Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution celebrates 20th anniversary in the UK

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION: 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Nothing beats the Mitsubishi Lancer when it comes to longevity. Despite officially saying goodbye two years ago, somehow, it stubbornly leaves traces of itself behind, such as the replicated Mitsubishi Lancer Tommi Makinen Special Edition (TME) ( or Assemble-ution) in the Philippines--or Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution's 20th anniversary in the U.K. 

Yes, this rally-bred super saloon still remains alive in British hearts despite ending production in 2015. Launched on July 11, 2000, the Evolution has spanned ten generations using four different platforms, and was sold through the specialist Ralliart division.

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION: 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Mitsubishi's first-ever official model  in the U.K. was the Lancer Evo VI Tommi Makinen Special Edition, which was then followed by a batch of over 250 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIs. Equipped with extra corrosion protection, MPH instruments, additional security features and a myriad of extra features such as an integrated rear fog lamp, and a UK owner’s manual, all the 250 vehicles were sold out within weeks.

By the time the first generation retired in 2008, every version of the Mitsubishi Evolution had a rally-inspired all-wheel drive fitted in its system. It had evolved to integrate the Active Yaw Control (AYC) on the rear differential, limited slip differentials on both front and rear axles, and an Active Centre Differential (ACD) (depending on the version). Along the way, the S-AWC was introduced alongside the ACD on the Evol VII for added boost in performance. This was further enhanced in the Evo X, which also added traction and stability control, together with a six-speed dual clutch transmission.

MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION: 20TH ANNIVERSARY

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution went through ten generations, with the first nine versions powered by Mitsubishi’s legendary 4G63-T four-cylinder, turbo-charged engine (that ranges from 260hp to 400hp).

Meanwhile, the higher-powered versions were tuned in-house by Mitsubishi Motors in the UK’s Ralliart division, with its eighth generation gaining the infamous FQ label.

https://mitsubishi-media.co.uk/en-gb/releases/1550#Images

The Evolution's commercial success in the UK spurred the company to create its final model: the Lancer Evolution X FQ-440 MR in 2015. There were only 40 produced in the UK, and were sold out in a matter of hours. Even today, it's considered the most expensive and most powerful official Lancer Evolution ever sold in the UK.

In total, Mitsubishi has officially sold 5,728  Evolutions in the UK between 2000 and 2015. Even today, its technology and spirit lives on every current range of vehicle that Mitsubishi Motors manufactures for the British market. 

 Photo Credits: Mitsubishi Lancer 

 Also Read: 

INFOGRAPHIC: History of Mitsubishi

 

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Mitsubishi Cars

  • Upcoming

Mitsubishi Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Road Test
  • Mitsubishi buys back stake from Nissan
    Mitsubishi buys back stake from Nissan
    Paulo Papa . Nov 16, 2024
  • 9th PIMS: Mitsubishi Motors PH releases Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart, Xpander Cross Outdoor Edition
    9th PIMS: Mitsubishi Motors PH releases Montero Sport Black Series Ralliart, Xpander Cross Outdoor Edition
    Ruben Manahan IV . Oct 28, 2024
  • 9th PIMS: Mitsubishi stages DST Concept global premier in PH
    9th PIMS: Mitsubishi stages DST Concept global premier in PH
    Ruben Manahan IV . Oct 25, 2024
  • Mitsubishi Motors PH boosts expansion thrust in Central Luzon
    Mitsubishi Motors PH boosts expansion thrust in Central Luzon
    Ruben Manahan IV . Oct 21, 2024
  • Mitsubishi to launch 5 ventures at JMS Bizweek 2024
    Mitsubishi to launch 5 ventures at JMS Bizweek 2024
    Cesar Miguel . Oct 15, 2024
  • Mitsubishi XForce: pros and cons
    Mitsubishi XForce: pros and cons
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 16, 2024
  • Crossover clash: Mitsubishi XForce vs. Toyota Corolla Cross
    Crossover clash: Mitsubishi XForce vs. Toyota Corolla Cross
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 16, 2024
  • Exploring Mitsubishi XForce's interior
    Exploring Mitsubishi XForce's interior
    Paulo Papa . Jul 11, 2024
  • Here are the Mitsubishi XForce's 2 available trims
    Here are the Mitsubishi XForce's 2 available trims
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 11, 2024
  • Mitsubishi XForce: 4 powerful colors
    Mitsubishi XForce: 4 powerful colors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 11, 2024
  • Beyond limits: Mitsubishi Triton
    Beyond limits: Mitsubishi Triton
    Paulo Papa . Jun 21, 2024
  • Old but still golden: 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback
    Old but still golden: 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage hatchback
    Alvin Reyes . Mar 01, 2023
  • More than just a kit | 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross
    More than just a kit | 2023 Mitsubishi Xpander Cross
    Roy Robles . Jan 30, 2023
  • Xpansion pack: New 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS 1.5G 2WD A/T
    Xpansion pack: New 2022 Mitsubishi Xpander GLS 1.5G 2WD A/T
    Roy Robles . Mar 05, 2022
  • A dynamic first date: Getting acquainted with the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT
    A dynamic first date: Getting acquainted with the 2022 Mitsubishi Mirage G4 GLS 1.2 CVT
    Roy Robles . Aug 28, 2021