Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evolution IV reflected four years of Lancer devleopment. Lessons learned in each year of racing were adopted into newer versions. This rapid development was neccessary for Mitsubishi to stay ahead of the competition.
At the 1997 Monte Carlo the Evolution IV made its debut. New, more flexible regulations allowed competition such as Ford Escort, Subaru Impreza and Toyota Corolla to enter the championship. These new WRC regulations were introduced by the FIA. They permitted modification of the suspension, tranmission, intake tract, exhaust and engine position. Mitsubishi embraced these new rules by adding an INVECS sequential gearbox and relocating the engine for better weight ballence.
In 1997 Tommi Makinen again proved his value to Mitsubishi. He took the WRC Drivers Championship for the second time in a row with Misubishi taking 3rd in the WRC Manufacturers Championship.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| production | 12000 |
| engine | 4G63 Inline 4 |
| position | Front Transverse |
| aspiration | Twin Scroll Turbocharger w/Intercooler |
| valvetrain | DOHC 4-Valves / Cyl |
| fuel feed | Electronic Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 1997 cc / 121.9 in³ |
| bore | 85.0 mm / 3.35 in |
| stroke | 88.0 mm / 3.46 in |
| compression | 8.8:1 |
| power | 208.8 kw / 280.0 bhp @ 6500 rpm |
| specific output | 140.21 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 207.41 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 353.87 nm / 261 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm |
| driven wheels | 4WD w/Active Control Transfer |
| front tires | Michelin |
| rear tires | Michelin |
| front brakes | Vented Discs w/6-Pot Calipers |
| f brake size | mm / in |
| rear brakes | Vented Discs w/4-Pot Calipers |
| r brake size | mm / in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | MacPherson Struts w/Coil Springs, Olins Adjustable Dampers |
| r suspension | Multi-Link w/Coil Springs, Olins Adjustable Dampers |
| curb weight | 1350 kg / 2976 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2510 mm / 98.8 in |
| front track | 1490 mm / 58.7 in |
| rear track | 1490 mm / 58.7 in |
| length | 4330 mm / 170.5 in |
| width | 1690 mm / 66.5 in |
| height | 1415 mm / 55.7 in |
| transmission | 6-Speed INVECS Sequential w/Carbon Clutch |
| gear ratios | 2.785:1, 1.950:1, 1.444:1, 1.096:1, 0.825:1, :1 |
| final drive | 4.875:1 |
| top speed | ~180.2 kph / 112.0 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | ~5.5 seconds |
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