1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI: A Deep Dive and Driving Review

History and Evolution of the Lancer

• 💡 The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo) originated in 1991 as a roadgoing version of Mitsubishi's Lancer rally car.
• 🚀 Each successive generation, from Evo 1 to Evo 6, featured incremental improvements in styling, suspension, braking, and power.
• 🚗 The Evo 6, released in 1999, is highlighted as a perfect blend of old-school JDM styling and modern driving experience.

Evo VI Design and Features

• 🎨 The specific Evo VI reviewed is in a striking 'Ralliart Red' color, named after a city in France, and features distinctive giant fog lights at the bumper's edge.
• ✈️ A unique functional detail is the front license plate placement off-center to allow airflow to the intercooler.
• 🏆 The most iconic feature is the massive, adjustable rear spoiler, designed to optimize aerodynamics.
• 💨 Other notable exterior elements include large rear wheel arches, flared rocker panels, and a rear wiper, uncommon on sedans in the US.

Interior Upgrades and Variants

• 💺 The interior boasts heavily bolstered Recaro seats with a blue dot mesh pattern and Alcantara for grip, along with an upgraded Momo steering wheel.
• 💧 A characteristic feature is the intercooler spray switch, which activates a water spray for extra cooling on hot days or track use.
• 📊 The center console includes auxiliary gauges, such as a turbo boost gauge, temperature, and voltage, alongside the stereo.
• 🛣️ The Evo VI was offered in two main models: the stripped-down, lightweight RS for racing, and the more livable GSR, which is the version reviewed.

Practicality and Driving Experience

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 While based on the Lancer, the rear seats are small, and the trunk offers limited utility due to strut braces that prevent folding seats.
• 🕹️ The driving experience is described as masterful, with a potent and eager 4G63 engine providing strong mid-range performance.
• ⚡ Handling is exceptional, with precise steering, minimal body roll, and a solid, grippy feel.
• 👍 Despite being a performance car, it's surprisingly drivable and not overly harsh, making it a usable daily vehicle.

Legacy and Final Thoughts

• 🏁 The Evo line continued with Evo 7, 8, 9, and 10, though later models became softer and eventually discontinued.
• 🏆 The Evo VI is considered by the reviewer to be the most special and coolest version, representing a perfect overlap of old-school JDM aesthetics and modern performance.
• 💯 The car received a DougScore of 54/100, praised for its fun driving dynamics, excellent performance, sharp handling, great steering, and iconic looks.