Introduction
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a high-performance 4WD sports car that Mitsubishi Motors proudly introduced to the world. Since its sensational debut in 1992, it has continued to captivate car enthusiasts with its outstanding performance and remarkable achievements in the World Rally Championship (WRC). This article traces the evolutionary history of the Lancer Evolution, detailing the specifications of each generation, production numbers, and the reasons for its discontinuation.
- 1. Introduction
- 2. The History of Lancer Evolution
- 3. Auction Prices
- 4. Production Numbers
- 5. Reason for Production Discontinuation
- 6. Summary
- 7. Why Choose Provide Cars?
- 7.1. Official Membership at All Japanese Auto Auctions
- 7.2. Seamless Service from Proxy Bidding to Export
- 7.3. Four Flexible Pricing Plans
- 7.4. Start with a Free Membership
The History of Lancer Evolution
The Lancer Evolution was born from a bold concept: combining the high-performance engine and 4WD system of the Galant VR-4 with the compact sedan body of the Lancer. The first-generation Lancer Evolution, released in September 1992, was initially planned as a limited production run of 2,500 units. However, the response far exceeded expectations, and a total of 7,600 units were eventually sold, making it a massive success.
In January 1994, the Evolution II was introduced, featuring improved suspension and a revised limited-slip differential (LSD), further enhancing driving performance. The following year, in January 1995, the Evolution III was released. With aerodynamic enhancements and increased engine output, the Evolution III reached a maximum output of 270 PS. In 1996, Tommi Mäkinen drove the Evolution III to victory, winning the WRC Drivers’ Championship. This success solidified the Lancer Evolution’s reputation as a dominant force in motorsports.
In 1996, the base model Lancer underwent a full model change, marking the transition to the second generation of the Evolution series. The Evolution IV, launched in August 1996, was the first to feature Active Yaw Control (AYC), significantly improving cornering performance. Additionally, engine output reached the voluntary regulation limit of 280 PS. In January 1998, the Evolution V debuted. This model introduced a wider body, bringing it into the 3-number size category, and featured Brembo brakes, further enhancing its driving capabilities.
In February 2001, the Evolution VII was introduced, based on the Lancer Cedia. The Evolution VII incorporated a newly developed Active Center Differential (ACD), which worked in conjunction with AYC to achieve even higher cornering performance. In January 2003, the Evolution VIII was released, featuring an upgraded Super AYC system that pushed cornering performance to its peak. It was also the first mass-produced four-wheel vehicle to adopt a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, showcasing numerous innovative technologies.
In March 2005, the Evolution IX, the final model of the third generation, was introduced. The Evolution IX adopted the MIVEC engine, along with intake and exhaust system improvements, resulting in increased power and better throttle response across all RPM ranges. Its maximum torque reached 40.8 kgf·m, delivering outstanding acceleration performance. In 2006, Mitsubishi introduced the Evolution Wagon, a station wagon version of the Lancer Evolution. Combining high performance with practicality, the Lancer Evolution Wagon gained popularity, particularly among families. Among these, the Lancer Evolution Wagon MR, equipped with Bilstein dampers, ACD, and Super AYC, was highly praised as a model with exceptional driving performance.
Then, in October 2007, the fourth-generation Evolution X was launched. The Evolution X was equipped with the newly developed 4B11 MIVEC turbo engine, featuring an aluminum die-cast cylinder block for reduced weight and enhanced rigidity. Additionally, it introduced the TC-SST (Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission), a two-pedal automated manual transmission, and the S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system for advanced 4WD control. These advancements took driving performance to new heights. However, with changing times and industry trends, production of the Lancer Evolution was sadly discontinued in April 2016.
