1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV: A Forbidden Sport Sedan Review

The Lancer Evolution IV: A Rally-Inspired Legend

• 🇯🇵 The 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV is a rare and cool sports sedan, previously unavailable in the US but now legal to import.
• 🚗 It's a high-performance variant of the Mitsubishi Lancer (known as the Mirage in the US), designed to pay tribute to Mitsubishi's successful rally car.
• 🏎️ The Evo IV shares its rally heritage and rivalry with the Subaru Impreza WRX, both iconic performance sedans of the 1990s that were initially kept from the US market.

Performance and Powertrain

• ⚙️ This Evo IV features the legendary 4G63 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a staple in Evos 1 through 9, producing a gentleman's agreement 276 horsepower.
• 🕹️ It comes exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive, distinguishing it from the front-wheel-drive standard Lancer.
• ⚖️ With a curb weight around 3,000 lbs, the Evo IV offers a lightweight and agile package for its power output.

Rally-Inspired Exterior Design

• 💡 The exterior boasts aggressive styling, including oversized fog lights integrated into the bumper, a nod to rally car lighting.
• 💨 Functional hood vents aid in engine breathing and heat dissipation, while a comprehensive body kit enhances its aggressive stance.
• 🚀 A signature, enormous rear wing with an integrated third brake light is a defining visual element, setting it apart from standard Lancers.
• 🛞 It features OZ Racing wheels, notable for their prominent branding instead of Mitsubishi logos, as original factory equipment.

Interior Quirks and Features

• ↔️ This specific Evo IV is right-hand drive, as all Evo IV models were originally sold in Japan.
• 🏆 Two versions were available: the stripped-down RS and the more equipped GSR, which includes features like ABS, A/C, and power windows; this car is the GSR.
• 💺 The GSR model includes Recaro seats with distinctive '90s cloth patterns and provisions for racing harnesses.
• ❄️ A unique feature is the intercooler sprayer button, designed to cool the intercooler on hot days to prevent power loss.
• 📱 The climate controls feature an advanced for its time integrated screen displaying airflow and temperature, along with automatic climate control.
• 🪞 Power-folding mirrors were another advanced feature for a non-luxury car of that era, likely for navigating narrow Japanese streets.
• 💨 Despite its performance pedigree, the interior is characterized by basic, cost-conscious materials, reflecting its economy car roots.

Driving Experience and Conclusion

• 🛣️ The driving experience is highlighted by a wonderful shifter feel, a smooth clutch, and sharp, responsive steering.
• ⚡ The 4G63 engine delivers strong mid-range power, making the car feel excitingly fast even by modern standards.
• ⚠️ Drawbacks include the right-hand drive configuration for left-hand drive markets and the economical interior quality.
• 👍 Overall, the Evo IV offers a pure, enthusiast-focused driving experience with sharp handling and potent power, embodying the essence of what makes early Evos so endearing.