Background
After a successful number of rallies including a Lancer GSR 1600 1-2-3-4 finish in the Safari Rally, Mitsubishi and Ralliart took three years away from the WRC to develop the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. Initially homologated for Group A Background
After a successful number of rallies including a Lancer GSR 1600 1-2-3-4 finish in the Safari Rally, Mitsubishi and Ralliart took three years away from the WRC to develop the Lancer EX 2000 Turbo. Initially homologated for Group A it was later re-homologated into Group B at the start of 1983 towards the end of the Group B era. The turbocharged Lancer fully utilized the light, highly rigid non-turbo Lancer body boasting its turbocharged power plant and heavy-duty suspension resulting in very high performance and stability. The Lancer EX 2000 Turbo was the first rally car ever to use an electronic control unit (ECU) .
A close ratio 5 speed transmission was fitted, and the final gear ratios were changed to 4.62:1. A limited slip differential was incorporated in the rear axle as well. The light weight alloy, extra wide wheels were enclosed within special wheelarch extensions. Both the front and rear suspension systems incorporated gas/oil filled shock absorber units. Four additional halogen lamps were fitted to each rally car. Under-body protection was increased by the addition of light-weight alloy shield which covered the underside of the engine and gearbox.
The car’s best ever WRC finish would come at the 1982 Thousand Lakes Rally in Finland where it finished an incredible 3rd .
This car
Built as a replica of the works cars this car has a forged engine with the multi point injection system favoured by the works cars. Stronger 5 stud front suspension and rear axle with coil over suspension adds to the cars off road ability. The car was rallied for a number of years with its best result a first in class in the Rally of the Midlands 2008.
Reconditioned by the present owners the car is liveried in the original works colours.
Technical Specification
Engine: 1997cc inline 4 cylinder, SOHC 8 valve
Induction system: Turbo charged, Multi point fuel injection, Variable boost control
Transmission: 5 speed, Live axle.
Suspension: Coil over front strut, coil over rear
Power output: 310 Bhp.