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White turns to black.... The beginning is inextricably linked to the end….   I bought my Lancer back in 2009 (2008 model year), one of the first models in Austria. This Mitsubishi has always been my dream car, ever since I first saw it in a car magazine. And it still is. That's why it hurt all the more when the 10th generation Lancer series came to an end. That was 10 years ago now. At that time, I also became aware in Austria that the Final Edition was being built, but since it was only sold in America, Japan, Canada and Australia, the fact that it even existed faded into obscurity in the years that followed. Of course, I was already aware of the special features back then, but they were unattainable.   Years passed, and while searching for various parts for the Evo X, I stumbled across a Final Edition emblem with the serial number US1240. I thought, wow… I spend so much time online and had never seen an emblem like this for sale. So I bought it. Now my interest was rekindled, and I started looking for Final Edition parts like this. So I began searching in Japan… And indeed, I found an emblem at an auction that still had 4 hours to go. Since it wasn't too expensive and there were no other bids, I joined in. And after 4 hours I was the proud owner of a peculiar emblem, US0000. I was familiar with emblems US0001 – US1600, etc., but I had never heard of US0000 before. So I googled it.   And I couldn't believe my eyes, there were tons of pictures of it online… It was the white press model, produced exclusively for the unveiling of the Final Edition in 2015. A thousand thoughts raced through my head… How did it get that emblem? Were there multiple versions? And was this really happening right then and there? I was incredibly excited about it for the next few days… but when you think about it further, you also start to wonder… How does an emblem that was in the USA end up in Japan? My first thought was that once production started, the emblem was removed, given a different number, and the US0000 emblem was sent back to Japan… You have to figure that out somehow, right? But then I came across an article by Maggie Stieffvater, an American journalist who herself drives an Evo X. I read and read… And I slowly began to understand that the pre-production model US0000 had been deliberately scrapped by the authorities… Oh my God… I started to tremble… because I knew this was the Holy Grail of this generation. How does one come to own an emblem from a car that was officially scrapped somewhere in America…? And I, a mere fan from Austria, just bought one of these… From Japan??? And more questions upon questions…???   This was the beginning, where I looked to see if I could gather all the special parts of the Final Edition for my Lancer…. Because this story touched me so deeply, I'm dedicating my car to the scrapped white Evo US0000. So that he can mentally get back on the road.

The story of Mitsubishi Motors is a tale of engineering prowess that was often ahead of its time. While other manufacturers focused on design or luxury, Mitsubishi defined itself through technological superiority: all-wheel drive, turbocharging, and electromobility are the cornerstones of this history. 1. The Pioneers (1917–1945): The arduous beginning Long before the automotive division was spun off as an independent company ( Mitsubishi Motors Corporation ), Mitsubishi's shipyard laid the foundation. Mitsubishi Model A (1917): This was Japan's first mass-produced automobile. It was a luxury sedan based on the Fiat Tipo 3. However, due to the extremely high production costs and the fact that each car was handcrafted, only 22 examples were produced by 1921. Nevertheless, the proof had been provided: Japan could build automobiles. PX33 (1934): A milestone that is often forgotten. The PX33 was a prototype for the military and the first Japanese car with permanent all-wheel drive . This technology would form the DNA of the brand decades later (Pajero, Lancer Evolution). 2. Reconstruction and Mass Mobilization (1946–1960s) After World War II, Japan was devastated. Luxury cars were not in demand; the country needed trucks and simple means of transport. Mizushima & Silver Pigeon: Mitsubishi produced three-wheeled cargo carts (Mizushima) and motor scooters (Silver Pigeon) to mobilize the people. Mitsubishi 500 (1960): With this model, Mitsubishi returned to passenger car production. It was a simple, robust car developed for the government's "People's Car" program. The Colt (1962): The first Colt marked the beginning of the rise into the compact class. It was modern, reliable, and marked the start of exports to other Asian markets. 