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10 Times Mitsubishi Built Cars Just to Win Races — and Did

Cameron Eittreim October 30, 2025

Mitsubishi Motors has a storied history in motorsports, beginning its international rallying journey in 1967 and joining the World Rally Championship (WRC) in 1973. Over the decades, the brand has developed a series of race cars that not only showcased their engineering prowess but also secured numerous victories. This relentless pursuit of excellence led to the creation of iconic models like the Lancer Evolution, which clinched four consecutive World Drivers’ Championships from 1996 to 1999. (mitsubishi-motors.com)

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1. Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR (Safari Rally Glory)

Vehicle ad standard image 510858e4bd9c45b97dc5ea425c679d65 — A Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR, the “King of Cars,” triumphs in the 1976 Safari Rally. | Image from www.pickpik.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR was engineered specifically for the demanding East African Safari Rally in the 1970s. Its debut in the 1974 event was nothing short of remarkable, with driver Joginder Singh clinching victory in a field dominated by more powerful competitors. This triumph not only showcased the Lancer’s durability and performance but also marked Mitsubishi’s emergence on the global motorsport stage. The Lancer’s success continued with a 1-2-3 finish in the 1976 Safari Rally, solidifying its reputation as a formidable rally contender. (mitsubishi-motors.com)

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2. Starion Turbo (Group A Trailblazer)

The Mitsubishi Starion Turbo was developed in the 1980s to compete in Group A touring car racing. Its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and rear-wheel-drive layout made it a formidable opponent against European rivals. In Australia, the Starion quickly became a favorite among drivers, achieving notable successes in local racing events. Despite challenges in Group A, the Starion’s performance and engineering excellence left a lasting impact on the motorsport community. (whichcar.com.au)

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3. Pajero Evolution (Dakar Domination)

Mitsubishi pajero evolution 9 — Photo Credit: Creative Commons

The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution was meticulously engineered for the grueling Dakar Rally, making its debut in 1997. Its robust 3.5-liter V6 engine and advanced suspension system enabled it to conquer the challenging terrains of the rally. Between 1997 and 2007, the Pajero Evolution secured 12 overall victories, including a remarkable seven consecutive wins from 2001 to 2007. This unparalleled success solidified Mitsubishi’s dominance in the Dakar Rally and reinforced its reputation for producing formidable off-road vehicles. (mitsubishi-motors.com)

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4. Lancer EX 2000 Turbo (WRC Innovation)

Lancer ex 2000 turbo the forgotten japanese legend that paved the way for the evo 224383 7 — A Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2000 Turbo, adorned with rally decals, powers through a dirt track in a Group B rally. | Image from heritagewheel.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mitsubishi Lancer EX 2000 Turbo marked Mitsubishi’s entry into turbocharged rallying in the early 1980s. Developed to comply with Group 4 regulations, it featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing approximately 170 horsepower. The rally version, equipped with an intercooled turbo and electronic fuel injection, delivered around 280 horsepower. Despite its potential, the emergence of Audi’s quattro system led Mitsubishi to shift focus, but the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo laid the groundwork for future rally innovations. (rallygroupbshrine.org)

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5. Galant VR-4 (Group A Game Changer)

1998 mitsubishi galant vr 4 — A Mitsubishi Galant VR-4, equipped with a turbocharged 2.0L engine and four-wheel drive, powers through a muddy rally stage. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 was a pioneering force in Group A rallying during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, it delivered approximately 290 horsepower, enabling impressive performance on various terrains. Its full-time all-wheel-drive system, featuring a viscous coupling center differential, provided exceptional traction and stability. Additionally, the Galant VR-4 introduced four-wheel steering, enhancing maneuverability and cornering capabilities. These innovations not only bolstered Mitsubishi’s rally success but also influenced the development of future high-performance vehicles. (mitsubishi-motors.com)

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6. Lancer Evolution I-VI (WRC Legends)

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series, spanning from I to VI, was meticulously engineered to dominate the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the 1990s. These models were equipped with turbocharged 2.0-liter engines, advanced all-wheel-drive systems, and cutting-edge suspension technologies, providing exceptional performance across diverse rally terrains. Finnish driver Tommi Mäkinen harnessed the capabilities of these vehicles to secure four consecutive WRC Drivers’ Championships from 1996 to 1999, a testament to both his skill and the Lancer Evolution’s engineering excellence. This remarkable achievement also contributed to Mitsubishi’s sole WRC Manufacturers’ Championship in 1998. (wrc.com)

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7. Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition

2001 mitsubishi lancer evolution tommi makinen edition main

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition (TME), introduced in 1999, was a tribute to Finnish rally driver Tommi Mäkinen’s fourth consecutive World Rally Championship title. This special edition featured several enhancements over the standard Evo VI, including a redesigned front bumper for improved aerodynamics, a high-response titanium turbocharger for quicker spool and enhanced low-end torque, and a lowered suspension with uprated dampers for better tarmac performance. The interior boasted Recaro bucket seats with red and black upholstery, embossed with the TME logo, and a MOMO steering wheel and gear knob trimmed in red-stitch leather. The exterior was distinguished by 17-inch white Enkei alloy wheels, mirroring those used on Mitsubishi’s WRC Group-A works car, and a special coloring package with WRC stripes and Ralliart decals. These modifications not only celebrated Mäkinen’s success but also incorporated rally technology into a road-going vehicle, bridging the gap between motorsport and consumer performance. (topgear.com)

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8. Colt Mirage Group B Prototype

Mitsubishi~colt~(1) — A sleek Mitsubishi Colt rally concept car, showcasing aerodynamic design and aggressive styling. | Image from www.cartalk.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mitsubishi Colt Mirage Group B prototype was a bold endeavor by Mitsubishi to challenge established rally giants in the 1980s. Designed to compete in the Group B category, this prototype showcased Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovation and their willingness to experiment with new technologies to achieve success. Despite its limited production and the eventual cancellation of the Group B category, the Colt Mirage prototype remains a testament to Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess and competitive spirit. (rallygroupbshrine.org)

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9. FTO GPX (JTCC Challenger)

Mitsubishi fto gpx via flickr — A Mitsubishi FTO Super Touring Car, adorned with vibrant sponsor decals, speeds through a JTCC circuit. | Image from www.flickr.com (Creative Commons Licensed)

The Mitsubishi FTO GPX, introduced in 1994, was a front-wheel-drive coupe that defied expectations in the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC). Equipped with a 2.0-liter V6 engine producing 197 horsepower, it showcased impressive performance on the track. The FTO GPX’s success in the JTCC highlighted Mitsubishi’s engineering prowess and their ability to challenge established norms in motorsport. (en.wikipedia.org)

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10. Lancer Evo X Group N

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Group N was developed to compete in international rally classes, adhering to FIA Group N regulations. (crash.net) This model featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and a reinforced chassis, making it eligible for events like the Production Car World Rally Championship and various national championships. (mml-sports.com) Its performance in these competitions extended Mitsubishi’s legacy in rallying, showcasing the brand’s commitment to motorsport excellence. (rallysportmag.com)

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The Racing Legacy Lives On

Mitsubishi’s unwavering commitment to motorsport has profoundly influenced both their vehicle development and the broader racing landscape. Their engineering innovations, such as the Super All-Wheel Control system, have set industry standards for performance and stability. The brand’s legacy continues to inspire enthusiasts and manufacturers alike, underscoring the enduring impact of their racing heritage on automotive engineering and design. (mitsubishi-motors.com)

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