Designed for high-performance driving, track use, and rallying. Emphasizes handling, acceleration, and braking capabilities.
Technical Sophistication:
Features advanced drivetrain management (ACD, AYC - Active Yaw Control, although AYC was more prominent in prior generations, ACD is key for Evo VIII), powerful MIVEC engine technology, and robust chassis engineering.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive
Specific Regions Covered:
Global (technical specifications applicable across markets)
Mitsubishi TD05HR-16G (or similar variant depending on market)
Intercooler:
Air-to-Air Front-Mounted Intercooler
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Manufacturer Standard:
Getrag (Model 232)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
None (Manual transmission only for Evolution VIII)
Features
Drivetrain Configuration:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Transfer Case:
Center Differential with ACD (Active Center Differential)
Rear Differential:
Helical Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Front Differential:
Open Differential
Acd Modes:
Tarmac, Gravel, Snow
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
4490 mm
Width Mm:
1770 mm
Height Mm:
1415 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
2625 mm
Track Width Front Mm:
1510 mm
Track Width Rear Mm:
1505 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg Approx:
1400 - 1450 kg (depending on market and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Kg Approx:
1850 kg
Cargo
Trunk Volume Liters Approx:
280 Liters
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
4 Stars (for driver and passenger, based on available data for similar models)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings:
Good (for frontal offset, based on similar models/generations)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Traction Control:
Standard (TC-SST not applicable to this manual transmission model)
AWD System:
ACD (Active Center Differential) with driver-selectable modes enhances traction and stability.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags (SRS)
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced body structure
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player, often with premium speaker options (e.g., Rockford Fosgate).
Display Type:
Analog gauges, basic LCD trip computer and climate controls.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Standard ABS system is a key driver assistance feature.
Traction Control:
Standard traction control system complements the AWD.
Torque Vectoring:
While not explicitly electronic torque vectoring in the modern sense, the ACD system allows for variable torque distribution to enhance cornering.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Limited by era; typically no Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration. May have power antenna and basic speaker outputs.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Engine Oil Change Interval Km Miles:
7,500 km or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 3,750 km / 3 months for severe driving conditions.
Oil Filter Replacement Interval:
At every oil change
Air Filter Replacement Interval:
15,000 km or 12 months, inspect more frequently
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
45,000 km for standard spark plugs, 90,000 km for iridium-tipped plugs (check specific plug type)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
105,000 km or 7 years (critical component, inspect regularly)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III, Viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific climate recommendations)
Engine Oil Capacity Liters:
4.5 Liters (with filter)
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (for manual transmission)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil
Rear Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil (consider LSD additive if specified)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant (Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant or equivalent)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF Dexron II or III (check manual for exact specification)
Known Issues
Engine:
Head gasket failures (especially on heavily modified engines), turbocharger wear, piston ring issues (less common on stock), valve seat wear.
Transmission:
Grinding gears (especially 2nd and 5th), worn synchros, clutch wear.
Acd System:
ACD pump failures, sensor issues, fluid leaks.
Suspension Steering:
Worn control arm bushings, premature wear on ball joints and tie rod ends due to aggressive driving.
Electrical:
Alternator failures, power window motor issues, SRS warning light illumination.
Rust Corrosion:
Can be susceptible to rust in common areas like wheel wells, rocker panels, and subframes, especially in regions with road salt.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Mitsubishi Motors, known for its engineering prowess, particularly in rallying and performance vehicles.
Model Evolution
Evolution Series Origin:
The Lancer Evolution lineage began in 1992 as a homologation special for the World Rally Championship (WRC).
Evo Viii Introduction:
The Evolution VIII was launched in 2003, marking a significant evolution in performance and technology for the series.
Key Changes From Evo Vii:
Updated turbocharger (TD05HR-16G), revised ACD system, stronger chassis, and improved aerodynamic elements. Introduction of the 'F' designation for some models indicating engine enhancements.
Production
Production Start Year:
2003
Production End Year For Model:
2005
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
Rally Connection:
The Evo VIII was developed with rally homologation in mind, directly influencing its chassis, drivetrain, and engine design.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Sport Compact Car Of The Year:
Often cited by automotive publications as a benchmark performance car.
Wrc Legacy:
Continues the highly successful WRC heritage of the Lancer Evolution line, recognized for its motorsport pedigree.
Ratings
Handling Performance Rankings:
Consistently ranked among the best-handling cars of its era by automotive journalists.
Certifications
Emissions Compliance:
Complies with relevant emissions standards for the model year and market of sale.