3. The Galant era and its global breakthrough (1970s) In 1970, the automotive division was officially spun off as Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) . A partnership with Chrysler opened the doors to the US market. Galant (1969/1970): The first generation of the Galant was an elegant car that scored technological points with the "Saturn" engine series. In the USA, it was sold as the Dodge Colt . Lancer (1973): The Lancer was positioned between the Colt and the Galant. It was an immediate success – not only in sales, but also in motorsport. The Lancer 1600 GSR dominated the Safari Rally and established Mitsubishi's reputation as the "King of the Desert". 4. The “Golden Years”: High-Tech and Performance (1980–1999) This was the era in which Mitsubishi was among the technological world leaders. They focused on "Active Footwork" – the electronic control of the chassis and drive system. The Rise of the Pajero (1982) With the Pajero ( Shogun in the UK, Montero in Spain/USA), Mitsubishi revolutionized the SUV market. It was comfortable enough for the city, but unbeatable off-road. Its 12 victories in the Dakar Rally made it a legend. The birth of the Lancer Evolution (1992) To win the World Rally Championship (WRC), Mitsubishi transplanted the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive of the Galant VR4 into the smaller, lighter Lancer. The Lancer Evolution (I to X) was born. With drivers like Tommi Mäkinen, Mitsubishi secured four consecutive drivers' titles (1996–1999). Technology Demonstrator 3000GT In the 1990s, Mitsubishi wanted to demonstrate what was technically possible. The 3000GT (GTO) featured: Permanent all-wheel drive. All-wheel steering. Active aerodynamics (spoilers adapted to the speed). An electronically adjustable suspension. He was a computer on wheels and challenged Porsche and Ferrari. 5. Crisis and Reorientation (2000–2010s) The turn of the millennium was difficult. Covert recalls and the Asian financial crisis brought MMC to the brink of ruin. DaimlerChrysler invested and then withdrew. Outlander (2001): Mitsubishi recognized the trend towards crossover SUVs early on. The Outlander became the new pillar of the company. i-MiEV (2009): While the world was still talking about hybrids, Mitsubishi launched the world's first fully electric production car. It was a gamble that paved the way for the current success of the Outlander PHEV. 6. The present: Focus on PHEVs and the alliance (from 2016 onwards) Following Nissan's entry into the group (Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance), the brand is focusing on its core competencies: SUVs and plug-in hybrids . Outlander PHEV: It became the world's best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV. The combination of two electric motors and a gasoline engine without a conventional transmission remains a unique selling point to this day. Eclipse Cross: An SUV coupé that translates the sporty heritage of the name “Eclipse” into the modern SUV world. Summary of milestones Year Model Meaning 1917 Model A Japan's first mass-produced passenger car. 1934 PX33 First Japanese all-wheel drive passenger car. 1982 Pajero Definition of the modern, comfortable off-roader. 1992 Lancer Evo Dominance in rally sport and cult status. 2009 i-MiEV Pioneer of modern electromobility. 2013 Outlander PHEV World market leader in plug-in SUVs. The legacy Mitsubishi has never sought the mass market like Toyota or Volkswagen. The history of its vehicles reveals a brand for individualists and technology enthusiasts. From the rugged L200 pickup working in African mines to the Lancer Evo drifting on Alpine passes – Mitsubishi vehicles are tools for extreme conditions.

The story of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution – or "Evo" for short – is one of the most fascinating sagas in automotive history. Over ten generations, a simple sedan evolved into the technological spearhead of rally racing and the nightmare of established sports car manufacturers. Here is the detailed chronicle of a legend that shaped the slogan "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" like no other brand. The origin: The birth of a legend In the early 1990s, Mitsubishi faced a challenge in the World Rally Championship (WRC). The Galant VR4 was successful, but simply too large and heavy for the increasingly narrow courses. The solution: The Galant's technology had to be transplanted into the compact body of the Lancer. To meet FIA homologation regulations, at least 2,500 units of a production vehicle had to be manufactured. The early years: Evo I to III (1992–1995) Evolution I (1992) – The Foundation The Evo I was launched in September 1992. Under the hood was the legendary 4G63T engine , a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 250 hp. Combined with the Galant's all-wheel drive, the Evo I was a revelation. Originally planned only for Japan, the 5,000 units sold out immediately. Evolution II (1994) – The Refinement The Evo II corrected the teething problems of its predecessor. A longer wheelbase, wider tires, and detailed improvements to the chassis made it more stable. Power increased modestly to 260 hp. It was the first sign that Mitsubishi was determined to improve