Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition N1: The Ultra-Rare Race Homologation

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition N1 is the rarest of all Evo variants — a production-run of just a handful of cars built specifically for N1 race homologation. While the standard Tommi Mäkinen Edition (TME) was limited to 2,500 units worldwide, the N1 variant was an even smaller subset: stripped, rally-ready, with Lancer Group N homologation in mind. Exact production numbers are disputed, but most sources cite 50 or fewer examples.

The N1 Designation

"N1" in the Japanese motorsport context refers to Group N production car rally categories. A Group N race car must be based on a production vehicle with minimal modifications — the engine, chassis, and body must remain essentially stock from the factory. This meant Mitsubishi had to build actual production N1 TMEs that were ready for immediate race preparation without extensive chassis or engine modifications.

What Makes the N1 Different

The TME N1 variant has specific modifications over the standard TME GSR:

• Stripped interior: No carpet, basic seats, no AC, no radio, no sound deadening
• Manual windows: Power windows removed
• Lightweight glass: Thinner front and rear windows
• No rear seat: To reduce weight
• Factory cage mount points: Pre-drilled for roll cage installation
• Uprated brakes: Brembo 4-piston calipers (standard equipment)
• Strengthened suspension: Race-ready dampers and bushings
• Rally-spec engine management: Remapped ECU optimized for gravel stages

The N1 retained the standard 4G63T 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 280 PS (gentleman's agreement) but was tuned for sustained race abuse.

Production Numbers

Exact production of the Evo VI TME N1 is not definitively documented, but the consensus among Mitsubishi collectors is:

• 50 or fewer examples built
• All JDM-market: None officially sold outside Japan
• All 1999 model year: Built alongside the standard TME

The rarity means exact numbers have become a collector's obsession. Some sources cite 27 N1 examples, others 50, and others still give different numbers. The ambiguity adds to the mystique.

Today's Market

Because of extreme rarity, TME N1 examples rarely come to market. When they do, prices are stratospheric:

• Clean examples: $300,000-$500,000 (effectively priceless for collectors)
• Concours-condition examples: $500,000-$800,000+

A single TME N1 appeared at a Japanese auction in 2021, generating international interest and reportedly selling for approximately ¥55,000,000 (~$500,000 at the time).

Legacy

The Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition N1 is the rarest and most exclusive Evo variant ever produced. It represents the absolute peak of Mitsubishi's rally homologation efforts — a car built specifically to dominate Group N rally in Japan, built in extremely limited quantities because of production economics.

For rally Mitsubishi collectors, the TME N1 is the ultimate target. It's the combination of Mäkinen's four WRC titles, the Evo VI platform's rally heritage, and the N1's extreme rarity. Only a handful of enthusiasts will ever own one.