Lancer Evolution I (Japan, 1992)

The first edition Lancer Evolution was released in 1992 with the specific goal of giving Mitsubishi the homologation for its Lancer Group A rally car (for the World Rally Championship). The Lancer Evo came to replace the Gallant VR-4 model in such quest.

Mitsubishi conceived two trim level versions for the Evo, the GSR and the RS models. A total of 5.000 Lancer Evolutions were built until the first series’ production ceased in January 1994.

Mitsubishi provided the Lancer Evo I with a turbocharged 2.0-liter Mitsubishi Sirius engine, placed at the front of the car.
The four-wheel drive Evo I is able to deliver 244 hp and achieve a top speed of 149 mi/h (240 km/h), as well as 0-60 mi/h (0-97 km/h) in 4.9 seconds.
The first series Evo also works with a 5-speed manual transmission.

Unitary steel frame.   Platform Mitsubishi’s CD9A platform.   Suspension McPherson strut, coils springs, telescopic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar at the front axle, to which connects a rear multi-link strut, coil springs and anti-roll bar.   Steering Power assisted rack-and-pinion.   Brakes Vented front discs and solid rear discs.

The Lancer Evolution I is only made with a 4-door sedan bodyshell.

Drivers Kenneth Eriksson and Armin Schwarz drove two Group A Lancers (rally versions of the Evolution) at the 1993 World Rally Championship, being their best results two second places.
In the constructors’ championship, Mitsubishi finished in fifth.