The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR (MR meaning 'Mitsubishi Racing') was the pinnacle of the Evo VIII generation, designed for enhanced performance and track capability, appealing to motorsport enthusiasts and performance car aficionados.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R (FN2), Ford Focus RS, BMW M3 (E46), Audi S3 (8L).
Key Features
Performance Focus:
The MR variant specifically targeted enthusiasts with a lighter flywheel, improved aerodynamics, and Bilstein suspension components for sharper handling.
Rally Heritage:
Directly influenced by Mitsubishi's World Rally Championship (WRC) success, offering an accessible taste of rally-bred performance.
Manual Purpose
Utility:
Essential resource for owners and technicians aiming to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Lancer Evo VIII MR to factory standards.
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant), Twin-Scroll Turbine Housing
Intercooler:
Front-mounted Air-to-Air Intercooler
Other
Valvetrain:
MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control) on intake camshaft
Engine Mounting:
Hydraulic Engine Mounts
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-Speed Manual (Type-R gearbox)
Optional
Type:
None for MR trim
Features
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (S-AWC - Super All Wheel Control)
Center Differential:
Active Center Differential (ACD) with manual modes (Tarmac, Gravel, Snow)
Rear Differential:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super AYC (S-AYC) in some markets
Fluid Type
Manual Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 / GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (e.g., Mitsubishi Diaqueen Super Multi Gear Oil)
Acd Oil:
Dexron III / Mercon equivalent automatic transmission fluid
Ayc Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon equivalent automatic transmission fluid
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4400 mm (173.2 in)
Width:
1770 mm (69.7 in)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
2630 mm (103.5 in)
Front Track:
1515 mm (59.6 in)
Rear Track:
1505 mm (59.3 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1440 kg (3175 lbs) (approx.)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
1800 kg (approx.)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 380 Liters (13.4 cu ft)
Wheels Tires
Wheel Size:
17 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 114.3 mm (5 x 4.5 inches)
Tire Size:
235/45R17
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not specifically rated for the MR trim, but general Lancer models of the era typically received good ratings.
IIHS Small Overlap Front:
Not applicable for this model year.
Active Features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Active Traction Control (ATC) System
Stability Control:
Integrated with S-AWC system for advanced dynamic control
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners, 3-point rear seatbelts
Body Structure:
Reinforced body structure with energy-absorbing zones and a safety cell.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with 6-disc CD changer and premium speaker system (e.g., Rockford Fosgate).
Instrumentation:
Performance-oriented digital and analog gauges including boost gauge, driver-selectable ACD modes.
Driver Assistance
Acd Modes:
Tarmac, Gravel, Snow settings for the Active Center Differential, adjustable via a dashboard switch.
Ayc System:
Active Yaw Control (AYC) or Super AYC system enhances cornering stability by actively distributing torque to the rear wheels.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not typically factory-equipped in 2004 models; aftermarket solutions common.
Usb Aux:
Not typically factory-equipped; aftermarket solutions common.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (under normal driving conditions). More frequent changes recommended for spirited driving or track use.
Oil Filter Replacement:
With every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) (Platinum or Iridium type recommended).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years, whichever comes first. Highly critical due to interference engine design.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL or ILSAC GF-2, GF-3; Viscosity: SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific ambient temperature recommendations).
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with distilled water (50/50 mix).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Known Issues
Engine:
Rod bearing failure (often due to oil starvation or detonation), turbocharger wear, valve stem seal issues leading to oil consumption.
Transmission:
Wear on 2nd and 3rd gear synchros, clutch wear, ACD pump failure.
Suspension:
Worn bushings, premature strut failure, AYC/ACD system leaks or pump failure.
Electrical:
Intermittent issues with sensors (e.g., crank/cam sensors), ECU failure.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
MD347700 (OEM equivalent)
Air Filter Example:
33-2061 (e.g., K&N)
Timing Belt Kit Example:
Gates TCKWP315 (includes belt, tensioner, idlers)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Motorsport:
Mitsubishi has a long and successful history in motorsport, particularly in the World Rally Championship (WRC), where the Lancer Evolution was a dominant force.
Model Evolution
Evo Lineage:
The Evo VIII MR represents the eighth generation of the Lancer Evolution, a performance evolution of the standard Lancer sedan, continuously refined for rallying and road performance.
Evo Viii Variants:
The Evo VIII was initially launched with the GSR and RS trims. The MR ('Mitsubishi Racing') was a special, limited-production variant released in 2004, representing the highest specification of the VIII generation.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Production Years Viii:
2003-2005
Mr Variant Introduction:
2004
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best:
Consistently ranked among '10Best' lists by automotive publications for its performance and handling characteristics.
Motor Trend Awards:
Often lauded for its rally-inspired performance and value in the sport compact segment.
Ratings
Overall Driving Experience:
Highly praised by enthusiasts and critics for its telepathic steering, advanced AWD system, and powerful turbocharged engine.
Certifications
Iso 9001 Manufacturing:
Mitsubishi's manufacturing processes adhere to ISO 9001 quality management standards.
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