page_title: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
section_title: Evolution IV
hierarchical_section_title: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution / Evolution IV
caption_attribution_description: English: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV RS
context_page_description: The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, commonly referred to as 'Evo', is a sports sedan based on the Lancer that was manufactured by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1992 until 2016. There have been ten official versions to date, and the designation of each model is most commonly a Roman numeral. All use two litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines and all-wheel drive systems.
  The Evolution was originally intended only for Japanese markets, but demand on the "grey import" market led the Evolution series to be offered through Ralliart dealer networks in the United Kingdom and in various European markets from around 1998. Mitsubishi decided to export the eighth generation Evolution to the United States in 2003 after witnessing the success Subaru had in that market with their long-time direct rival, the Subaru Impreza WRX STi.
  Japanese-spec versions of all Evos until the release of the Evo IX in 2005 were limited by a gentlemen's agreement to advertise no more than 280 PS. However, sources say Mitsubishi had already been producing cars with more power but had been underrating the official power outputs in order to be in compliance with the agreement.
context_section_description: The Lancer platform was completely changed in 1996, and along with it, the Evolution, which had become extremely popular throughout the world. The engine and transaxle were rotated 180° to better balance the weight and eliminate torque steer.
  There were two versions available, the RS and GSR. The RS version was produced as a competition car with a limited-slip front differential and a friction type LSD at the rear. It also came with GLX seats and a choice of either 15" or 16" OZ lightweight racing wheels. The RS also had wind-up windows, optional air conditioning in some models, and a few extra brace bars to strengthen the chassis, one behind the front grille and another across the boot floor, and an aluminum rear strut tower brace.
  The GSR and the RS shared a new twin scroll turbocharger which helped to improve response and increase power to 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 6,500 rpm and 330 N⋅m (243 lb⋅ft) torque at 4,000 rpm. Mitsubishi's new Active Yaw Control appeared as a factory standard on the GSR model, which used steering, throttle input sensors and g sensors to computer-hydraulically control torque split individually to the rear wheels and as a result, the 10,000 Evolution IVs produced all sold quickly.
  The Evolution IV can be distinguished by its two large fog lights in the front bumper (option on RS version), and the newly designed tail lights on the rear, which became a standard design to Evolution V, which would become yet another trademark of the Evolution series, note the RS has no light mounts on the boot/trunk for further weight saving.
  This new generation was slightly heavier than previous Evo's—the GSR in particular due to the added technology systems—but to counter this, the car produced even more power—the weight of the RS being 1,260 kg (2,778 lb) and the GSR being 1,345 kg (2,965 lb) (Sunroof model 1,370 kg (3,020 lb)).
  Much of the technical improvements for this generation were also used in the second generation Mitsubishi RVR  originally sold only in Japan but since exported to Australia and New Zealand. The Evolution IV was the last model to be considered "compact" according to Japanese dimension regulations.
  RS – "Rally Sport" – Shortened close-ratio 5-speed transmission, minimal interior, front worm gear LSD and rear 1.5 way LSD, front end crossbar, 15" steel rims, Lancer GLXi Front Seats (non-bucket seats), manual windows and mirrors. (Optional: manual Air Conditioner, PIAA front fog lights, Anti-Lock Braking System, Lamco-Mitsubishi boost gauge.)
  GSR – "Gran Sport Racing" – 5-speed transmission, AYC (Active Yaw Control), Anti-Lock Braking System, black-red Recaro front bucket seats, Full Auto Air Conditioner, double-din audio with rear windscreen integrated antenna, PIAA front fog lights, power windows, 16" OZ Racing F1 wheels, rear windscreen wiper, optional: sunroof, Lamco-Mitsubishi boost gauge.
caption: 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV RS
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