every year. Evolution III (1995) – The Aerodynamics King The Evo III featured a more aggressive design. A new front bumper and a striking rear wing provided improved downforce. The engine was boosted to 270 hp. This car formed the basis for the first major World Championship success: Tommi Mäkinen secured his first drivers' title with it in 1996. The golden era: Evo IV to VI (1996–2001) Evolution IV (1996) – Active Yaw Control (AYC) Everything changed with the switch to the new Lancer platform. The engine was rotated 180 degrees for better weight distribution. However, the most important feature was AYC (Active Yaw Control) on the rear differential. This system could actively distribute torque between the rear wheels, massively increasing cornering speeds. Evolution V (1998) – The Perfection of Width The Evo V was wider and more muscular. It featured adjustable rear wings and more powerful Brembo brakes. Its official power output was listed at 280 hp (due to the Japanese "gentlemen's agreement"), but in reality, many examples produced significantly more. Mitsubishi won the 1998 World Championship for Constructors with this car. Evolution VI (1999) – Tommi Mäkinen Edition The Evo VI improved cooling and durability. The highlight was the Tommi Mäkinen Edition (Evo 6.5) , released to celebrate his fourth consecutive World Championship title. With special Enkei wheels and an exclusive red paint scheme, it is now considered one of the most valuable Evos ever made. The global expansion: Evo VII to IX (2001–2007) Evolution VII (2001) – The active mean differential Based on the larger Lancer Cedia, the Evo VII appeared somewhat more civilized, but was technically more advanced. The ACD (Active Center Differential) was introduced. It allowed the driver to select between "Tarmac", "Gravel", and "Snow" modes at the touch of a button – a revolution in traction. Evolution VIII (2003) – The Conqueror This was the first Evo to be officially sold in the USA (as a response to the Subaru WRX STi). With the Evo VIII, Mitsubishi introduced the Super-AYC engine. In the UK, the "FQ" models (FQ-300 to FQ-400) made headlines, humiliating even supercars like the Lamborghini Murciélago on the racetrack. Evolution IX (2005) – The MIVEC Finale The Evo IX is considered by many fans to be the "perfect" Evo. It was the first Evo to combine the proven 4G63 engine with the MIVEC variable valve timing system. This dramatically improved the turbo's responsiveness. It was the last Evo with the "old," indestructible iron-block engine. The Radical Cut: Evolution X (2007–2016) The Evo X marked a complete new beginning. The 4G63 engine was replaced by the lighter aluminum 4B11T . For the first time, a dual-clutch transmission (SST) was available. The car was heavier, stiffer, and technologically more complex. Although extremely fast on the track, some purists felt it lacked the raw character of its predecessors. Production ended in 2016 with the "Final Edition." The successes in motorsport The history of the Evo is inextricably linked to the name Tommi Mäkinen . Between 1996 and 1999, he secured four consecutive WRC drivers' titles – a record that was only broken much later by Sébastien Loeb. Mitsubishi proved that a near-production car (Group N) could win against specialized prototypes. Legacy and meaning Why is the Lancer Evolution so iconic? Democratizing performance: It offered the driving performance of supercars at the price of a mid-range sedan. All-wheel drive magic: The AYC and ACD systems turned even average drivers into heroes on loose surfaces. Tuning potential: The engines were so robust that outputs of 500 to 1000 hp were not uncommon. Today, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a highly sought-after collector's item, with prices rising rapidly. It evokes a time when engineers were in charge and the goal was simple: to be faster than everyone else.   1. Technical specifications of generations I–X Please note: The performance figures often refer to the Japanese "Gentlemen's Agreement" (officially max. 280 hp), although the actual performance was often higher. generation Construction period Motor Power (approx.) Special feature Evo I 1992–1994 4G63T 250 hp First homologation series (5,000 units). Evo II 1994–1995 4G63T 260 hp Optimized wheelbase and handling. Evo III 1995–1996 4G63T 270 hp Large rear wing, improved cooling. Evo IV 1996–1998 4G63T 280 hp Introduction of Active Yaw Control (AYC) . Evo V 1998–1999 4G63T 280 hp Widebody kit, 17-inch Brembo brakes. Evo VI 1999–2001 4G63T 280 hp More robust engine (piston/cooling). Evo VII 2001–2003 4G63T 280 hp Introduction Active Center Differential (ACD) . Evo VIII 2003–2005 4G63T 280 hp First model with 6-speed transmission (MR). Evo IX 2005–2007 4G63T 280–290 hp Introduction of the MIVEC valve control system. Evo X 2007–2016 4B11T 295–440 hp New aluminum block, optional SST dual clutch . 2. The most legendary special editions Some editions have now achieved cult status and fetch astronomical prices at auctions (e.g. at RM Sotheby's). Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition (TME): Often referred to as the "Evo 6.5". It came with a lowered suspension, faster steering, and the distinctive Enkei wheel design. The red "Special Coloring Package" version with rally stripes is the most valuable collector's item of the series. Evo VIII / IX MR (Mitsubishi Racing): The MR models represented the technological pinnacle. They featured an aluminum roof to lower the center of gravity, forged BBS wheels, and Bilstein dampers. The British FQ models: Because Mitsubishi UK modified the cars themselves, monsters like the Evo VIII FQ-400 were created. The abbreviation unofficially stood for "F***ing Quick". It produced 405 hp from a two-liter engine and accelerated to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. Evo IX Wagon: An extreme rarity. Only about 2,500 units of the Evo IX were built in Japan as station wagons. It offered all the technology of the sedan model in a practical body. Evo Final Edition: The official farewell model (2015/2016). Limited to 1000 pieces in Japan, limited to 1600 pieces in the USA. Limited to 150 in Australia and 350 in Canada. So, only 3100 units were sold worldwide. 307 hp, black roof, and special plaques as a final tribute to the legend.

Authorities in the USA ordered Mitsubishi North America to scrap the pre-production model of the Final Edition. The series was introduced in 2015, and the car was scrapped in 2019. It had managed to remain hidden at Mitsubishi North America for a considerable amount of time. Why was it scrapped? Since pre-production models were built solely for presentation purposes, they do not have a chassis number stamped on them. Therefore, all pre-production models built in the USA will be destroyed. Journalist and artist Maggie Stiefvater documented the Evo's final moments and was even allowed to spend another day with it. Photos copyright by Andrew Trahan.

The story of Mitsubishi Motors is a tale of technological courage, industrial diversification, and the ability to constantly reinvent itself. What is known today as a global automaker has its deep roots in one of Japan's most powerful conglomerates. The maritime roots and the first car (1870–1917) It all began in 1870 when Yataro Iwasaki founded a shipping company. The logo with the three diamonds, recognized worldwide today, symbolized reliability and quality from the very beginning. But it wasn't until 1917 that Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. ventured into land-based mobility. With the Model A, the company created Japan's first mass-produced automobile. It was a luxury sedan, of which only 22 were ever built, but it laid the foundation for an era of innovation. Pioneers of all-wheel drive (1930s–1940s) In the 1930s, Mitsubishi once again demonstrated foresight. While the world was still experimenting with simple rear-wheel drive, the company developed the PX33 in 1934. This prototype was the first Japanese passenger car with permanent all-wheel drive. The insights gained here regarding 4WD technology would define the brand's DNA decades later and make Mitsubishi the king of off-road tracks. After World War II, the company initially focused on commercial vehicles and three-wheeled cargo carts to support Japan's reconstruction. The birth of the MMC (1960–1970) With the economic boom of the 1960s, the demand for private cars increased. Mitsubishi responded with the Mitsubishi 500 , an affordable car for the masses. Its success was so great that in 1970 the automotive division was spun off from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) was born. This independence enabled the company to enter into international partnerships, including with Chrysler, which paved the way for entry into the US market. The Golden Years: Sport and Innovation (1980s–1990s) The 1980s and 90s were marked by technological excellence. Mitsubishi introduced "Silent Shaft" technology for low-vibration engines and perfected turbocharging. Legends were born during this era: The Pajero revolutionized the SUV segment and dominated the Dakar Rally like no other vehicle (a total of 12 victories). At the same time, the Lancer Evolution became the epitome of rally racing on the road. With its highly advanced "Super All Wheel Control" all-wheel-drive system, Mitsubishi set new standards in driving dynamics. Pioneers of electromobility (2000s–present) While the automotive world was still debating alternative drive systems, Mitsubishi had already delivered: in 2009, the i-MiEV, the world's first mass-produced electric car, was launched. Just four years later, the Outlander PHEV followed, which is still considered a pioneer of plug-in hybrid SUVs. This innovative strength secured the brand a place in the strategic Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, where Mitsubishi now leverages its strengths in all-wheel drive and hybrid technology.