The Lancer Evolution, commonly known as the "EVO", is Mitsubishi's performance-oriented flagship sports car. Though based on the trusty Lancer sedan, the Evo is a turbocharged, all-wheel drive vehicle designed to offer top-notch rally-inspired durability and performance. Its number designation is most commonly depicted in roman numeral form. Pre-version V models were the official models used in Mitsubishi's efforts in the Group A class of the World Rally Championship and SCCA Pro Rally Championship. To comply with these regulations, the Evo was built on the same unibody platform as the Lancer, with more power and very few major shared components between the two. Nine model variations have been released since 1993. For versions VI, VII, VIII and IX, no World Rally Championship homologation was necessary.
At first, the Evo was only available in Japan, but with the worldwide success of its main rival, Subaru's Impreza WRX, Mitsubishi decided to export the eighth Evolution to the US in 2003. The 2006 model (US market) has a turbocharged 286 hp (213 kW) inline four-cylinder engine and full-time all wheel drive. New variable valve timing, referred to as MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing-and-lift Electronic Control), is also featured. Out of respect for the Japanese gentleman's agreement, the Lancer is limited to an advertised power of 280 PS (276 hp), a mark already reached by the Evo IV generation. However, real output of up to 320 PS has been reached, and various versions of the Lancer in other markets (notably the UK) have been released with official power outputs up to 405 bhp (302 kW). As a way to stand out from the competition, even the standard components on the Evo are considered to have been "tuned". It is worth mentioning that the flywheel on the Lancer weighs only 6 kilos while regular cars usually have 12-15 kilogram flywheels. Despite modern day safety and emission regulations, the Evo continues to become a heavier and heavier vehicle with each generation.
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