Mitsubishi
From Zeros to Evos: Engineering Innovation and Rally Dominance
Introduction
The three-diamond Mitsubishi badge is a symbol of profound engineering heritage. Before building cars, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries manufactured the legendary A6M Zero fighter plane of World War II. This expertise in aerospace and machinery translated into innovative, technologically advanced, and often brutally capable road and rally cars, leaving an indelible mark on automotive history.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1917 (Vehicle production began in 1917 with the Model A) |
| Parent Company | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (until 1970) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (1970 onward) |
| HeadQuarters | Tokyo, Japan |
| First Mass Car | Mitsubishi 500 (1960) |
| Known For | Rally dominance, turbo technology, 4WD innovation |
Iconic Mitsubishi Engines
- 4G63T: 2.0L Turbo I4 (Lancer Evolution I-IX). The heart of the Evo. An iron-block, turbocharged monster famous for its immense strength and tunability, powering rally champions and street legends.
- 6G72: 3.0L V6 (3000GT VR-4, Dodge Stealth R/T). A twin-turbo technological showcase featuring advanced all-wheel drive and active aerodynamics in its time.
- 4G15 / 4G93: 1.5L & 1.8L I4 (Mirage/Lancer). Economical but incredibly robust, forming the basis for countless rally and tuner projects.
- 4D56T: 2.5L Turbo-Diesel I4 (Pajero/Montero). A legendary, unkillable diesel workhorse that powered Dakar-winning SUVs.
Legendary Mitsubishi Models
- Lancer Evolution (1992-2016): The iconic “Evo.” A rally-bred, turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sports sedan that became a legend on both the track and the street.
- 3000GT VR-4 / GTO (1990-2001): A 90s technological tour-de-force with twin-turbocharging, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics.
- Pajero / Montero (1982-2021): A Dakar Rally champion (12 overall wins). The rugged, capable SUV that conquered deserts worldwide.
- Starion / Conquest (1982-1989): A sharp-edged, turbocharged rear-wheel-drive coupe and one of the first Japanese cars with electronic fuel injection.
- Galant VR-4 (1987-1992): The Evolution’s predecessor. A sophisticated, full-time 4WD, turbocharged sports sedan that was a rally winner.
- Eclipse GSX (1989-1999): A popular turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sports coupe that became a tuner and pop-culture icon.
Dominance of Dakar and WRC
Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess was proven on the world’s most brutal stages. The Pajero/Montero is the most successful vehicle in Dakar Rally history, with 12 overall victories. In the World Rally Championship (WRC), the Lancer Evolution and its drivers, like the legendary Tommi Mäkinen, secured four consecutive drivers’ championships, cementing the Evo’s reputation as a performance icon.