The original Evo featured a 2-litre DOHC engine mated to an all-wheel-drive system. Top speed was around 142mph but it was the low price tag that attracted speed lovers.
Handling improvements and minor wheelbase adjustments were made to the second iteration, as were aggressive styling tweaks. An extra 10bhp was also added for good measure.
A new nose moulding and air-funnelling scoops started appearing on the third Evo as well as a hefty dose of horsepower.
Mitsubishi ripped up the Lancer platform with the IV. The engine was rotated to improve handling and reduce torque steer, while power increased again. Two massive fog lights stand this model out from the Evo crowd.
Minor tweaks were added to this model, including flared wheelarches and more prominent side skirts. The engine was strengthened and the turbocharger improved for smoother delivery of power.
More internal tweaks and a few styling extras were added to the VI but most importantly, a Ralliart version was available with a mighty 330bhp. It’s no wonder Tommi Mäkinen won so many WRC championships in one.
The seventh generation gained weight thanks to it running on a new platform but clever changes to the differential meant it handled much better than previous models.
The gloves came off with the eight iteration as styling became almost comically aggressive, as did the power variations. The FQ badge was introduced and manic customers could opt for a FQ 400 with 405bhp. More than enough to skin many supercars but at half the price.
Mitsubishi decided to reduce the horsepower output of the range-topper in the penultimate generation, much to the bemusement of proper Evo fans. Despite the lack of bhp, the Evo IX actually produced more torque than any other model before it.
Brand new styling, all the mod cons and refreshed engines featured on the final Evo but they didn’t impress customers. The price was too high, the engines too soft and top speeds were limited. All the trinkets just couldn’t make up for the bare-chested driving experience of previous models.