| Generation | Release Year | Model Code | Engine | Maximum Output | Maximum Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | Suspension | Vehicle Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | 1992年 | E-CD9A | 4G63 (Turbo) | 250ps/6,000rpm | 31.5kgm/3,000rpm | 5-speed MT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,170 |
| II | 1994年 | E-CE9A | 4G63(Turbo) | 260ps/6,000rpm | 31.5kgm/3,000rpm | 5-speed MT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,250 |
| III | 1995年 | E-CE9A | 4G63(Turbo) | 270ps/6,250rpm | 31.5kgm/3,000rpm | 5-speed MT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,260 |
| IV | 1996年 | E-CN9A | 4G63(Turbo) | 280ps/6,500rpm | 36.0kgm/3,000rpm | 5-speed MT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,350 |
| V | 1998年 | GF-CP9A | 4G63(Turbo) | 280ps/6,500rpm | 38.0kgm/3,000rpm | 5-speed MT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,360 |
| VI | 1999年 | GF-CP9A | 4G63(Turbo) | 280ps/6,500rpm | 38.0kgm/3,000rpm | 5-speed MT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,360 |
| VII | 2001年 | GH-CT9A | 4G63(Turbo) | 280ps/6,500rpm | 39.0kgm/3,500rpm | 5-speed MT / 5-speed AT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,400 |
| VIII | 2003年 | GH-CT9A | 4G63(Turbo) | 280ps/6,500rpm | 40.0kgm/3,500rpm | 6-speed MT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,410 |
| IX | 2005年 | GH-CT9A | 4G63(MIVECTurbo) | 280ps/6,500rpm | 40.8kgm/3,000rpm | 6-speed MT | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,410 |
| X | 2007年 | CBA-CZ4A | 4B11(MIVECTurbo) | 280ps/6,500rpm | 43.0kgm/3,500rpm | 5-speed MT / 6-speed TC-SST | 4WD | Front: MacPherson Strut / Rear: Multi-Link | 1,420 |
Supplementary Information
- The specifications listed above are for the main grades, and they may vary depending on the trim level and model year.
- The Evolution VII included a GT-A variant, which featured an automatic transmission.
- The Evolution VII was equipped with an upgraded Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) for improved cornering performance.
- The Evolution VIII became the first mass-produced four-wheel vehicle in the world to adopt a CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) rear spoiler.
- The Evolution IX introduced the MIVEC engine, with intake and exhaust improvements that enhanced power delivery and throttle response across all RPM ranges.
- The Evolution X featured a newly developed 4B11 engine with an aluminum die-cast cylinder block, achieving both reduced weight and increased rigidity.
Auction Prices
The Lancer Evolution remains highly popular in the used car market, with prices generally trending upward. Early-generation models, especially the first-generation Evolution, are particularly sought after due to their rarity and are often sold at premium prices.
According to our company's system, the average auction price for Lancer Evolution models is approximately 9.1 million yen as of March 2025.
Supplement
The above figures are merely a reference, and the price can vary significantly depending on the vehicle’s condition, model year, mileage, and other factors.
Special edition models, such as the Tommi Mäkinen Edition and the Final Edition, tend to be traded at even higher prices.
There are 123 used-car auction venues in Japan, and the auctions are divided into two types: independent auctions and manufacturer auctions. The largest independent auction is USS Auto Auction, while in the manufacturer auctions, the TAA Auction operated by the Toyota Group is the prominent one.
How to Participate in
Japan Car Auctions
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Membership Registration
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STEP
Vehicle Search & Translation
Additionally, request a translation to accurately understand the information on the auction sheet.
STEP
Consult with an Agent
Ensure that your country's import regulations match the vehicle specifications. Also, check the transportation costs from the auction venue and the final total amount.
STEP
Deposit Payment
Once the conditions are met, please make the required deposit payment and proceed with bidding.
Either a minimum of 100,000 yen, if the car value to be bid on is less than a million yen or 10% of the value of the vehicle you want to purchase.
STEP
Place your bid
Once you have deposited your security deposit, please enter any number of your choice on the bidding page.
Four Flexible Pricing Plans
We offer four pricing plans tailored to different business needs:
- Basic Plan: ¥80K (for those purchasing 10 or more cars per month)
- Dealer Plan: ¥80K + 3% (for those purchasing 3 to 9 cars per month)
- Private Plan: ¥90K + 5%
- Premium Plan: ¥400K + 5%
Production Numbers
The total production volume of the Lancer Evolution from I to X is approximately 95,719 units.
