Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution import guide
Evo I–IX · 4G63 turbo · rally-bred AWD
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is Subaru's great rally rival — a turbocharged 4G63 and advanced all-wheel drive in a compact sedan built to win championships. Many generations were JDM-focused. We source Evos direct from Japan, tracking eligibility generation by generation.
- Turbo 4G63
- Advanced AWD
- Rally homologation
At a glance
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution quick facts
- Type
- Sports sedan
- Engine
- 2.0L 4G63 turbo (4B11 from Evo X)
- Drivetrain
- All-wheel drive (AYC/ACD on later cars)
- Generations
- Evo I–VI (CN9A/CP9A), Evo VII–IX (CT9A)
- Notable
- Tommi Mäkinen Edition (Evo VI TME)
- Import eligibility
- Evo I–VI eligible/rolling; VII–IX rolling in by year
Overview
Why import a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The Evo is a homologation legend: Mitsubishi built it to go rallying, and it shows in the turbocharged 4G63, sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems, and sharp, purposeful chassis. It traded blows with the Impreza STI for a decade and built a fierce following.
Because the Evo leaned heavily on the Japanese market, importing is the way to get the most focused versions — and the cleanest surviving cars come up at Japanese auctions.
- Turbocharged 4G63 with strong tuning potential
- Advanced AWD (Active Yaw Control on later cars)
- Rally homologation pedigree
- Collectible specials like the Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition
Generations
Evo I–VI vs VII–IX
The Evo I–VI (1992–2001, CN9A/CP9A) are the classic 4G63 rally cars — eligible now or rolling in year by year, with the Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition especially prized. The Evo VII–IX (2001–2007, CT9A) refined the AWD hardware and are becoming eligible model year by model year.
- Evo I–III — 1992–96, the original 4G63 cars
- Evo IV–VI — 1996–2001, incl. the VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition
- Evo VII–IX — 2001–07, ACD/AYC hardware, rolling in
- GSR (road) vs RS (stripped, lightweight) trims
Buyer notes
What to look for at auction
- 4G63 health — boost history, and any prior tuning quality
- AWD/AYC/ACD system operation on later cars
- Evidence of hard rally/track use or accident repair
- Rust on arches and underbody; chassis straightness (auction sheet)
- Authenticity of claimed specials (e.g. VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition)
Importing
Importing a Lancer Evolution to the U.S.
Earlier Evos are eligible now, while later generations become eligible on the anniversary of each car's build date. We track eligibility generation by generation and only source cars you can legally land.
Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.
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FAQ
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution import — common questions
- Which Lancer Evolutions can I import right now?
- The classic Evo I–VI (1992–2001) are eligible now or rolling in year by year. The Evo VII–IX (2001–2007) become eligible on each car's 25th build-date anniversary — we confirm the build month before purchase.
- What engine does the Lancer Evolution use?
- Through Evo IX it's the turbocharged 2.0L 4G63 — a famously strong, tunable four-cylinder. (The later Evo X moved to the 4B11, and isn't yet import-eligible.)
- What is the Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition?
- A special edition honoring Mitsubishi's rally champion, with unique styling and setup tweaks. It's among the most collectible Evos — verify authenticity carefully before buying.
- Evo vs WRX STI — which should I import?
- Both are turbo-AWD rally icons. The Evo is often the sharper, more hardcore tool; the STI a touch more usable day-to-day. Choose based on the specific car's condition, eligibility, and price.
- Is a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution street-legal in the U.S.?
- Once 25+ years old and federally cleared, yes. As a passenger sedan, registration is generally straightforward — confirm your state's emissions and titling rules.
Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.
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