog lamps, and front bucket seats completed the ensemble. The Ralliart was given clear rear tail lights and a rear deck spoiler, which did little except enhance the cars appearance. All Sportbacks were equipped with an INVECS-II automatic gearbox. The Ralliart had the five-speed manual as standard and the four-speed automatic as optional.
Slow sales and financial difficulties for Mitsubishi had the Sportback canceled after just one year.
The Mitsubishi Concept X was unveiled to the public at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show; Concept-Sportback was shown a little while later at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new lancer drew its design inspiration from both of these concepts, which was officially unveiled at the 2007 Detroit Motor Show. Sales for this generation of vehicle went on sale in the US in March of 2007. it is available as a four-door sedan.
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII |
|
| Year | 2004 |
| Make | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Lancer Evolution VIII |
| Engine Location | Front |
| Drive Type | AWD |
| Production Years for Series | 2004 |
| Weight | 2646 lbs | 1200.2 kg |
| Engine | |
| Engine Configuration | I |
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Aspiration/Induction | Turbocharged |
| Displacement | 2.00 L | 122 cu in. | 1999.6 cc. |
| Horsepower | 271.00 HP (199.5 KW) @ 6500.00 RPM |
| Torque | 273.00 Ft-Lbs (370.2 NM) @ 3500.00 RPM |
| HP to Weight Ratio | 9.8 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio) |
| HP / Liter | 135.5 BHP / Liter |
| Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight | |
| Transmission Information | |
| Gears | 5 |
| Transmission | Manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Exterior | |
| Length | 177.601 in | 4511.1 mm. |
| Width | 66.801 in | 1696.7 mm. |
| Height | 54.101 in | 1374.2 mm. |
| Wheelbase | 102.401 in | 2601 mm. |
| Vehicles with similar dimensions | |
| Tires / Wheels | |
| Tires | 235/45ZR17 |
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| Topics |
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hmmm... way cool but
Replies: 8 Monday, June 09, 2003 |
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general comments
Replies: 36 Monday, January 06, 2003 |
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