Evo III

Speeds on tarmac stages were getting higher, so reducing lift and improving cooling performance became priorities in Evolution III. A larger rear wing, a front airdam with brake cooling vents, and rocker panel extensions were fitted and, you guessed it, power was up again. It arrived in January 1995 and this time the 5000 strong production run was brought up more quickly than the Evo 2. The Evo 3 looked more serious, with it’s new nose moulding (to channel air better to the radiator, intercooler, and brakes). New side skirts and rear corners, while the rear wing had grown again to reduce lift. Under the vented aluminium bonnet a new TDO5-16G6-7 Turbo, new exhaust system and increased compression brought another 10 bhp power rise, Torque output was unaltered, apart from a higher final drive ratio. Both GSR and RS still used the same 5speed gearbox. Interior tweaks were limited to a new Momo steering wheel (GSR only) and new fabric on the Evo 2 type Recaros. This model still uses the same frame. (CE9A)
Selling 7,000 examples from January 1995 to August 1996, Evolution III was the best-selling EVO to that date.

Third generation

Production: January 1994–August 1995

Engine: 4G63 Inline-4
Position: Front Transverse
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Valvetrain: DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
Fuel feed: ECI Multiport Injection
Displacement: 121.9 cu in
Bore: 3.35 in
Stroke: 3.46 in
Power: 201.3 kw / 270 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Bhp per litre: 135.2 bhp per litre
Bhp/weight: 214.29 bhp per weight
Torque: 228 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm
Drive wheels: 4WD
Front tire size: 205/55R16
Rear tire size: 205/55R16
F suspension: MacPheron Struts, Coil Springs
R suspension: Multi-Link Struts, Coil Springs
Weight: 2778 lbs
Wheelbase: 98.8 in
Front track: 57.9 in
Rear track: 57.9 in
Length: 169.7 in
Width: 66.7 in
Height: 54.9 in
Production: 7000