Intro
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi’s rally-bred sedan lineage that began in 1992. Released in 2006 as the final refinement of the ninth-generation Evolution, the MR edition (Mitsubishi Racing) delivered motorsport engineering in a street-legal package, continuing the model’s World Rally Championship pedigree that produced four consecutive championships with Tommi Mäkinen.
In JDM culture, the EVO IX MR holds legendary status as the last of the “pure” Evolutions before the more electronically-assisted EVO X. Its 4G63 turbocharged engine – continuously refined since the EVO III – combined with Mitsubishi’s advanced all-wheel-drive system made it a tuner’s dream platform and street racing icon. The EVO’s rivalry with the Subaru WRX STI created one of the most passionate divides in Japanese performance car culture, with “EVO vs. STI” debates defining an era of import enthusiasm.
This particular build transcends the already impressive factory specifications by balancing period-correct modifications with modern performance upgrades. Unlike many heavily modified EVOs lost to excessive tuning or crash damage, this example preserves the essence of what made the EVO IX MR special while thoughtfully enhancing its capabilities for both track use and appreciation as a rapidly appreciating modern classic.
Builder Profile
Born in Osaka but raised in Southern California, Takumi Nakashima built his career as a mechanical engineer specializing in aerodynamics for a major Japanese automotive manufacturer before starting his own performance shop, “Apex Dynamics,” in 2008.
Nakashima’s tuning philosophy emphasizes balanced performance rather than chasing dyno numbers. “The EVO’s charm is in its complete package,” he often says. “Modify with purpose, not for bragging rights.” His approach combines Japanese precision with American innovation, focusing on track-tested modifications that maintain daily drivability.
A respected figure in time attack competitions, Nakashima has developed a reputation for building EVOs that dominate technical courses. He’s a regular contributor to Import Tuner forums and organizes quarterly meets for the SoCal EVO Owners Club, mentoring younger enthusiasts on proper tuning techniques and driving skills.
Why We Love It
The EVO IX MR transcends mere automotive enthusiasm—it occupies that rarefied space where engineering precision meets visceral experience. Its 4G63 turbocharged engine, in final evolution before Mitsubishi’s shift to aluminum blocks, delivers 286 horsepower with a character impossible to replicate—raw mechanical aggression tempered by bulletproof reliability.
The MR variant elevates this platform through thoughtful refinement: Bilstein monotube dampers that transform tarmac imperfections into telepathic feedback, a six-speed close-ratio transmission that slots between gates with satisfying mechanical certainty, and the aluminum roof panel that simultaneously lowers center of gravity and announces this special edition’s intentions.
What truly separates the IX MR is its Super Active Yaw Control (S-AYC)—arguably the most communicative and responsive AWD system of its generation. The system doesn’t merely manage traction; it actively vectors torque to create turn-in characteristics that defy physics, allowing precision that transforms mountain passes into technical exercises of driver skill.
This represents the final, most evolved iteration of the raw, analog performance philosophy before electronic intervention became ubiquitous. The EVO IX MR captures that inflection point in automotive history when mechanical engineering reached its zenith before digital assistance became mandatory—a crystallized moment of pure driver engagement that appreciates not just in value, but in significance with each passing year.
Mods
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
- HKS GT3240 turbocharger kit
- Tomei Expreme Ti titanium exhaust system
- ARC front-mount intercooler
- Cusco oil catch can
- Cosworth head gasket
- AEM cold air intake system
- HKS racing spark plugs
- ACT HD clutch kit with streetlite flywheel
- Mishimoto aluminum radiator
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- Öhlins DFV coilovers
- Cusco front and rear strut tower bars
- Whiteline anti-roll bar kit
- AP Racing big brake kit with 6-pot front calipers
- Project μ brake pads (HC+ compound)
- Cusco lower chassis brace
- Whiteline roll center adjustment kit
- PERRIN master cylinder brace
WHEELS & TIRES
- RAYS Volk Racing CE28N 18×9.5 +22
- Advan Neova AD08R (265/35R18)
- Project Kics R40 lug nuts
- KYO-EI wheel spacers (15mm)
EXTERIOR / AERO
- Voltex Type 5 rear wing
- C-West front bumper
- Varis carbon fiber hood
- SEIBON carbon fiber trunk
- APR carbon side mirrors
- JDM carbon fiber rear diffuser
- Rally Armor mudflaps
- PIAA HID headlight conversion
INTERIOR
- BRIDE ZETA III seats
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- MOMO steering wheel
- Defi Advance BF gauges (boost, oil temp, water temp)
- Nardi shift knob
- AEM wideband air/fuel gauge
- ARC titanium shift plate
- Cusco roll cage
ELECTRONICS / ECU
- AEM V2 engine management system
- Cobb Accessport V3
- HKS EVC boost controller
- GReddy Profec electronic boost controller
- Turbosmart dual-port blow-off valve
- Blitz DSBC Dual SBC Spec-S boost controller
- Haltech wideband O2 sensor kit
- Kill switch installation
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX MR‘s modifications coalesce into a harmonious package that prioritizes balanced performance across multiple disciplines. Rather than chasing extreme power figures, the build focuses on enhancing the car’s inherent strengths while addressing its few weaknesses.
