Lancer Evolution IX GSR (Japan, 2005)

In March 2005, Mitsubishi introduced the 9th series Lancer Evolution in the Japanese and the European markets. A month later, the car was also displayed at the New York International Auto Show, marking the model’s entry into the North American market.

The Lancer Evo IX was produced in four different trim versions worldwide – the GSR (standard), the RS, the SE and the MR – each with a distinct level of performance. However, the Evo versions released in the United Kingdom fill up a different scheme: the FQ-300, FQ-320, FQ-340 and FQ-360 are the versions released for the Evo IX there, each one named after its horsepower output.
Mitsubishi suspended the Evo IX’s production run in  October 2007.

Mitsubishi provides all the Lancer Evolution IX units with a 2.0 L Sirius engine with twin-scroll Turbo. This model is built with four-wheel drive system.
All the Evo IX trim level versions sold worldwide, except for the ones sold in the UK, deliver 286 hp and reach 155 mi/h (249 km/h), going from 0–60 mi/h (0–97 km/h) in 4.7 seconds. The strongest Evo version produced for the UK market, FQ-360, delivers 366 hp, reaches its top speed at 162 mi/h (260 km/h), and goes from 0–60 mi/h in 4.1 seconds.
The Evo IX can be given a 5-speed or a 6-speed manual transmission, according to its trim level.

Unitary steel frame.   Platform Mitsubishi CT9A platform.   Suspension Front McPherson struts with inverted shock absorbers, forged aluminium lower wishbones and stabilizer bar; rear multi-link arrangement with forged aluminium trailing links and lateral links and aluminium cross-member with stabilizer bar.   Steering Power assisted rack-and-pinion.   Brakes All-wheels Brembo vented discs.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX is a 4-door sedan, although there was a limited edition station wagon version that was only sold in Japan and had 2.500 copies built.
The work that was done on the Evo IX’s bodyshell consisted on several styling upgrades that would further develop the car’s aerodynamics and its engine-cooling efficiency.

In June 2006, “ConsumerSearch.com” elected the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution “best Aggressive sports sedan” within its Best Sports Sedans list.