The Lancer Evolution series, while successful in Group A rallying, were limited in their potential against dedicated World Rally Cars. The Lancer WRC was designed to overcome these limitations and allow Mitsubishi to compete at the highest level of the sport. The project was spurred by a contract Ralliart made with the FIA in 1999, which necessitated the introduction of a new WRC-spec car or the cessation of participation with the older Lancers. The car was based on the eighth-generation Cedia model, with the road-going Evolution VII sharing its underpinnings. The WRC regulations afforded engineers greater freedom in modifying the car compared to the constraints of Group A homologation.
The Lancer WRC retained the 1996 cc 4G63 engine that had been a mainstay of Mitsubishi’s rally and sports cars since the 1980s. In its WRC configuration, the engine produced 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) at 5500 rpm and 540 N⋅m (398 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm. Initial iterations, starting with the 2001 Rallye Sanremo, featured significant modifications to the engine and surrounding components, including lighter internal parts, a more rearward engine tilt to improve weight distribution, a new turbocharger, and a revised exhaust system. A key change was the adoption of MacPherson strut suspension front and rear, along with larger wheel arches to accommodate increased suspension travel.
The original “Step1” version was superseded by the “Step2” from the 2002 Rally Finland onwards. The Step2 featured a 6-speed sequential transmission with a triple-plate carbon clutch, distributing power to all four wheels via active differentials. Further refinements included better weight distribution, a lower centre of gravity, a revised front air dam to improve radiator airflow, a new intercooler, a new exhaust manifold, and a single-scroll turbocharger. The 2004 Lancer WRC04 underwent over 6000 changes compared to the Step2, incorporating a new all-wheel-drive system co-developed with Ricardo Consulting Engineers, extensive aerodynamic testing at Lola Cars resulting in a redesigned body, and upgraded 8-piston front brake calipers clamping 370 mm discs. The 2005 Lancer WRC05 saw a 30 mm increase in width due to regulation changes, along with updates to the ECU, turbo wastegate, suspension, and driveshafts, and the introduction of steering-mounted gearshift paddles.
The Lancer WRC was initially piloted by Tommi Mäkinen, but his departure at the end of 2001 presented challenges for subsequent drivers who struggled to adapt to the car’s unique transmission, which required an aggressive left-foot braking technique. Following Mäkinen’s departure, Mitsubishi continued to develop the car, achieving a 6th-place finish at the 2003 Rally New Zealand with McRae. In 2004, Gilles Panizzi led the team, alongside Gianluigi Galli, Daniel Solá, and Kristian Sohlberg, but the car suffered from mechanical and electrical issues, including retirements on the start line of the first stage in New Zealand.
Despite these setbacks, the car showed promise, and Mitsubishi continued development outside of the WRC. In 2005, Panizzi secured a 3rd-place finish at the Monte Carlo Rally, and Rovanpera achieved a 2nd-place finish at the season-ending Rally Australia. Shortly after this result, Mitsubishi withdrew from the WRC, but the car continued to be used by Ralliart UK, supporting private and semi-works entries in 2006 and 2007. Daniel Carlsson achieved a 3rd-place finish at the 2006 Rally Sweden in a privately-entered car, battling closely with teammate Gigi Galli. MML Sports, formerly Ralliart UK, continued development of the car, resulting in a significantly improved version (sometimes called the WRC07) that was approximately 0.5 seconds per kilometer faster than the WRC05.
[unverified] The 2005 Lancer WRC05 saw a 30 mm increase in width due to a change in the WRC regulations.
Following Mitsubishi’s withdrawal from the WRC, Ralliart UK continued to support customer teams, developing and refining the Lancer WRC to maintain its competitiveness. These developments, including updates to the suspension and transmission, resulted in a faster and more capable car, demonstrating the continued potential of the Lancer WRC platform even after Mitsubishi’s official departure from the championship.
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