The carefully selected power upgrades—from the optimized turbocharger to the free-flowing exhaust system—work in concert with the reinforced transmission and upgraded differential to deliver power consistently and predictably. This synergy guarantees the car maintains its renowned all-weather capability while offering improved response throughout the rev range.
Suspension modifications strike a deliberate compromise between track capability and street comfort, with coilovers tuned to maintain compliance over rough surfaces while minimizing body roll during aggressive cornering. The wider, lighter wheels wrapped in performance tires expand the grip envelope without introducing excessive harshness.
This build clearly targets the enthusiast seeking a dual-purpose street and circuit weapon. While capable of impressive lap times, the car retains sufficient comfort for daily driving and longer road trips. The modifications preserve the EVO’s rally-bred character while refining its on-road manners and extending its performance ceiling, creating a vehicle that excels in real-world conditions rather than specialized environments.
FAQ
How reliable is the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX MR?
The EVO IX MR is generally considered quite reliable for a high-performance vehicle when properly maintained. Regular oil changes every 3,000-5,000 miles are critical. Most owners report engines lasting well over 100,000 miles before requiring major attention, though the 4G63 engine can develop rod bearing issues if oil changes are neglected or if the car is consistently driven hard without proper warm-up and cool-down periods.
What’s the tuning potential of the EVO IX MR?
The 4G63 turbocharged engine in the EVO IX MR has exceptional tuning potential. With basic bolt-on modifications and a professional tune, power can easily be increased from the stock 286hp to 350-400hp. More extensive modifications including upgraded turbo, fuel system, and internals can safely produce 450-600hp. The robust factory block can handle significant power increases, making it one of the most tuner-friendly platforms in the performance market.
What are the common issues with the EVO IX MR?
Common issues include ACD pump failures (particularly in colder climates), AYC differential problems, synchro wear in the manual transmission (especially 2nd and 3rd gears), and boost control solenoid failures. The factory clutch is often a weak point when increasing power. Additionally, the timing belt should be replaced every 60,000-90,000 miles to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
What are the best modifications for an EVO IX MR?
The most effective modifications include a turbo-back exhaust system, upgraded intercooler, cold air intake, and a proper ECU tune – these alone can add 50-70hp. For handling improvements, coilovers, sway bars, and chassis bracing yield significant benefits. For those seeking more power, upgrading the turbocharger (often to a 20G or FP Green) along with supporting fuel and cooling modifications provides substantial gains while maintaining drivability.
What’s the ownership experience like for an EVO IX MR?
Ownership is intense but rewarding. Running costs are higher than typical vehicles, with premium fuel requirements, above-average insurance premiums, and relatively frequent maintenance needs. Parts availability is becoming more challenging as the vehicle ages. However, the exceptional driving experience, strong community support, appreciating values, and the car’s rally heritage create a uniquely satisfying ownership experience that many enthusiasts find well worth the additional cost and attention.
How does the MR version differ from other EVO IX models?
The MR (Mitsubishi Racing) edition features several significant upgrades over the standard EVO IX, including Bilstein shocks, BBS forged alloy wheels, aluminum roof panel for lower center of gravity, and exclusive interior trim. These enhancements improve handling and reduce weight, making the MR the most track-focused variant of the EVO IX lineup and generally the most collectible.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR stands as more than just a performance car—it represents the pinnacle of an era when Japanese engineering brilliance met rally-bred technology for the masses. While production ceased years ago, the EVO IX MR’s relevance has only strengthened with time, becoming a benchmark against which modern sport compacts are measured.
Its enduring appeal stems from a mechanical honesty lacking in many contemporary vehicles—a responsive 4G63 engine that rewards driver input, a hydraulic steering system that communicates road texture, and an all-wheel-drive system engineered for genuine performance rather than merely safety. In an age of electronic driving aids and turbocharged engines focused on efficiency, the EVO IX MR remains invigoratingly purposeful.
Within JDM culture, the Evolution holds hallowed status alongside icons like the Skyline GT-R and Supra, representing Japan’s golden era of performance cars. For enthusiasts, owning an EVO IX MR isn’t merely about transportation—it’s about preserving automotive heritage. Each surviving example tells a story of Japanese innovation that changed motorsport and street performance forever. As these cars become increasingly rare, their cultural significance and enthusiast appeal only grow stronger, ensuring the Evolution’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of performance car devotees.