Over the years, Japanese carmakers have released their fair share of truly emblematic vehicles. Despite being shunned by the critics when the very first models were marketed, these cars have improved over time to become serious contenders to German and American cars.
The Lancer Evo is among the most popular Japanese sports sedans ever made. As a result, the Evo is one of those Japanese cars that are worth a fortune now. Thanks to multiple successes in professional racing and the capacity to be turned into a Corvette killer, it is quite normal that the Lancer Evo became Mitsubishi's most popular vehicle.
10 First Lancer
In the early 1970s, automakers in both Europe and America were coming out with some of the most powerful and attractive sports cars. While western car manufacturers were cementing their respective reputations as legitimate car companies, Japanese carmakers were going above and beyond to prove that they belonged to the same club.
The Lancer GSR 1600 could be among the sickest cars Japan has ever made. The "King of Cars" was able to produce 169 hp thanks to a 1.6L 4G32 4-cylinder engine, along with its low weight, Mitsubishi had a killer combo that won the Safari Rally of Kenya several times in a row.
9 First International Hit
While the earlier version of the Lancer received a mitigated welcome, the later versions started attracting the attention of gearheads from both North America and Europe. In Europe, where regulations are quite stringent, smaller yet powerful engines are the name of the game.
While the rest of the world had a pretty lukewarm Lancer, the European market was gifted with the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. This '80s monster boasts a turbocharged 2.0L 4G63T 4-cylinder engine capable of cranking out 168 hp. This Lancer cemented the reputation of Mitsubishi and its Lancer in the European market.
8 Electric Evo
In 2020, it is hard to find a carmaker that is not seriously considering the production of either hybrid or electric cars. Triggered by climate change and market forces, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. However, electric and hybrid cars did not start with the Prius and the Model S.
The Lancer Evo MIEV is a true technological marvel that unfortunately was too early for its time. Equipped with four in-wheel motors, this mind-blowing electric Evo produces 268 hp at the wheel. Capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds, this Evo MIEV truly was the mother of all Evos. However, due to a limited range, the car was never mass-produced.
7 American Driving
Outside of North America, most people in the world know how to drive a stick shift. It is not rocket science, and often times will provide a much more vibrant driving experience. However, as most North Americans seem to have issues popping the clutch and shifting gears while keeping eyes on the road, foreign carmakers had to adapt.
The Evo VII GT-A looks like your typical Evo. Equipped with the usual 2.0L 4G63 4-cylinder engine found on Evos of the same generation, the only difference was the absence of the manual gearbox. The automatic gearbox was complimented by paddle shifters, which is better than nothing. Needless to say, the power output of the GT-A was not as impressive as other manual Evos.
6 Boombox
When looking at some of the sports sedans manufactured in Germany or America, people can easily tell that the top-line versions often include some of the nicest features. From the massaging seats to the Dolby-surround sound system coupled with an IMAX screen, these cars have entertainment systems that are exceptional.
It is quite common to see Bose and Harman-Kardon in vehicles nowadays. In fact, it is usually a sign that the car is equipped with some high-end options. Mitsubishi hopped on the fancy bandwagon and equipped its Evo X MR Premium with a 30GB music server, as well as a 650W Rockford-Fosgate sound system.
5 Station Wagon
Over time, carmakers worldwide have given their most popular cars some intriguing facelifts. Dodge, for example, brought back the Charger as a sedan. In the late 1990s, Nissan released a four-door sedan Skyline GT-R. Mitsubishi did not fail to follow the same trend.
The Evo IX wagon is equipped with the exact same 2.0L 4G63 4-cylinder found on the Evo IX sedan. With a power output of 287 hp, the Evo IX is a decently powered vehicle. What makes the wagon version truly special is the fact that only 2,500 units were ever produced.
4 Fake And Furious
The franchise Fast And Furious is still popular today. Despite being completely unrelated to underground racing, the newer movies are still attracting quite a lot of people. Though, it is safe to say that the earlier Fast And Furious movies were also somewhat deceiving.
It is well-known that Fast And Furious tends to pull fast ones on its viewers. Installing an SR20DET engine in a Mustang engine bay? Please. Well, this is not where the nonsense ends. The Lancer Evo IX portrayed in the movie really is a Lancer Evo VIII. Not that it matters much to the viewers, but it may grind the gears of die-hard petrol heads.
3 Ralliart - Tommi Makinen
To most gearheads with a cushy bank account out there, special edition sports cars are the only cars worthy to be considered. Consequently, it is common to attend popular car meets like Cars and Coffee and stumble across some of the most unique cars ever made.
Special editions are the best. Though the Lancer Evo VI is a tremendously amazing vehicle, the Ralliart version sold in the United Kingdom is by far the best Mitsubishi vehicle released that year. Thanks to a factory-made upgrade, the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine produces 345 hp. The car is also equipped with some other goodies, such as Recaro seats and sportier front bumper. It is practically impossible to find an original Evo VI Tommi Makinen edition for less than $29,000.
2 Best Engine
It is practically impossible for a car to become iconic without a terrific engine under its hood. To put it simply, 99% of genuine car fans will know who produced the 2JZ-GTE or S52 engines. They will know simply because these amazing engines were found in some of the best cars ever made.
The Lancer Evo was mainly equipped with the legendary 4G63 engine found on all cars between 1992 and 2007. From 2008 until the car was discontinued, the 4G63 was replaced by a 4B11T engine. Though the newer engine was far from being a letdown, it was nowhere as impressive as the engine found on Evos prior to 2008. It is rumored that the best 4G63 was found on the 2007 Evo.
1 Last Evo
There are times when automakers seem to lose the plot. Back in 2002, Chevrolet completely forgot how to manufacture respectable Camaros and threw in the towel. The car was not satisfactory. It simply could not fight against the competition. The latest Evo seems to have followed the same path as the fourth generation Camaro.
Though there are several glaring problems with Mitsubishi that everyone ignores, the last Evo failed to live up to Mitsubishi's expectations. Sales must have been low. Moreover, Mitsubishi must have felt that the wind was changing directions. As a result, the Evo was a thing of the past. Mitsubishi should really consider releasing an updated version of the MIEV.