7 January 1999, Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will put the Mitsubishi LANCER Evolution VI high-performance sports sedan series on sale at Mitsubishi Galant dealerships throughout Japan on January 22. This exciting series has been developed incorporating the latest engineering and technology feedback fostered through the company's active participation in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and other motor sport events.

The latest LANCER GSR Evolution VI is the most powerful yet. Fully reflecting WRC regulations for 1999, it features a number of new aero parts in its revamped exterior and interior design, as well as further evolutions in handling stability and cooling performance resulting from detail improvements.

LANCER GSR Evolution VI

Mitsubishi Motors launched the first LANCER GSR Evolution sports sedan model in 1992 in order to participate in the World Rally Championship. Product features included a 2.0-liter DOHC intercooler-turbocharged engine with high-capacity intercooler, air to oil cooler, aluminum engine hood with large air outlets, and large rear deck spoiler.

Since its introduction, the series has undergone an ongoing evolutionary process as improvements in engine performance and handling have led to Evolution II in 1993, Evolution III in 1995, Evolution IV in 1996, and Evolution V in 1998.

Rally-specification LANCER GSR Evolution models have enabled Mitsubishi Motors to chalk up an impressive track record in the World Rally Championship over the years. In 1998, LANCER GSR Evolution V's won seven of the 13 WRC events to bring the company Manufacturer Championship honors for the first time. Mitsubishi ace-driver Tommi Makinen of Finland also became the first driver in history to "tri-peat", taking the Driver's World Championship three years in a row.

Major Changes over LANCER GSR Evolution V

1. Exterior and interior
   
   • Engine cooling and vehicle aerodynamics have been improved: by offsetting the license plate position in the front bumper, and by the addition of an oil cooler ventilator and air blow ducting.
   • The use of twin Wicker-type rear spoilers with adjustable attack angle that conforms to 1999 WRC regulations enables Evolution VI to generate the same downforce as its predecessor.
   • The interior gets a classier and sportier appearance with the use of black and blue upholstery for the Recaro seats, genuine leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-trim shift knob, and blue stitching in the shift lever boot.
   • Legibility of instrumentation has been improved with blue dial faces and by optimizing the scale graduations.
   • Evolution VI is offered in five attractive colors: Rheims Blue, Satellite Silver, Pyrenean Black, Scotia White and Ijssel Blue.
   • Evolution VI uses a new design of 17-inch alloy road wheels made by OZ.

   
   

2. Performance
   
   • Cornering performance has been improved: by lowering the roll center of the front suspension; by using aluminum alloy arms and lengthening the rebound stroke in the rear suspension; and by optimizing strut damping and stabilizer characteristics.
   • Evolution VI is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC intercooler-turbocharged engine with air to oil cooler. Engine cooling has been improved: by changing the water temperature regulation, by adding cooling channels to the pistons, and by using a high-volume oil cooler.
   • A larger diameter air intake hose and turbocharger air intake port are used to realize improved high-end power output and response.
   • Braking performance has been improved by using more rigid calipers in the Brembo brake system, which has 17-inch 4-pot caliper brakes at the front and 16-inch 2-pot caliper brakes at the rear.

   
   

3. RS Evolution VI rally version
   
   • Available by order is the RS Evolution VI competition model designed for entry in motor sport events. With a lightweight body, the following features make this model more competitive still in the toughest events:.
   • The turbocharger uses a titanium alloy turbine-a world-first-for reduced intake pressure losses and improved response and high-end power output.
   • Available is a double plate clutch that reduces losses in rapid torque transmission under race conditions.

LANCER GSR Evolution VI: Principal Specifications