Mitsubishi Lancer WRC

Mitsubishi Lancer WRC
Manufacturer	Ralliart
Parent company	Mitsubishi Motors
Production	2001–05
Class	World Rally Car
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Engine(s)	4G63 2.0 L DOHC 16v I4, turbocharger
Transmission(s)	sequential transmission; front, centre & rear LSDs; four-wheel drive
Wheelbase	2600 mm (102.4 in)
Length	4360 mm (171.7 in)
Width	1770 mm (69.7 in) (2001–04) 1800 mm (70.9 in) (2005)
Curb weight	1230 kg (2712 lb)
Fuel capacity	90 litres (23.8 US gal/19.8 imp gal)

The Mitsubishi Lancer WRC is a World Rally Car built by Ralliart, Mitsubishi Motors' motorsport division, to compete in the World Rally Championship. The previous Lancer Evolution series were homologated for the Group A class, and their competitiveness against World Rally Cars from other manufacturers was therefore limited.

WRC

The Lancer Evolution WRC is powered by the same 1996 cc 4G63 engine that has been used in its sports and rally cars since the 1980s, in this iteration producing 300 PS (221 kW) at 5500 rpm and 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf) at 3500 rpm.

WRC2

The Lancer Evolution WRC2 is also powered by the 4G63, also producing 300 PS (221 kW) at 5500 rpm and 540 N·m (398 ft·lbf) at 3500 rpm. It is mated to a 6-speed INVECS-type sequential transmission via a triple-plate carbon clutch and distributes power to all four wheels via active front-, centre- and rear- active differentials. The car's suspension is independent, with MacPherson struts and coil springs at each corner. The brakes are vented discs clamped by 6-piston calipers at the front, and 4-piston calipers at the rear.

WRC04

The Lancer WRC04 continued with the 4G63 engine, mounted to a 5-speed semi-automatic transmission and a new all-wheel drive system co-developed by Ricardo Consulting Engineers and Mitsubishi Motors Motorsports (MMSP). The bodywork was subjected to extensive aerodynamic testing at the Lola Racing Cars's wind tunnel. The front brakes were upgraded to 8-piston calipers, and 370 mm discs.

The lead Lancer WRC04 in the 2004 World Rally Championship was driven by ex-Peugeot driver Gilles Panizzi, with his brother Hervé as co-driver.

WRC05

The Lancer WRC05 saw no significant changes to the powertrain, but the car's width was increased by 30 mm (1.2 in) thanks to a change in the WRC regulations. Aerodynamic alterations to the bodywork were introduced to improve stability, while suspension links and driveshafts were lengthened. Steering-mounted gearshift paddles were also introduced, and longer ratios were adopted for first, third and fourth gears.