2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: The Original 4-Door Sports Car

With a design and engineering pedigree developed from multiple title victories in the grueling World Rally Championship (WRC), the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is the original four-door sports car, thanks to its remarkably fleet of foot Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) full-time all-wheel drive system that provides an astounding degree of road-hugging traction paired with an extremely potent 291 hp, all-aluminum 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

For the 2013 model year, the Japanese auto manufacturer's legendary Lancer Evolution sports sedan is available in two editions: the GSR and the top-flight MR.

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer GSR

Combining inspiring performance with an attractive price point, the Lancer Evolution GSR comes equipped with a rifle bolt-precise quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission along with a comprehensive list of welcome standard features and amenities including a large rear deck lid spoiler, highly supportive RECARO® semi-bucket racing seats, Brembo® braking system, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, and stylish and lightweight Enkei® alloy wheels clad with high-performance Yokohama ADVAN® tires.

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer MR

For the ultimate high-performance sports sedan driving experience, the Mitsubishi Lancer MR is chock full of advanced high-tech automotive technologies and driver aids. These include Mitsubishi's lightning fast 6-speed twin-clutch Sportronic shift transmission (TC-SST), special lightweight two-piece front brake rotors and BBS forged-alloy wheels, an upgraded suspension package that includes Eibach springs and Bilstein shock absorbers, and High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps.

Exhilarating Handling, Thanks to Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC)

Throughout its impressive history, every iteration of the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has been capable of absolutely stunning degree of road-hugging handling – thanks in large part to Mitsubishi Motors' advanced driving dynamic technologies that make up Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC).

For the 2013 Lancer Evolution model, a quartet of remarkable systems makes up Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC): all-wheel drive with an Active Center Differential (ACD) and a rear differential with Active Yaw Control (AYC), a Sport ABS braking system and Active Stability Control (ASC). The S-AWC system features three distinct driver-selectable traction modes – Tarmac, Gravel and Snow – for maximum performance.

The Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), using the Active Center Differential (ACD) to modulate power, makes split-second decisions based on information collected from sensors measuring wheel speeds, throttle opening and steering wheel angle to manage the electronically-controlled multi-plate clutch. The system allows up to a 50:50 torque split between the front and rear wheels.

The Active Yaw Control (AYC) controls torque distribution to the vehicle's rear wheels through yaw rate sensors, brake force control from the Active Stability Control (ASC) and the planetary gear rear differential.

The Sport Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) utilizes data from the S-AWC and the yaw rate sensors, along with advanced brake pressure, to rapidly decelerate the vehicle with exceptional poise and control.

The Active Stability Control (ASC) oversees the traction and stability control systems and helps prevent wheel slip and regulates brake force and power distribution at each individual wheel for improved stability and traction when cornering.

Supercar as a Daily Driver

While the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is essentially a street-legal race car, this race-ready vehicle's interior is far more accommodating for life as a daily driver than the typical machines found at the race track.

All Lancer Evolution models feature an aesthetically appealing design incorporating stylish black sport fabric interior trim and gloss-black instrument panel trim, along with a smart layout of the driver's controls as well as pleasant ergonomics for all cabin occupants. What's more, every Lancer Evolution features a long list of welcome amenities befitting an upscale automobile. These include comfortable yet form-fitting RECARO® front bucket sport seats, cruise control, remote keyless entry, automatic climate control and power windows, side mirrors and door locks. Music fans will appreciate the smooth grooves emanating from the standard 6-speaker 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with digital signal processor (DSP) and USB auxiliary input and includes Mitsubishi Motors' FUSE Handsfree Link System™ that allows users to wirelessly connect to their Bluetooth®-enabled cell phone, iPod® or USB drive by using their voice.

Race-Bred Chassis and Suspension for Optimal Performance & Safety

Derived from the well-engineered global C-platform, the 2013 Lancer Evolution possesses an exceptionally well-fortified platform and an advanced suspension system derived from years of world rally competition.

Engineers have made the most of high-tech lightweight but exceptionally strong materials. Components such as the engine block and suspension control arms are composed of aluminum, as well as a good portion of the body (the roof, hood, front fenders, and front and rear bumper beams) to help reduce overall vehicle weight. Weight distribution has been further enhanced by locating both the battery and the windshield washer fluid tank inside the trunk area.

All 2013 Lancer Evolution models feature a well-tuned suspension design that consists of inverted MacPherson struts up front with a multi-link at the rear, a race-ready Brembo® braking system with 4-piston calipers with 13.8-inch diameter rotors (front) and 2-piston calipers with 13.0-inch diameter rotors (rear), 4-channel Sport ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

The 2013 Lancer Evolution MR further increases the performance quotient thanks to the fitment of lightweight two-piece Brembo® brake rotors up front (saving 2.9 lbs. of unsprung weight at each wheel), accompanied by Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs at all four corners.

Additional road-hugging performance is attained through the fitment of high-grip 245/40R18 Yokohama ADVAN asymmetrical performance tires wrapped around 18 x 8.5-inch wheels (Enkei cast-alloy on GSR and BBS® forged-alloy on MR) on all four axles.

Helping to protect the vehicle's occupants in the event of an accident are Mitsubishi's patented next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) technology to help disperse energy from the cabin section as well as the fuel system, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors and a total of seven air bags: a driver's side knee air bag, two front, two seat-mounted side-impact air bags and two side curtain air bags.

Technologically-Advanced Powertrain

Boasting an impressive 291 hp at 6,500 rpm and a potent 300 lb.-ft. of torque starting at 4,400 rpm, the DOHC 16-valve 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled inline-4-cylinder engine with MIVEC variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts is constructed of a reinforced cast-aluminum cylinder block and an aluminum cylinder head (engine code: 4B11 T/C). With a bore and stroke both measuring 86.0 mm, the 2.0-liter boasts a 'square' design with a 9.0:1 compression ratio.

The stainless steel exhaust manifold and turbocharger are located on the rear of the transversely mounted engine, close to the firewall, and help to improve weight distribution. The exhaust system with dual exhaust outlets is free-flowing and gives the Lancer Evolution a distinctive and throaty exhaust tone.

The GSR model comes equipped with a precise, short-throw 5-speed manual transmission while the upmarket MR model features a lightning-quick Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST).

The TC-SST operates two wet multi-plate clutches to toggle through gears quicker than a standard automatic or manual transmission. Shifts are utterly seamless, with almost no discernible lag time. In manual mode, shifts can be made with the console-mounted gear selector or the magnesium-alloy steering wheel paddle shifters.

Mitsubishi engineers programmed three automatic drive modes for the Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission: Normal, Sport and S-Sport. In Normal mode, the Lancer Evolution drives similar to most automatic transmission-equipped vehicles. In Sport mode, the shift points are moved higher in the rpm range and shifting has been quickened. The S-Sport mode goes further, holding each gear close to redline, and is optimized for the racetrack.

The Lancer Evolution GSR achieves a 17 mpg city/23 mpg highway rating from the EPA with the 5-speed manual transmission with the Lancer Evolution MR producing 17 mpg city/ 22 mpg highway with the TC-SST.

by 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 came in different shapes and sizes. Since the car's 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, including the base 1.2-liter sedan, and ranging towards the rally-prepared 1600 GSR. Two body styles 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 body style 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 were 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 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 have 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 Lancer's 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 eighth 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. The 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 car's 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 the vehicle went on sale in the US in March of 2007. it is available as a four-door sedan.

by Dan Vaughan