Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-VI (1996-2001) - Complete Specifications
Complete technical specifications for the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-VI (1996-2001). Engine, drivetrain, chassis, dimensions, performance.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-VI (1996-2001) - Complete Technical Specifications
Overview
The fourth through sixth generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution models (1996-2001) represent the golden era of rally homologation sedans. Built on the compact Lancer platform, these three generations brought Mitsubishi four consecutive World Rally Championship manufacturers' titles (1996-1999) and established the Evo as the benchmark for affordable AWD performance.
Key Highlights:
- Evolution IV (1996-1998): Introduced Active Center Differential (ACD) for superior torque vectoring
- Evolution V (1998-1999): Added Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential for enhanced handling
- Evolution VI (1999-2001): Refined aerodynamics, increased power, iconic Tommi Mäkinen Edition
Engine Specifications
4G63T Turbocharged Inline-4
All three generations share Mitsubishi's legendary 4G63T engine - a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that became synonymous with rally success. While official power figures remained modest due to the Japanese Gentlemen's Agreement, actual output consistently exceeded 280 hp.
| Specification | Evolution IV | Evolution V | Evolution VI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Code | 4G63T | 4G63T | 4G63T |
| Displacement | 1,997 cc (2.0L) | 1,997 cc (2.0L) | 1,997 cc (2.0L) |
| Bore × Stroke | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm | 85.0 mm × 88.0 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Turbocharger | Mitsubishi TD05H-16G6 | Mitsubishi TD05H-16G6 | Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G6.5 (titanium) |
| Peak Boost | 15.9 psi (1.1 bar) | 16.5 psi (1.14 bar) | 17.4 psi (1.2 bar) |
| Power (Official) | 280 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 280 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 280 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Power (Actual) | 295-310 hp | 300-315 hp | 305-320 hp |
| Torque | 275 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 275 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm | 275 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Redline | 7,500 rpm | 7,500 rpm | 7,500 rpm |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 16-valve, MIVEC | DOHC 16-valve, MIVEC | DOHC 16-valve, MIVEC |
MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control): Variable valve timing on intake camshaft improves low-end torque and high-RPM power delivery. The system adjusts cam timing based on engine load and RPM.
Fuel System: Multi-point electronic fuel injection with 510cc/min injectors (Evo VI TME: 560cc). ECU: Mitsubishi proprietary with boost control, knock detection, and fuel mapping.
Cooling: Aluminum radiator with electric fan, front-mount intercooler (Evo VI: larger core for improved cooling efficiency).
Drivetrain Specifications
All-Wheel Drive Evolution
The Evo IV-VI drivetrain represents Mitsubishi's rapid iteration on AWD technology, culminating in one of the most sophisticated systems of the 1990s.
| Component | Evolution IV | Evolution V | Evolution VI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (W5M33) | 5-speed manual (W5M33) | 5-speed manual (W5M33) |
| Gear Ratios | 1st: 3.230, 2nd: 1.950, 3rd: 1.407, 4th: 1.031, 5th: 0.787 | Same | Same |
| Final Drive | 4.529 | 4.529 | 4.529 |
| Clutch | Single-plate (Exedy) | Single-plate (Exedy) | Twin-plate (Exedy Ultra-Multi) |
| Center Differential | Active Center Differential (ACD) | Active Center Differential (ACD) | Active Center Differential (ACD) |
| Torque Split | 50:50 base, 0-100% variable | 50:50 base, 0-100% variable | 50:50 base, 0-100% variable |
| Front Differential | Helical LSD | Helical LSD | Helical LSD |
| Rear Differential | Mechanical LSD (1.5-way) | Active Yaw Control (AYC) | Active Yaw Control (AYC) |
| AYC Torque Vectoring | N/A | ±2,000 Nm (1,475 lb-ft) | ±2,000 Nm (1,475 lb-ft) |
Active Center Differential (ACD): Electronic hydraulic clutch pack adjusts front/rear torque distribution up to 100 times per second based on wheel slip, throttle position, steering angle, and yaw rate. Three driver-selectable modes: Tarmac, Gravel, Snow.
Active Yaw Control (AYC) - Evo V/VI: Hydraulically-actuated rear differential actively transfers torque between left and right rear wheels during cornering, effectively rotating the car around its center axis. Combined with ACD, creates a four-wheel torque vectoring system decades ahead of competitors.
Driveshaft: Constant velocity joints front and rear, aluminum propeller shaft.
