Here’s How Much Money You’ll Need For The Final Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

It is at all times unhappy when a revered automobile mannequin is carted off to its retirement dwelling, and 2015 is a darkish yr for JDM fanatics around the globe. The battle between the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and the Subaru Impreza WRX STI to be one of the best Japanese sports activities sedan was one for the ages, and was fought over 20 years. The thrilling tussle ended with the dying of the Evo in 2015, with the Impreza carrying on solo for one more half decade or so.

Base Trim Engine

2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Fuel

Base Trim Transmission

5-Pace Guide

Base Trim Drivetrain

All-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower

291 hp

Base Trim Torque

300 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

Consequently, selecting up one of many final Evos ever made is considerably of an honor, particularly because the Ultimate Version model was in-built restricted numbers. That is how a lot you may want to save lots of to snag one on the used market in 2025.

The Evo Ultimate Version Marked The Finish Of A Dynasty

The Nineteen Nineties have been an superior time for JDM followers, with legendary fashions just like the Toyota Supra, Honda Integra, and the Nissan Skyline GTR lighting up the racetracks and quick meals outlet parking heaps around the globe. Mitsubishi and Subaru took their explicit JDM battle to a distinct enviornment, off-road. Desirous to reign supreme within the World Rally Championship, each manufacturers developed efficiency variations of their Lancer and Impreza fashions that would compete within the mixed-surface racing sequence.

Whereas each automobiles would find yourself claiming titles throughout their WRC keep, the Evo managing 4 straight crowns between 1996 and 1999 courtesy of flying Finn Tommi Mäkinen, a big a part of their legacy was constructed on the again of their road-going counterparts. The 2 manufacturers regularly developed the engineering and technological components of the fashions to beat each other, and it was fascinating to see what every would give you subsequent to attempt to shock the opposite. Finally, Mitsubishi referred to as an finish to the tussle, although it would not let the famed mannequin go down with no battle.

The Ultimate Version Featured A number of Bespoke Additions

The ultimate chapter within the Evo story was the X, which is a used discount these days. First launched in 2008, it was constructed till 2015, when it bowed out with the limited-run Ultimate Version. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four was boosted to provide over 300 hp. The Japanese and North American markets usually solely bought 276 and 291 hp variations, respectively, whereas the likes of the UK bought a variety of Evo Xs with energy figures of as much as 400 hp. Upgraded braking and suspension setups have been put in on the Ultimate Version.

The Ultimate Version was additionally graced with particular BBS wheels and exterior physique modifications, in addition to some particular inside refinements like particular Recaro bucket seats, bespoke flooring mats, and a red-trimmed handbrake and steering wheel.

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What are your favourite 4-door sports activities automobiles beneath $70,000?

When you’re lucky sufficient to have $70,000 to throw at a brand new sports activities sedan in 2024, congrats! Whereas loads of new choices exist just like the Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing or Lexus IS 500 F Sport Efficiency, the used market additionally has gems just like the Chevy SS and CTS-V (GM excels on this space). A used M3 or Giulia Quadrifoglio is also nice decisions, simply ensure you discover one with a ton of service data.

You will Want To Hand Over Round $40k To Have A Respectable One For Your self

Being the Ultimate Version, Mitsubishi elected to restrict manufacturing numbers of the mannequin to three,100 worldwide. The majority of those went to the Japanese and North American markets, with 1,000 specimens going to the previous and 1,600 examples being shipped to the latter. Consequently, they don’t seem to be precisely plentiful on the used market, with the search made tougher by the truth that many homeowners determined to change their automobiles to excessive heaven. Many have been additionally snapped up by collectors, a scenario Japanese manufacturers are attempting to banish in the present day.

Certainly, AutoTempest solely reveals a number of Ultimate Editions offered in fully authentic situation. The most cost effective Ultimate Version at the moment listed on the positioning, which compiles automobile listings from throughout the US, is marketed at $29,985. Whereas clear, the unique BBS alloy wheels have been changed with aftermarket ones, and the automobile has lined just below 100,000 miles. If you’d like a totally unmolested instance, and let’s face it, who would not, then anticipate handy over nearer to $40,000.

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The most cost effective accessible on AutoTempest is a grey instance bought via Vehicles.com, which is marketed on the time of writing in June 2025 for $38,988. The automobile has lined simply over 50,000 miles, and is in wonderful situation with a clear title from CARFAX. One other low-miler, a pink 42,000-mile specimen, can also be listed for $40,000. Given how few examples of the mannequin got here to the US, and contemplating the modifications normally made to it, that is surprisingly inexpensive.

Whereas the likes of UK audiences have been ready to decide on Evo X fashions with energy ranges ranging between 300 and 440 hp, American automobiles have been solely shipped with 291 hp. The Ultimate Version introduced some much-needed additional grunt, with the ultimate 307-hp determine permitting it to hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The additional energy and torque have been made potential by introducing new sodium valves and revised cylinder heads, which helped cut back warmth. This meant the engine might run extra effectively, leading to a rise in energy. The 4B11T engine’s energy curve was additionally altered within the center and excessive RPM ranges to boost responsiveness in these areas.

The ability was transmitted to all 4 wheels like in the usual automobile, although the non-compulsory six-speed DCT gearbox wasn’t accessible, with the five-speed handbook unit being necessary on all Ultimate Editions.

The Evo X Ultimate Version Continued To Make Use Of Mitsubishi’s Established Tech

Apart from the improved braking and suspension setups, which sharpened up the Evo Xs even additional in comparison with the usual mannequin, the Ultimate Version continued to make use of the extremely efficient Energetic Middle Differential pioneered within the regular Evo. It may share energy between all 4 wheels to optimize grip throughout a variety of situations, whereas its Tremendous Anti-Yaw Management system works out the lateral and longitudinal forces being thrown on the automobile in order that the Evo’s inner mind can then make changes to get the automobile again in a straight line, which reduces the lack of momentum.

So far as point-to-point efficiency automobiles go, you’d should attempt fairly exhausting to search out something faster than a well-maintained Evo X Ultimate Version within the US.

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The Legendary Evo Nameplate Exhibits No Indicators Of Being Resurrected

With a full ten years having handed for the reason that Evo was laid to relaxation, followers of the mannequin nonetheless harbor hopes that it could return in some unspecified time in the future sooner or later. Mitsubishi’s shareholders reportedly needed the mannequin to return a number of years in the past, although nothing has come of this need to this point, primarily as a result of the Japanese marque is navigating its future in opposition to a backdrop of electrical and hybrid know-how turning into ever extra outstanding.

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The principle difficulty with the Evo was that it merely did not make monetary sense anymore, with SUVs and crossovers providing a way more tantalizing prospect when it got here to creating a revenue. The scope of gross sales for the Evo had change into too small for Mitsubishi to justify its existence, so it was culled. These components have not modified a lot within the years for the reason that Evo was retired, with the SUV and crossover markets having grown even additional within the interim. Whereas there’s hope that the agency might possibly convey the Evo title again as an EV sooner or later, the probabilities of seeing one other ICE Evo stay slim to none. Consequently, the prospect of buying a candy Evo X Ultimate Version sounds much more tempting.

Sources: Mitsubishi.