Mitsubishi built ten generations of the Lancer Evolution from 1992 to 2016, but only three were sold in the US: the Evo VIII from 2003 to 2005, the Evo IX for 2006, and the Evo X from 2008 to 2015. The VIII and IX used the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4G63, and the Evo X switched to the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4B11T.
Lancer Evolution generations
| Generation | Years | Engine | Sold in the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evo I to III | 1992-1995 | 2.0L 4G63 turbo | No |
| Evo IV to VI | 1996-2001 | 2.0L 4G63 turbo | No |
| Evo VII | 2001-2003 | 2.0L 4G63 turbo | No |
| Evo VIII | 2003-2005 (US) | 2.0L 4G63 turbo | Yes |
| Evo IX | 2006 (US) | 2.0L 4G63 turbo with variable valve timing | Yes |
| Evo X | 2008-2015 (US) | 2.0L 4B11T turbo | Yes |
Evo VIII and IX vs Evo X
- Engine: the iron-block 4G63 in the VIII and IX versus the aluminum-block 4B11T in the X.
- Transmissions: the Evo X added a dual-clutch automatic option alongside the manual.
- Parts: clutches, exhaust manifolds and suspension are specific to each generation.
Why only three US generations?
The early Evos were built mainly for Japan and for rally homologation, and they were sold in a handful of markets. Mitsubishi brought the Evolution to the US for the 2003 model year, so American owners know the Evo VIII, IX and X, while earlier cars arrive only as private imports.
US Evo models
- Evo VIII (2003-2005): the first Evo sold in the US, with the 4G63 turbo, a five-speed manual and all-wheel drive; the MR added a six-speed manual and other upgrades.
- Evo IX (2006): a one-year US model that added MIVEC variable valve timing to the 4G63.
- Evo X (2008-2015): the GSR with a five-speed manual and the MR with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic; a Final Edition closed out production in 2015.
Common upgrades
Owners adding power usually start with a stronger clutch, since the factory clutch is sized for factory torque, then exhaust and suspension. Clutch and suspension parts are generation-specific: a kit for the VIII and IX will not fit the X, and the reverse is also true.
Parts we carry for the Evo
For the 2003-2006 Evo VIII and IX we carry an ACT Heavy Duty pressure plate and sprung street disc kit, listed with a 530 ft-lb torque capacity. For the 2008-2015 Evo X we carry an ACT Heavy Duty clutch kit, a MAPerformance tubular exhaust manifold and BC Racing BR Series coilovers with 30 levels of damping adjustment. See them on our Mitsubishi Evo parts page, and read signs of a bad clutch and what are coilovers?
Comparing with Subaru’s rival? See WRX generations.
Shipping is a flat $80.00 per order to US addresses, with 15-day free returns. Questions? Ask a parts specialist.