Mitsubishi Pajero EVO, a rally car legally on the road.

The forgotten classic, Mitsubishi Pajero EVO, is a rally car legally on the road.

Compared with Toyota, Honda and other brother companies, Mitsubishi Motors' current operating conditions are relatively unsatisfactory. But now it is time for them to seek change.

Retire racing events and stop the production of popular models. These choices may seem disappointing, but they actually reflect that Mitsubishi is focusing on its core development areas. At the same time, it also gives them space and opportunities for re-development.

Time took us away from the moment when Mitsubishi Evo X left the production line. The once classic Eclipse name now seems to appear on an unusual SUV-Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. For these choices, we can intuitively feel Mitsubishi's vision for the future.

Back to 1990 to 2000, the situation is completely different. During this period, Mitsubishi Motors built many legendary models and raced in the World Rally Championship and Paris Dakar Rally. 1992, Mitsubishi also introduced the lancer Evolution, which is still talked about by car fans.

1985, Mitsubishi Motors officially entered the Dakar Rally. At that time, the first generation of Pajero officially changed its model and lined up to compete with Toyota Land Cruiser.

Despite the difficulties in the competition, Short Axis Mitsubishi not only finished the competition, but also won the first and second place. That race established Mitsubishi's position in the racing industry, and it was also the beginning of a glorious racing history!

Until 2007, this Japanese automobile manufacturer has become one of the most successful brands in Dakar's history, during which it won 12 championships-seven of which were completed continuously.

The brutal Dakar Rally also gave birth to a very special model, Mitsubishi Pajero EVOlution produced between 1997- 1999. You are not mistaken, Pajero Evo version!

This car is the second-generation Mitsubishi Pajero V55 short-axis version. According to FIA rules, it fully meets the standards of Carali T2 Group. The purpose of launching this car is not only to compete, but also to let fans better experience the unique advantages of Mitsubishi brand in off-road and let more people feel the fun brought by off-road.

The double-door design under the blessing of Evo suite makes the exterior look more aggressive and the body feel more muscular!

Specific improvements include: stronger wheel arch to adapt to wider wheel track, unique front bumper combined with double fog lights and increased vehicle approach angle, lightweight aluminum hood with raised air intake to better cool the engine.

The rear of the car is also equipped with two unique rear spoilers to improve the aerodynamic performance of the car at high speed. Unlike the rear spoiler on many sports cars, this design on Pajero is to ensure that the rear window will not be blocked by the rear spoiler when driving at high speed on desert sections.

Moreover, changes have been made in invisible places, and a heavy guard plate has been added to the chassis as a whole, which can protect the safety of the bottom in rugged terrain.

Inside the vehicle, most of the elements on the standard Mitsubishi Pajero have been preserved, and the only obvious upgrade is a Recaro sports seat, which provides better side support for passengers.

Although it looks just a little more handsome than the ordinary short-axis two-door version, the real upgrade of Evo is well hidden! The chassis has been fully optimized and upgraded, equipped with a series of hardware configurations suitable for rally!

It is worth noting that this car does not adopt the suspension configuration of the second generation Pajero at the same time. On the V55 EVO, the front and rear axles are all arranged with spiral springs, and the rear axle adopts customized multi-link suspension.

In terms of power, this car is equipped with a classic 3.5L double overhead camshaft V6 MIVIC engine, with internal code 6G74, MiVEC, double supercharged variable intake, forged connecting rod and multi-point injection system.

However, this car was restricted by the "280 horses" gentleman's agreement in the Japanese automobile industry at that time, so the maximum engine power of this car was set at 276 horsepower and the peak torque was 347 N m.

But in fact, its power is very strong, and several car owners say that this car can reach more than 300 horsepower when tested by dynamometer. Matching it is an improved five-speed automatic gearbox, which adopts manual shift mode and has a shorter transmission ratio.

On asphalt pavement, this small SUV can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph.

In the Dakar Rally, this Pajero EVO model won almost all T2 awards. Even in the 1998 race, Pajero EVO, originally a T2-class production car, surpassed the T3-class car. In the 18 days 10000 km race, Pajero V55 EVO was five hours ahead of his opponent.

It is worth noting that this is a civilian vehicle that can meet the road safety regulations. Now we don't know where these cars are, and the low-key appearance makes it easy to ignore or forget them completely!