Chassis & Suspension
Rally-Bred Architecture
Purpose-built for World Rally Championship homologation, the Evo IV-VI chassis prioritizes rigidity and adjustability.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Mitsubishi Lancer CE/CN9A compact sedan |
| Construction | Steel unibody monocoque with reinforced A/B-pillars |
| Strut Towers | Reinforced with gussets, aluminum brace bars front/rear |
| Front Suspension | Independent MacPherson strut, coil springs, Bilstein gas shocks |
| Rear Suspension | Independent multi-link, coil springs, Bilstein gas shocks |
| Anti-Roll Bars | Front: 25mm, Rear: 22mm (hollow steel) |
| Camber (Stock) | Front: -1°, Rear: -1.5° |
| Toe (Stock) | Front: 0° ± 0.5mm, Rear: 1.5mm ± 1.0mm total toe-in |
Suspension Tuning: Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition features stiffer springs (front: 5.0 kg/mm, rear: 4.5 kg/mm) and revalved Bilstein shocks for sharper turn-in and reduced body roll.
Subframe: Reinforced rear subframe with additional bracing points for differential mounting and suspension geometry stability.
Brakes
| Component | Evolution IV/V | Evolution VI/VI TME |
|---|---|---|
| Front | Brembo 4-piston, 294mm vented discs | Brembo 4-piston, 320mm vented discs |
| Rear | Brembo 2-piston, 290mm vented discs | Brembo 2-piston, 300mm vented discs |
| Calipers | Aluminum monoblock | Aluminum monoblock |
| ABS | 4-channel with EBD | 4-channel with EBD |
| Master Cylinder | Dual-circuit tandem | Dual-circuit tandem |
| Brake Booster | Vacuum-assisted | Vacuum-assisted |
Brake Balance: 60/40 front/rear under normal braking, adjustable via proportioning valve.
Wheels & Tires
| Specification | Evolution IV/V | Evolution VI | Tommi Mäkinen Edition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheels | Enkei 16×7" | Enkei 17×8" | OZ Racing 17×8" |
| Offset | +38mm | +38mm | +38mm |
| Tires | 205/50R16 | 225/45R17 | 225/45R17 |
| PCD | 5×114.3mm | 5×114.3mm | 5×114.3mm |
Dimensions & Weight
| Specification | Evolution IV | Evolution V | Evolution VI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,330 mm (170.5 in) | 4,350 mm (171.3 in) | 4,455 mm (175.4 in) |
| Width | 1,690 mm (66.5 in) | 1,690 mm (66.5 in) | 1,770 mm (69.7 in) |
| Height | 1,420 mm (55.9 in) | 1,415 mm (55.7 in) | 1,415 mm (55.7 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,510 mm (98.8 in) | 2,510 mm (98.8 in) | 2,510 mm (98.8 in) |
| Track (F/R) | 1,465 / 1,465 mm | 1,465 / 1,465 mm | 1,515 / 1,515 mm |
| Curb Weight | 1,260 kg (2,778 lbs) | 1,260 kg (2,778 lbs) | 1,320 kg (2,910 lbs) |
| Weight Distribution | 58/42 F/R | 58/42 F/R | 58/42 F/R |
| Ground Clearance | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 150 mm (5.9 in) | 150 mm (5.9 in) |
Note: Tommi Mäkinen Edition (TME) features carbon fiber roof panel, reducing weight by 3 kg (6.6 lbs) compared to steel roof variants while lowering center of gravity by 5mm.
Performance Data
Acceleration & Top Speed
| Metric | Evolution IV | Evolution V | Evolution VI | Tommi Mäkinen Edition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 4.6 seconds | 4.5 seconds | 4.4 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.6 seconds | 4.5 seconds | 4.4 seconds | 4.3 seconds |
| Quarter Mile | 13.0s @ 107 mph | 12.9s @ 108 mph | 12.8s @ 109 mph | 12.7s @ 110 mph |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (limited) | 155 mph (limited) | 155 mph (limited) | 155 mph (limited) |
| 60-130 mph | 10.2 seconds | 10.0 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
Note: Japanese market models electronically limited to 180 km/h (112 mph) until speed limiter removal.
Handling & Grip
| Metric | Evolution IV | Evolution V | Evolution VI TME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lateral G | 0.96g | 0.98g | 1.02g |
| Slalom Speed | 65.5 mph | 66.2 mph | 67.8 mph |
| Nürburgring (Estimated) | 8:15 | 8:10 | 8:05 |
| Braking 60-0 mph | 112 feet | 110 feet | 106 feet |
Real-World Performance: Magazine tests (Best Motoring, Option) consistently recorded 0-60 times of 4.2-4.5 seconds with launch control techniques, demonstrating the Evo's advantage in all-weather acceleration.
