Key Takeaways
- One code, two Evolutions: the II is 260 PS and the III is 270 PS, both with 31.5 kgf·m.
- The III raised compression from 8.5 to 9.0 and redesigned its aero parts.
- Japanese Nostalgic Car says the III's anti-lag hardware shipped disabled by its ECU.
- Mitsubishi's II and III figures are sales targets of 5,000 each. No production counts were located.
- Release dates differ: February 1995 (Mitsubishi), 10 February (Miki Press), January (Japanese Nostalgic Car).
- US age is judged from each car's build date, and EPA's engine rule applies separately.
Background
Telling the II and III apart
Mitsubishi gives the Evolution II release as January 1994 and the Evolution III as February 1995. The II grew in wheelbase and track, moved from 195/55R15 to 205/60R15 tyres, lowered first and second gears and took a mechanical plate-type rear LSD. Japanese Nostalgic Car notes that the name Evolution II is embossed on the underside of its rear spoiler. The III redesigned the front bumper, air dams, rear spoiler and wicker bill, added Dandelion Yellow, and raised compression from 8.5 to 9.0 to reach 270 PS.
Engine and output
Mitsubishi's press history gives 260 PS (191 kW) at 6,000 rpm for the Evolution II and 270 PS (199 kW) at 6,250 rpm for the III, both with 31.5 kgf·m (309 N·m) at 3,000 rpm. Mitsubishi says the II gained 10 PS from lower silencer back pressure, more boost and more valve lift, and the III another 10 PS from lower exhaust pressure, a larger front exhaust pipe and the higher compression ratio. The III was tuned to rev slightly higher.
Grades, weights and gearbox
Mitsubishi's press history gives GSR weights only: 1,250 kg for the Evolution II and 1,260 kg for the III, both 4,310 mm long and 1,695 mm wide. The carview catalogue lists the January 1994 Evolution II RS as a five-speed manual at 1,180 kg. No RS figures for the III were located. No source used here states a gear count for the GSR gearboxes.
Evolution III anti-lag hardware
Japanese Nostalgic Car reports that the Evolution III introduced the Post Combustion Control System, a secondary-air anti-lag system, and that it was installed on all production road cars but left disabled by the computer from the factory. It adds that a Ralliart ECU and minor modifications could activate it. Treat any claim of working factory anti-lag on a particular car as a modification to verify.
Sales targets
Mitsubishi's press history lists a sales target of 5,000 units for the Evolution II and another 5,000 for the III. These are targets set before sale. No source located here gives actual production for either car or a split by grade, so a seller quoting a build number should show documents.
Importing a Lancer Evolution II or III
The US 25-year rule runs from each car's date of manufacture (49 CFR 591.5(i)), so a launch date does not make a car eligible. EPA's exemption at 21 years requires the original engine design and configuration, or an equivalent or newer EPA-certified engine with its emission-control system. Canada counts 15 years from the month and year of manufacture. State registration is a separate step that this page does not cover.
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
-
CE9A Evolution II GSR Jan 1994 release
4G63- Displacement
- 1,997 cc
- Aspiration
- Intercooled turbo
- Power
- 260 PS (191 kW) @ 6,000 rpm
- Torque
- 309 Nm (31.5 kgf·m) @ 3,000 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual, full-time 4WD; mechanical rear LSD
GSR 1,250 kg; RS 1,180 kg, five-speed manual
-
CE9A Evolution III GSR Feb 1995 (Mitsubishi); Jan 1995 (Japanese Nostalgic Car)
4G63- Displacement
- 1,997 cc
- Aspiration
- Intercooled turbo
- Power
- 270 PS (199 kW) @ 6,250 rpm
- Torque
- 309 Nm (31.5 kgf·m) @ 3,000 rpm
- Transmission
- Manual, full-time 4WD
GSR 1,260 kg; compression 9.0:1, up from 8.5:1
NHTSA's safety exemption starts 25 years from each car's manufacture date under 49 CFR 591.5(i). EPA's separate age provision requires the original engine configuration or an eligible EPA-certified replacement engine and emissions system. State registration rules vary. Canada counts its 15-year federal age exemption by manufacture month and year. Check the car's documents before shipping. Calculate import costs →
Sources: 49 CFR 591.5 (eCFR) ; EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines ; EPA: importing vehicles and engines guidance (NEPIS) ; CBSA Memorandum D9-1-11
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE9A (Evolution II, Japan) | Evolution II GSR | 4G63 turbo, 260 PS | Full-time 4WD; 1,250 kg; 4,310 × 1,695 × 1,420 mm. |
| CE9A (Evolution II, Japan) | Evolution II RS | 4G63 turbo, 260 PS | Five-speed manual, 1,180 kg, 1,997 cc, 4,310 × 1,695 × 1,420 mm in the January 1994 catalogue. |
| CE9A (Evolution III, Japan) | Evolution III GSR | 4G63 turbo, 270 PS | Full-time 4WD; 1,260 kg; 9.0:1 compression; redesigned bumper, air dams, spoiler and wicker bill. |
Should You Buy a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution CE9A?
