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In the intricate tapestry of automotive history, where stories of innovation and performance are woven, one narrative often overlooked is the saga of the Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. Beyond its brick-shaped exterior lay a potent performance sedan that not only signaled Mitsubishi's early ambition in rallying but also laid the groundwork for the iconic Evolution series.
Now in order to understand the story we need to go back in time to 1979 when Mitsubishi, after a hiatus, set its sights on the rally circuit. The canvas for this ambition was the unassuming Lancer sedan, transformed by the alchemy of Mitsubishi's engineers into the formidable EX 2000 Turbo. The prototype debuted at the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show, and by 1981, it was unleashed onto the rally stage in Group 4 rallies.
While the EX 2000 Turbo didn’t secure the WRC victory Mitsubishi craved, it birthed something far more impactful - a street-legal sibling that would redefine the landscape of high-performance sedans.
You see At the heart of the EX 2000 Turbo lay the 4G63 engine an amazing piece of engineering that mithubishi used from 1981 all the way thru till the last Generation of the EVO, This engine was also the first Mitsubishi engine the featured turbocharging. This engine, part of the Sirius family, was a technological marvel of its time. A cast-iron block, a slightly under-square design favoring torque delivery, all packaged together with cutting-edge features like an intercooled turbo, electronic fuel injection, and a programmable ECU which made the 4G63 a powerhouse.
In its street-legal guise, the engine generated 168 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, setting the stage for the future Evolution series powerplants. This marked a pivotal moment - the birth of a lineage that would dominate rally circuits and enthusiast hearts alike. BTW the 4G63T in later EVO’s made up to 480HP which is a lot for a production 2.0 engine.
Anyways the road-legal EX 2000 Turbo retained the unassuming Lancer façade, but subtle modifications hinted at the power within - a bespoke front bumper, air dam, new wheels, and a rear spoiler for improved aerodynamics. Under the hood, however, lurked a beast.
Weighing in at 2,205 pounds, the EX 2000 Turbo could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 125 mph - a formidable feat in the early 1980s. The enhancements extended beyond the engine; the Turbo boasted ventilated disc brakes, a robust independent suspension system, and a limited-slip differential.
In its rallying avatar, the EX 2000 Turbo had a brief but impactful career. A notable third-place finish at the 1982 1000 Lakes Rally in Finland showcased its prowess. However, the emergence of Audi's Quattro, with its groundbreaking 4WD system, disrupted the dominance of rear-wheel-drive rally cars, rendering the 2000 Turbo's configuration obsolete.
Mitsubishi, undeterred by this setback, pivoted its focus. First, a 4WD version of the Starion was developed, and later, the Galant VR-4 emerged, setting the stage for the Evolution series that would define Mitsubishi's rally legacy.
Now Between 1981 and 1987, approximately 1,250 units of the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo were sold, primarily in select European markets. However, it never graced Japanese or American shores due to stringent emission regulations.
Despite its fleeting rally success and being overshadowed by subsequent Mitsubishi models, the EX 2000 Turbo holds a unique place in automotive history. Finding one in pristine condition today is a rarity, and when they do surface in the market, prices range from $2,000 to $15,000. Not bad for a legend, and the father of the EVO
#Lancer #Rally #EVO