In October of 1992 the EVO 1 went on sale with 2,500 examples being available to meet Group A Rally homologation rules. The first 2,500 cars sold out in 3 days which led to Mitsubishi making another 2.500 cars. The differences between the normal road going Lancer and the Lancer Evolution were huge. The 4G63 powerplant was thoroughly updated with improvements being made to the breathing, turbo, fuel injection as well as the engine internals. A larger front mounted intercooler was installed which included its own water spray system.
Although these changes only gave the car an extra 10bhp the engine was well capable of handling more power. As would be expected with a rally car the body shell was extensively stiffened to cope with the rigors of the Safari and Acropolis Rally's. The EVO 1 came with a viscous centre differential and a limited slip diff at the rear.
The GSR version was the more focused version and this came with air conditioning, Recaro seats, Momo steering wheel. tinted glass, abs, electric windows and mirrors plus a 6 speaker car audio system. The body work also had to comply with the rally regulations which meant all the scoops and vents which would be used to full effect on the rally car were also present on the road going version of the Lancer Evolution.
The RS EVO was much more focused on the rally stage meaning that it came without ABS, air conditioning, the Recaro seats and the alloy wheels found on the GSR. Instead the RS came with steel wheels and the result of the systems being left off the RS led to a 70kg reduction in weight.
Lancer Evolution 1 Specs:
Engine: 1997cc
Power: 250PS @ 6000rpm
Torque: 228lbs/ft @ 3000rpm
Weight: 1240kg (RS 1170kg)
Top Speed: 143mph
0-60 mph: 5.1 seconds
