Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III 2.0 (270 Hp) 4WD

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III: A Rally Icon Unleashed

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III, produced between 1995 and 1996, stands as a pivotal chapter in the storied history of Mitsubishi’s high-performance Lancer Evolution lineage. This particular generation, officially designated as the CE9A chassis code, represented a significant evolution of its predecessors, further honing the formula of a compact, four-door sedan engineered primarily for rally homologation. While never officially sold in the United States during its production run, the Lancer Evolution III became a revered icon in its primary markets of Japan and Europe, establishing a legendary reputation for its raw performance, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and formidable presence in the World Rally Championship (WRC). It captivated enthusiasts globally, laying crucial groundwork for the Lancer Evolution’s enduring cult following and its eventual grey-market importation into the U.S.

The Evolution III built upon the success of the Evo I and Evo II, refining their mechanical and aerodynamic packages to deliver a more potent and visually aggressive machine. Its purpose was singular: to dominate the rally stages. This focus on motorsport translated directly into a road car that offered exhilarating performance capabilities, combining a highly tuned turbocharged engine with a sophisticated full-time all-wheel-drive system, a combination that would define the Lancer Evolution series for years to come.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III

At the core of the Lancer Evolution III’s formidable performance was Mitsubishi’s revered 4G63T engine, a 2.0-liter (1997 cm³, 121.86 cu. in.) inline-four powerplant. This engine, positioned transversely at the front, was a testament to robust engineering and a high-performance orientation. Featuring a 16-valve (four valves per cylinder) DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) configuration and a multi-port manifold injection system, the 4G63T was specifically designed for forced induction. The Evolution III saw significant enhancements to its turbocharger, including a larger compressor and turbine housing, along with an improved intercooler, all contributing to a substantial increase in power output.

The result was an impressive 270 horsepower delivered at 6250 rpm, a remarkable figure for a 2.0-liter engine in the mid-1990s, translating to a specific output of 135.2 horsepower per liter. This power, coupled with the engine’s inherent torque characteristics (though specific torque figures are not provided, the nature of the 4G63T implied a strong, broad powerband), made the Evo III exceptionally responsive and potent. The engine’s layout and advanced fuel injection ensured efficient combustion and consistent power delivery under various driving conditions.

Power was meticulously managed and distributed through a robust 5-speed manual transmission, providing the driver with direct control over the engine’s output. Crucially, the Evolution III employed a sophisticated full-time all-wheel-drive (4×4) system. This drivetrain architecture was instrumental to its rally success and its dynamic prowess on the street, offering exceptional traction and stability, especially when exiting corners or navigating challenging surfaces. With a curb weight of 2777.82 pounds (1260 kg), the Lancer Evolution III boasted an impressive weight-to-power ratio of 4.7 kg/horsepower (214.3 horsepower per tonne), enabling blistering acceleration and agile handling that belied its sedan form factor. The 13.21 US gallon (50 liter) fuel tank provided adequate range for both spirited driving and extended journeys.

Design and Features: Form Follows Function

The Lancer Evolution III retained its practical 4-door sedan body type, offering seating for five occupants, making it a surprisingly versatile performance vehicle. However, its exterior design was anything but understated. Every aesthetic modification served a functional purpose, directly influenced by its rally pedigree. The Evolution III featured a significantly more aggressive aerodynamic package compared to its predecessors. This included a redesigned front bumper with larger air intakes to improve engine cooling and optimize airflow, along with a prominent, adjustable rear wing that generated substantial downforce at high speeds, critical for maintaining stability on rally stages and high-speed road driving. The hood often incorporated vents to aid in heat dissipation from the engine bay.

The car’s stance was purposeful, with subtle but effective fender flares accommodating wider tires (205/60 R15) and a track optimized for performance. Inside, the cabin was driver-focused, typically featuring supportive sport seats designed to hold occupants firmly in place during aggressive maneuvers. While not luxurious, the interior was built with durability and functionality in mind, reflecting its motorsports origins.

Underneath its aggressive skin, the Lancer Evolution III was equipped with a suspension system tuned for both rally performance and spirited road driving. It featured a spring strut setup for the front suspension and coil springs at the rear, providing a balance of compliance and rigidity. Stopping power was handled by a robust braking system, comprising ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, ensuring consistent and powerful deceleration capabilities, even under extreme conditions. These features combined to create a vehicle that was not only fast in a straight line but also exceptionally competent and engaging through corners.

Technical Specifications

Legacy and Market Impact of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III’s legacy is inextricably linked to its immense success in the World Rally Championship. It was the car that propelled Finnish rally legend Tommi Mäkinen to his first WRC Drivers’ Championship title in 1996, marking a pivotal moment for both Mäkinen and Mitsubishi Ralliart. This on-track dominance solidified the Evo III’s reputation as a genuine giant-killer, capable of competing and winning against more established and often more expensive machinery. Its rally success directly translated into a cult following among performance enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in Japan and Europe.

In its primary markets, the Lancer Evolution III was a direct competitor to the Subaru Impreza WRX STI, fueling an intense rivalry that would define the performance sedan landscape for decades. Both cars offered turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance derived from rally homologation, creating a vibrant and competitive segment. The Evo III was lauded for its sharp handling, mechanical grip, and the immense tunability of its 4G63T engine, which became a favorite among aftermarket specialists looking to extract even more power.

Despite its official absence from the U.S. market, the Lancer Evolution III garnered significant attention through enthusiast magazines, video games, and the burgeoning internet culture of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Its exotic, high-performance nature made it a highly desirable “forbidden fruit” for American enthusiasts. This demand eventually led to a thriving grey market for imported Lancer Evolution models, including the Evo III, once they became eligible for importation under specific regulations.

Today, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III is celebrated as a classic JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) icon. It represents a golden era of rally-bred performance cars, embodying a raw, mechanical driving experience that is increasingly rare in modern vehicles. Its impact on Mitsubishi’s brand image and its contribution to the Lancer Evolution’s legend are undeniable, solidifying its place in automotive history as a truly significant and influential machine. For many, it remains one of the purest expressions of Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess and its commitment to motorsports.