| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors Ralliart |
|---|---|
| Production | 2001–05 |
| Successor | Mitsubishi Racing Lancer |
| Class | World Rally Car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Engine | 4G63 2.0 L DOHC 16v I4, turbocharger |
| Transmission | sequential transmission; front, centre & rear LSDs; four-wheel drive |
| Wheelbase | 2,600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Length | 4,360 mm (171.7 in) |
| Width | 1,770 mm (69.7 in) (2001–04) 1,800 mm (70.9 in) (2005) |
| Curb weight | 1,230 kg (2,712 lb) |
The Mitsubishi Lancer WRC is a World Rally Car built by Ralliart, Mitsubishi Motors' motorsport division, to compete in the World Rally Championship. The previous Lancer Evolution series were homologated for the Group A class, and their competitiveness against World Rally Cars from other manufacturers was therefore limited.
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The Lancer Evolution WRC is powered by the same 1996 cc 4G63 engine that has been used in its sports and rally cars since the 1980s, in this iteration producing 300 PS (221 kW) at 5500 rpm and 540 N·m (398 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm.
The Lancer Evolution WRC2 is also powered by the 4G63, also producing 300 PS (221 kW) at 5500 rpm and 540 N·m (398 lb·ft) at 3500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed INVECS-type sequential transmission via a triple-plate carbon clutch and distributes power to all four wheels via front-, centre- and rear- active differentials. The car's suspension is independent, with MacPherson struts and coil springs at each corner. The brakes are vented discs clamped by 6-piston calipers at the front, and 4-piston calipers at the rear.
The Lancer WRC04 continued with the 4G63 engine, mounted to a 5-speed semi-automatic transmission and a new all-wheel drive system co-developed by Ricardo Consulting Engineers and Mitsubishi Motors Motorsports (MMSP). The bodywork was subjected to extensive aerodynamic testing at the Lola Cars wind tunnel. The front brakes were upgraded to 8-piston calipers clamping 370 mm (15 in) discs.
The lead Lancer WRC04 in the 2004 World Rally Championship was driven by ex-Peugeot driver Gilles Panizzi, with his brother Hervé as co-driver.
The Lancer WRC05 saw no significant changes to the powertrain, but the car's width was increased by 30 mm (1.2 in) due to a change in the WRC regulations. Aerodynamic alterations to the bodywork were introduced to improve stability, while suspension links and driveshafts were lengthened. Steering-mounted gearshift paddles were also introduced, and longer ratios were adopted for first, third and fourth gears.