Mitsubishi Evo IX: The Final Pure Rally Warrior

WRC Heritage Born to Race

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX (CT9A) launched in March 2005 as the 9th generation of Mitsubishi's rally-bred sedan. By this point, the Evo had earned legendary status through a decade of WRC dominance, multiple Tommi Makinen championship victories, and an ever-evolving series of homologation specials.

What Made the IX Special

Three innovations set the IX apart:

1. MIVEC variable valve timing — The first Evo to use Mitsubishi's MIVEC system, finally adding variable intake cam timing to the venerable 4G63T engine. This improved low-end response while maintaining peak power.

2. Refined ACD/AYC — The Active Center Differential and Active Yaw Control systems received their most refined tuning, with three driver-selectable modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow).

3. Final 4G63T application — The Evo IX was the last Lancer Evolution to use the iconic 4G63T 2.0L turbo. The Evo X switched to the 4B11T, which never achieved the same enthusiast reverence.

The MR Variant

The Evo IX MR added Bilstein shock absorbers, BBS forged wheels, a 6-speed manual transmission option, and various aerodynamic improvements. The MR is widely considered the ultimate factory Evo — many enthusiasts believe it represents Mitsubishi's peak performance engineering.

Specs and Performance

• Engine: 4G63T MIVEC, 2.0L Inline-4 turbo, 286 PS factory
• 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
• 0-100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
• Top speed: 250 km/h electronically limited
• AWD: ACD center diff with 3 modes + AYC rear

Tommi Makinen Legacy

The Evo IX continues the legacy started by 4-time WRC champion Tommi Makinen, who drove for Mitsubishi from 1996-1999. While Makinen had moved to Subaru by the IX's launch, his association with the Evo nameplate remained strong, and his driving philosophy influenced the car's tuning.

Cultural Impact

Unlike the visually flamboyant Subaru WRX STI (its eternal rival), the Evo IX maintained a more reserved appearance — a sleeper sedan that could embarrass supercars on backroads. This restraint earned it a cult following among enthusiasts who valued performance over aesthetics.

End of an Era

When Mitsubishi launched the Evo X in 2008 with the new 4B11T engine, fans split into camps. The X added an SST dual-clutch transmission and modern features, but lost the raw mechanical character of the 4G63T. By 2016, Mitsubishi discontinued the entire Lancer Evolution lineage, marking the end of an iconic chapter in Japanese rally history.

Collector Status

Today, clean Evo IX MRs sell for $40,000-$60,000, with FQ-360 UK editions exceeding $80,000. The combination of motorsport heritage, mechanical purity, and proven engineering ensures the Evo IX's status as a genuine collectible JDM legend.