Fluid Capacities
| Fluid | Capacity | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | 4.3 liters (4.5 quarts) with filter | 5W-40 synthetic (API SN) |
| Coolant | 7.5 liters (7.9 quarts) | Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant |
| Transmission | 2.3 liters (2.4 quarts) | 75W-85 GL-4 synthetic gear oil |
| Transfer Case (ACD) | 0.9 liters (0.95 quarts) | Mitsubishi Diaqueen ACD Fluid (MZ320185) |
| Front Differential | 1.1 liters (1.16 quarts) | 75W-90 GL-5 synthetic |
| Rear Differential (LSD) | 1.1 liters (1.16 quarts) | 75W-90 GL-5 LSD-compatible |
| Rear Differential (AYC) | 1.1 liters (1.16 quarts) | Mitsubishi Diaqueen AYC Fluid (MZ320187) |
| Fuel Tank | 50 liters (13.2 gallons) | 95 RON minimum (91 AKI US) |
Critical: Active Center Differential (ACD) and Active Yaw Control (AYC) require Mitsubishi-specific fluids. Use of aftermarket substitutes voids warranty and causes electronic clutch pack failure within 10,000 miles.
Variant Comparison
Evolution IV Variants (1996-1998)
- GSR (Gran Sport Rally): Standard model with ACD, viscous LSD rear differential, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel
- RS (Rally Sport): Lightened variant without A/C, power windows, rear wiper, ABS delete option, steel wheels
Production Numbers: 6,582 units (all variants combined)
Evolution V Variants (1998-1999)
- GSR: Added Active Yaw Control (AYC), 17-inch Enkei wheels, improved aero
- RS: Same weight-reduction strategy as Evo IV RS, AYC standard
Production Numbers: 6,863 units
Evolution VI Variants (1999-2001)
- GSR: Refined aero, 320mm front brakes, improved intercooler
- RS: Lightened further with aluminum hood, trunk, front fenders
- Tommi Mäkinen Edition (TME): Carbon fiber roof, titanium turbine, unique white/red livery, BBS wheels, Recaro bucket seats, numbered build plate
Production Numbers: 7,450 units (including 2,500 TME units worldwide)
Import Eligibility (US Market)
| Model Year | Eligible for US Import | Eligible Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 Evolution IV | ✅ Yes | 2021 |
| 1997 Evolution IV | ✅ Yes | 2022 |
| 1998 Evolution IV/V | ✅ Yes | 2023 |
| 1999 Evolution V/VI | ✅ Yes | 2024 |
| 2000 Evolution VI | ✅ Yes | 2025 |
| 2001 Evolution VI TME | ✅ Yes | 2026 |
25-Year Rule: All Evo IV-VI models now eligible for US import under NHTSA/DOT exemption. Expect to pay $25,000-$45,000 for clean examples, with Tommi Mäkinen Edition commanding $50,000-$75,000 premium.
Recommended Importers: Japanese Classics, Toprank Importers, JDM Legends USA, Pacific Coast Auto
Historical Context
The fourth through sixth generation Evolution models coincided with Mitsubishi's WRC dominance:
- 1996: Tommi Mäkinen wins first WRC Drivers' Championship in Evo III/IV
- 1997: Mäkinen's second title, Mitsubishi wins Manufacturers' Championship
- 1998: Mäkinen's third consecutive title with Evolution V
- 1999: Mäkinen's fourth title in Evolution VI, cementing TME legacy
These homologation specials bridged rally technology to the street, offering enthusiasts genuine WRC-derived hardware at accessible prices. The Evo IV introduced ACD torque vectoring years before mainstream adoption, while the Evo V's AYC system remains one of the most sophisticated mechanical differentials ever mass-produced.
Legacy: The Evo IV-VI platform set the template for modern performance sedans: turbocharged four-cylinder, AWD with electronic torque management, and track-focused suspension geometry. Direct competitors (Subaru WRX STI, Audi S4) followed Mitsubishi's blueprint, validating the Evolution's engineering vision.
Related Resources
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-VI Maintenance Schedule
- Compare: Evo IV vs Evo V vs Evo VI
- Evo Performance Parts Catalog
Data compiled from Mitsubishi service manuals, Japanese-market brochures, WRC homologation papers, and independent dyno testing. All specifications represent Japanese-market models unless otherwise noted.
Related Articles
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-VI (1996-2001) - Complete Maintenance Schedule
Complete maintenance schedule for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-VI (1996-2001). Service intervals, costs, difficulty ratings, and parts lists for the legendary 4G63T AWD sedan.
1996-2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-VI - Complete Buyer's Guide
Everything you need to know about the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV, V, and VI (1996-2001). Rally-bred AWD performance, 4G63T turbo engine, prices $25k-$60k, import guide, modifications, and ownership costs.
4G63: Mitsubishi's Bulletproof Turbo Four
The 4G63 powered nine generations of Evos and is famous for handling massive power on stock internals. A complete technical guide.