Why You'll Love It
- Figures are documented per Evolution Mitsubishi gives separate power, weight and dimension figures for the II and the III.
- Mechanical rear LSD from the II Mitsubishi says the II replaced the rear LSD with a mechanical plate type to improve turn-in.
- Competition record The works Group A cars won the 1996 drivers' title with the Evolution III.
Why You Might Not
- One code covers two cars The code alone does not tell an Evolution II from a III, so the specification has to be checked on the car.
- Production and RS data are thin Only sales targets were located, and no RS figures for the III.
- Anti-lag was not live The III's PCCS hardware reportedly came disabled by the ECU.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone expecting working factory anti-lag on an Evolution III: the source says it shipped disabled.
- Buyers who want a confirmed production number for a given Evolution: only targets were found.
Differences between JDM & USDM
This page describes the Japanese-market Evolution II and III. No export or US-market specification is described here.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
Generation span (Japan) (1994–1996)
- Evolution II was released in January 1994 and Evolution III in February 1995 (Mitsubishi)
- Evolution IV followed in August 1996
- The last build month is not established in the sources used
Evolution II (January 1994)
- Mechanical rear LSD, longer wheelbase, wider track, 205/60R15 tyres and lower first and second gears
- Output raised 10 PS to 260 PS
Evolution III (February 1995)
- Miki Press gives 10 February 1995; Japanese Nostalgic Car says January 1995
- Redesigned aero parts, compression raised from 8.5 to 9.0, 270 PS, and the Dandelion Yellow colour
Market Data
Reported Counts & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Reported Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE9A (Evolution II and III, Japan) | 1994–1996 | Sales targets of 5,000 for each Evolution | Mitsubishi's press history lists a sales target of 5,000 for Evolution II and 5,000 for Evolution III. These are sales targets; no build totals were located. |
Motorsport Heritage
| Series | Years | Result | Car |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Rally Championship, Group A | 1994 | Acropolis 2nd; New Zealand 3rd and 4th | Lancer Evolution II (works Group A car) |
| World Rally Championship, Group A | 1995 | Swedish Rally 1st and 2nd; Monte Carlo 4th and 6th | Lancer Evolution II (works Group A car) |
| World Rally Championship, Group A | 1995 | Australia 1st and 4th; Tour de Corse 3rd; New Zealand 5th; Catalunya 5th | Lancer Evolution III (works Group A car) |
| World Rally Championship, Group A | 1996 | Five wins in nine rounds (Sweden, Safari, Argentina, 1000 Lakes, Australia) and Tommi Mäkinen's first drivers' title | Lancer Evolution III (works Group A car) |
Sources: Mitsubishi Motors
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
Decide which Evolution you are looking at. The II is rated 260 PS and the III 270 PS, and the III has the 9.0:1 compression ratio and redesigned aero. Mitsubishi lists GSR weights of 1,250 kg and 1,260 kg, and the carview catalogue lists the II RS at 1,180 kg.
Do not rely on the release month. Mitsubishi says February 1995 for the III, Miki Press says 10 February and Japanese Nostalgic Car says January. A build date from the car's records is what counts.
If a seller advertises factory anti-lag on an Evolution III, ask what was done to the ECU. Production numbers are not established, only targets of 5,000 each. For import, work from the manufacture date and check EPA's engine rule for the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I tell an Evolution II from an Evolution III?
- Both are CE9A. Mitsubishi lists the II at 260 PS and the III at 270 PS with 9.0:1 compression and a redesigned bumper, air dams and spoiler. Japanese Nostalgic Car says the II has its name embossed under the rear spoiler. Check the build date as well.
- When did the II and III go on sale?
- Mitsubishi gives January 1994 for the II and February 1995 for the III. Miki Press dates the III to 10 February 1995, while Japanese Nostalgic Car says it debuted in January 1995. A brochure date does not show when a given car was built.
- Does the Evolution III have working anti-lag?
- Japanese Nostalgic Car says the PCCS hardware was installed on production cars but left disabled by the computer, and that a Ralliart ECU with minor changes could activate it. Check any claim on the car itself.
- Which Evolution won the 1996 drivers' title?
- Mitsubishi presents Tommi Mäkinen's first world drivers' title, with five wins in nine rounds, under the Evolution III. That result was achieved by the Group A works car.
- How many were built?
- No build total was located. Mitsubishi's press history lists sales targets of 5,000 for the II and 5,000 for the III, with no split by grade.
- Can I import an Evolution II or III to the US or Canada?
- Age is judged on each car's own build date: the US rule is 25 years (49 CFR 591.5(i)) and Canada uses 15 years from the month and year of manufacture. EPA's exemption at 21 years requires the original engine design and configuration, or an equivalent or newer EPA-certified engine with its emission-control system, so check any engine swap. State registration is separate.
Sources & References
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