2000 Lancer RS Evo VI

The race-ready Mitsubishi Lancer Evo was a phenomenon for 20 years. It put supercars to shame with each new generation, yet was priced to compete with family sedans. No wonder it became one of the most popular sports cars in history.

Many enthusiasts consider the VI generation the best of the breed because of its superior combination of power, handling and aerodynamics. It also gave Tommi Makinen his fourth consecutive WRC driver’s title, a title that later Evo generations failed to achieve.

Hardcore fans especially admire the bare-bones RS version, which is stripped of superfluous features like noise insulation and power amenities to reduce weight, boost acceleration and sharpen handling reflexes. Comfort and quietness are compromised, but for those who enjoy driving hard, the raw performance and brutal efficiency of the RS are hard to beat¬ — especially when imported affordably from Japan.

Handling is impressive thanks to independent suspension, a highly rigid chassis and three-differential AWD that keeps the tires glued to the road in nearly all driving conditions. You can carve through hard corners with rail-like precision and decelerate with the assurance of big Brembo brakes.

The turbocharged, intercooled, fuel-injected DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder inline engine generates smooth power at low to medium revolutions, then aggressively propels up to the 7000 rpm redline. Horsepower is officially 276 hp, but actually closer to a rip roaring 300 hp, which is quite a lot for a small unmodified sports sedan.

Turbo performance is enhanced by a large intercooler and the first titanium turbine (RS only) in a production car, which efficiently boosts pressure and reduces turbo lag. Even without activating the intercooler spray, the Lancer Evo VI catapults you from 0 to 60 mph in 5 seconds, leaving many expensive sports cars behind. Response feels instant, with very little turbo lag, and a sucking sound intensifies the sense of exhilaration. There is also plenty of torque (274 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm) for practical everyday driving and a balance shaft keeps engine performance smooth at highway speeds.

The interior is spartan, as one might expect of a classic sports machine. Serious driving is supported by body-hugging Recaro seats and a three-spoke Momo steering wheel. Driving is made easy by relatively light steering, solid stick action and well-placed pedals. The stiff ride is less than comfortable for everyday driving, but that’s the price one must pay for race-ready performance.

The sporty Evo VI exterior was streamlined to meet stringent WRC regulations and features a dual spoiler with angle-adjustable top wing that was standard on the GSR and optional on the RS.

This beautiful 2000 Lancer RS Evo VI we recently purchased in Japan features the optional spoiler and various expert modifications. All original components are packaged and provided in the trunk at no additional cost.

While Mitsubishi started exporting Lancer Evos in 1998 after years of selling them only in Japan, the best deals are still in Japan, where secondhand Evo’s in superior condition can be purchased at lower cost.

Japan Car Direct can find you the best deals from specialist dealers, private sellers and used car auctions all over Japan. Once you find what you like, we arrange for a professional inspection, negotiate the lowest price and export the vehicle to your nearest port. Why purchase a secondhand vehicle from your local dealer when you can enjoy significant savings by importing yourself from Japan?

Whether you are seeking a secondhand JDM sports car or drift car, a European supercar or a lovingly cared for German luxury sedan with left or right hand drive, Japan Car Direct can make your dreams come true.