1995 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III 2.0L 16V Turbo 5MT (270 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mitsubishi was on the verge of improving its Lancer Evolution, which aimed high in the World Rally Championship, and in February 1995, it unveiled the third iteration of this nameplate.

While Subaru and other automakers didn’t make new versions each year for the cars used as rally-contenders, Mitsubishi worked tirelessly to get there. Thus, in less than three years, it jumped from the Evo to Evo III. Even though all of them were based on the same platform carried over from the Lancer’s fifth generation, there were new improvements.

The most significant visual upgrade for the Evo III was the hood. Unlike its predecessor, it featured two broad air intakes on it that fed the engine with cold air from the outside. In addition, the front bumper was redesigned to accommodate a larger air intake for the intercooler and a lower lip spoiler to minimize the ground effect. At the back, the automaker installed an adjustable rear wing on the trunk.

The Evo III’s cabin was similar to the one fitted in the Evo II. Just like its predecessor, it used the cheapest seats on the market for the base trim level and high-bolstered ones for the upper variants. Still, the curved dashboard design and the instrument panel could’ve been improved. On the GSR trim level, the Recaro sport seats were fitted as standard.

Featuring the same 4G63 engine as the rest of the Lancer Evolution range, the 1995 Evo III variant provided 270 PS (266 hp), which was enough to propel the vehicle at a fast pace, thanks to its five-speed manual that sent the power in all corners.