Mitsubishi · CD9A
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I
The original Lancer Evolution took an ordinary compact sedan and stuffed in a serious turbocharged AWD rally weapon, kicking off a nameplate that would spend the next two decades trading blows with Subaru's WRX STI for World Rally Championship glory.
Spec Sheet
- Generation / Chassis Code
- CD9A
- Years Produced
- 1992–1994
- Manufacturer
- Mitsubishi
- Country
- Japan
- Body Style
- 4-door sedan
- Engine
- 2.0L turbo inline-4 (4G63T)
- Horsepower
- 244 hp
- Torque
- 228 lb-ft
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Weight
- ~2,600 lbs
- 0–60 mph
- ~5.0 seconds
History
Mitsubishi built the Evo I purely to homologate its Group A rally program, and its combination of a boosty 4G63T engine and genuinely sophisticated AWD system made it instantly competitive on rally stages worldwide.
Why It Became Famous
It's the genesis point for one of the most storied rally-bred nameplates in automotive history, launching the legendary 4G63T engine platform that would define Evo performance for over a decade.
Strengths
- 4G63T engine platform is famously tough and hugely tunable
- Genuinely sophisticated AWD system for its era gives excellent all-condition grip
- Historic significance as the first Evo, launching a legendary nameplate
- Light weight compared to later, more heavily equipped Evo generations
Weaknesses
- Never sold outside Japan, so all examples elsewhere are grey-market imports
- Basic interior and equipment level reflect its econobox sedan origins
- Values have risen as first-generation Evo collector interest grows
- Less refined than later Evo generations in outright chassis sophistication
Common Problems
- 4G63T turbo and head gasket wear typical of the platform, especially if tuned aggressively
- AWD center differential and transfer case wear if maintenance is neglected
- Rust in rear arches and floor pans on humid-climate examples
- Aging wiring and vacuum lines affecting turbo control
Modification Potential
Enormous — the 4G63T is one of the most proven tunable engines in JDM history, reliably supporting big turbo upgrades and built internals well beyond 400–500 whp with the right supporting mods.
Buying Guide
Since it's JDM-only, verify genuine import documentation, check 4G63T head gasket and turbo condition, and confirm the AWD system engages and operates smoothly on a test drive.
Enthusiast Popularity Today
Respected by Evo historians and 4G63T enthusiasts as the genesis of a legendary nameplate, even though later Evos (V, VI, IX) get more mainstream attention.
Fun Facts
- The Evo I introduced the 4G63T engine platform that would remain in use, continually refined, through the Evo IX
- It was built purely to satisfy Group A rally homologation requirements, with no plans for export sales
- Mitsubishi built the Evo I in far smaller numbers than later, more famous Evo generations
More from Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III
1995–1996 · 266–270 hp · AWD
The Evo III sharpened the formula with genuine aerodynamic addenda (a larger front bumper intake and rear wing) developed from Mitsubishi's rally program, and a revised 4G63T that pushed power notably higher than the original Evo I/II.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V
1998 · 276 hp · AWD
Wider, more aggressive, and genuinely track-focused, the Evo V introduced a wider track and Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control (AYC) rear differential, a genuine torque-vectoring system that dramatically sharpened the car's cornering ability.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
1999–2001 · 276 hp · AWD
Refined specifically to help Tommi Mäkinen chase World Rally Championship titles, the Evo VI added improved cooling, a stronger drivetrain, and a limited Tommi Mäkinen Edition that remains one of the most desirable Evos ever built.