- I to III: 23,992 units
- IV to VI: 31,050 units (including 2,705 units of the Tommi Mäkinen Edition)
- VII to IX: 27,582 units
- X: 11,643 units
Reason for Production Discontinuation
The discontinuation of the Lancer Evolution was due to a combination of factors:
- Declining Sales Volume:
In recent years, the global sports car market has been shrinking. Additionally, with the rise of environmentally friendly vehicles such as hybrid and electric cars, the sales volume of high-performance gasoline cars like the Lancer Evolution had been in decline. - Rising Development Costs:
With increasingly stringent environmental regulations, such as emissions and fuel economy standards, the cost of development had skyrocketed. As a result, it became financially difficult to continue the development and production of high-performance sports cars. - Mitsubishi Motors’ Financial Situation:
Mitsubishi Motors suffered from a series of scandals, including the recall cover-ups in 2000 and 2004, as well as the fuel economy fraud in 2016. These events caused a significant deterioration in the company’s financial condition. Consequently, the company had to concentrate its resources on developing environmentally friendly vehicles, making it impossible to continue the development and production of the Lancer Evolution. - Reduction in Motorsports Activities:
The Lancer Evolution had greatly benefited from its success in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where technology was fed back into its production models, strengthening its brand image. However, participating in the WRC required an annual budget of several billion yen. As Mitsubishi Motors' financial condition worsened, it was forced to scale down its motorsports activities. - Changes in Sales Strategy:
The Lancer Evolution was initially released with a full model change almost every year and sold as a limited-edition vehicle to enhance its rarity. However, the Evolution X was sold for as long as nine years. This shift in sales strategy might have also contributed to its discontinuation.
Summary
Since its debut in 1992, the Lancer Evolution has undergone ten generations of evolution, captivating numerous fans along the way. Its brilliant achievements in the WRC and overwhelming driving performance have created many legends, which are still talked about today. Its popularity remains strong, and used car prices continue to rise. While maintenance costs are far from cheap, the Lancer Evolution’s unique and unparalleled charm continues to attract many enthusiasts across generations.
Why Choose Provide Cars?
Official Membership at All Japanese Auto Auctions
Japanese auto auctions operate as B2B (business-to-business) platforms, meaning general consumers cannot participate directly. Furthermore, auction participation requires strict membership screening and registration fees, which is why many used car dealers and exporters rely on intermediary auction agents rather than becoming direct auction members. However, using an intermediary adds extra fees, which ultimately increases the final cost for end consumers.
Provide Cars is a direct official member of all major Japanese auto auctions, eliminating the need for middlemen and their associated fees. Additionally, we do not charge any membership registration fees.
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Seamless Service from Proxy Bidding to Export
Once you complete the free membership registration, we handle the entire process on your behalf. From proxy bidding to vehicle delivery, customers receive notifications but do not need to take any action.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Transport arrangements from the auction venue to the shipping yard
- Vehicle deregistration and export cancellation procedures
- Container & RORO (Roll-On/Roll-Off) shipping arrangements
- Export customs clearance procedures
All these steps are managed in-house to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Four Flexible Pricing Plans
We offer four pricing plans tailored to different business needs:
- Basic Plan: ¥80K (for those purchasing 10 or more cars per month)
- Dealer Plan: ¥80K + 3% (for those purchasing 3 to 9 cars per month)
- Private Plan: ¥90K + 5%
- Premium Plan: ¥400K + 5%
| Cost Items | Company A (Yen) | Provide Cars (Yen) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumption Tax (10%) | Charged | Free | The 10% consumption tax imposed by the Japanese government when purchasing a vehicle will not be charged to the customer. |
| Recycling Fee | Free | Free | The recycling fee imposed by the Japanese government at the time of vehicle purchase will not be charged to the customer. |
| Bidding Fee | 1,000~2,000 per vehicle | Free | As we are members of all auction houses, we do not charge any bidding fees. |
| Domestic Transport Cost | Variable or 80,000 flat fee | 5,500 to 60,000 | Transport costs from the auction venue to the nearest port will apply. If bidding at an auction with high transport costs, we will inform you. |
| Vehicle Deregistration & Export Application | Charged 10,000 to 20,000 | Free | The customs clearance fee is included in our service fee. |
| Customs Clearance Fee | Charged | Free | The customs clearance fee is included in our service fee. |
| Sea Freight | Charged | Charged | We offer both RORO and container shipping options, recommending the best and most affordable choices. Contact us for current shipping rates. |
| Service Fee | 100,000+5%～ | 80,000 | If 10 or more cars are purchased monthly and payment is completed within 3 days. |
| 80,000+3％ | If 10 or more cars are purchased monthly, payment is completed within 3 days, and the vehicle price exceeds 1 million yen. | ||
| 90,000+5% | If 1-2 cars are purchased throughout the year. | ||
| 400,000+5% | If special handling is required for the vehicle (limited to one vehicle per month). |
For detailed pricing information, please refer to:
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