Evo V

In 1997, the WRC created a new "World Rally Car" class, and while these cars still had to abide by Group A standards, they did not have to meet homologation rules. Mitsubishi redesigned the Evolution IV with this in mind and introduced the Evolution V in January of 1998.


Many aspects of the car were changed such as: The interior was upgraded in the GSR version with a better class of Recaro seat. The body kit had flared arches at the front and rear and a new aluminium rear spoiler replaced the IV FRP version and gave an adjustable angle of attack to alter rear down force. The track was widened by 10 mm, the wheel offset changed from ET45 to ET38 along with the wheel diameter which rose from 16" to 17" to accommodate Brembo brakes which were added to enhance braking. In addition the brake master cylinder bore increased by 0.3 mm. The engine was strengthened in a few areas and the cam duration was increased. The pistons were lighter with a smaller skirt area. 510 cc injectors were replaced with 560 cc injectors for better engine reliability due to more electrical "headroom" and the ecu was changed to include a flash rom.


Further more, the turbocharger was again improved. Torque was increased to 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at 3000 rpm. Power officially stayed the same, at 280 PS (276 hp/206 kW) as agreed by Japan's automotive gentlemen's agreement that all cars would have 276 or less hp, but some claim horsepower was actually somewhat higher.


Fifth generation
Production: January 1998 - January 1999
Engine: Turbocharged Inline-4
Position: Front Transverse
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Valvetrain: DOHC 4 Valves / Cyl
Fuel feed: ECI Electronic Multi-Injection
Displacement: 121.9 cu in
Bore: 3.35 in
Stroke: 3.46 in
Compression: 8.8:1
Power: 208.8 kw / 280 bhp @ Not Available rpm
Hp per litre: 140.21 bhp per litre
Bhp/weight: 205.88 bhp per weight
Torque: 275 ft lbs @ 3000 rpm
Drive wheels: Front Engine / 4WD
Body / frame Unit: Steel
Front brakes: Brembro Vented Discs 4-Pot Calipers
Rear brakes: Brembro Vented Discs Twin-Pot Calipers
Front tire size: 225/45ZR17
Rear tire size: 225/45ZR17
Steering Rack & Pinion Power Assist
F suspension: Mac Pherson Struts
R suspension: Multi-Link
Weight: 2998 lbs
Wheelbase: 98.8 in
Front track: 59.4 in
Rear track: 59.3 in
Length: 171.3 in
Width: 1770 mm / 69.7 in
Height: 1415 mm / 55.7 in
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Gear ratios: 2.785:1, 1.950:1, 1.407:1, 1.031:1, 0.761:1
Production: 6000