Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX: The MIVEC Peak

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, launched in March 2005, is widely regarded as the pinnacle of the classic Evo lineage. It was the last Evo built on the CT9A chassis, the last with the 4G63T engine (after 11 years of production in various Evo models), and the first to get MIVEC variable valve timing on all trims — not just the RS model. It's the Evo that competitive tuners still reference as the "reference" platform.

MIVEC Everywhere

The major mechanical change from the VIII was the addition of MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system) on the intake camshaft. This gave the 4G63T better low-end torque (for street driving) and better high-end power (for rally and track use). The engine now made 280 PS at 6,500 rpm with 289 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm — a broader powerband than the previous VIII.

Other IX refinements:

• Revised turbo: TD05HR with updated compressor wheel for faster response
• Updated ECU: More aggressive mapping for lower-latency throttle response
• Improved ACD: More responsive center differential programming
• Wider rear track: Minor geometry changes for better turn-in
• Aluminum roof on the MR: For reduced center-of-gravity

Production Variants

• Evo IX GSR: The standard version. 5-speed manual.
• Evo IX MR: The enthusiast version. 6-speed manual, Bilstein shocks, Enkei wheels.
• Evo IX RS: The homologation special. Stripped, no AC, steel wheels, lightweight.
• Evo IX Wagon: Yes, Mitsubishi made a wagon version of the Evo IX (2005-2007). Only ~2,500 built. The only wagon Evo in history — now a cult collectible.

The Evo IX was also sold in the US (2005-2006) under the same Evo IX badge. US sales included the GSR and MR variants but not the RS or Wagon.

Motorsport

The Evo IX was the base for Mitsubishi's last works WRC effort in 2005. Drivers Harri Rovanperä and Giovanni Manfrinato campaigned Evo IX WRC cars in the World Rally Championship, with Rovanperä finishing sixth overall in the 2005 drivers' championship.

After the WRC era, the Evo IX became the dominant chassis in Super 2000 rally, the Italian Rally Championship, the British Rally Championship, and grassroots rally events worldwide. In 2012, Mitsubishi officially ended its factory WRC program, and the IX was the last Evo to wear works Lancer rally livery.

The 4G63T Retirement

The Evo IX was the final chassis to use the 4G63T engine in production form. After March 2007 (when Evo IX production ended), Mitsubishi switched to the 4B11T for the Evo X. The 4G63T had been in continuous production in Evo applications since 1992 (the Evo I). That's 15 years — an extraordinary run for a performance engine.

Tuners still rely on 4G63T blocks from Evo VIIIs and IXs for high-boost builds. The engine is the reference point for AWD rally-style builds, and used blocks still command premium prices in the aftermarket.

Today's Market

Clean Evo IX GSRs trade for $25,000-$45,000. MRs command $35,000-$55,000. Wagon variants are $40,000-$70,000 (for the rarity). The ultra-rare Evo IX MR-FQ360 (a UK-only Mitsubishi UK special with 366 hp) brings $60,000+.

Legacy

The Evo IX is the Evo at its peak. It has the refinement of the CT9A platform, the maturity of three generations of MIVEC development, and the final 4G63T engine. It's the car Mitsubishi fans name when they say "the best Evo ever built." When the Evo X arrived in 2007, many IX owners preferred their old cars — and 15+ years later, the IX still holds up as a driving experience.