Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution

The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is an off-road competition car based on the Mitsubishi Pajero. It was specially designed to take part in the rally raids with the main objective of winning the Dakar Rally.[1] In addition to those produced for competition use only, a road-legal version was manufactured by Mitsubishi from 1997 to 1999 in order to homologate the Pajero Evolution for the Dakar Rally's T2 class. Approximately 2500 road-legal examples were produced.[2][3][4]

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
The Pajero that won Dakar in 2006 with the former alpine skier Luc Alphand
Overview
ManufacturerMitsubishi Motors
Production1984-2007
Body and chassis
ClassRally raid
Layout4-wheel drive

Street version (V55W)
1997-1999 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution street version
Rear view

The road-legal version of the Pajero Evolution was produced between 1997 and 1999. It was based on the second generation Pajero but had many features unique to the model. Approximately 2500 units were produced in order to homologate the type for the Dakar Rally's production-based T2 class. It was equipped with a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 6G74 engine with MIVEC and a dual plenum variable intake. This engine produced a claimed 275 bhp at 6500 rpm.[2][4][5] The two-door body incorporated large fender flares, two fin-like rear spoilers, a hood scoop, and various other racing-inspired styling elements. Skid plates and mudflaps were included for additional off-road protection. Double wishbone independent suspension was used on the front and the rear used a multi-link independent suspension unique to the Pajero Evolution. 4WD was standard, with front and rear Torsen differentials.[2]

Competition history

With 12 victories from 1985 to 2007, it is the car that has won the Dakar Rally the most times.[6]

Dakar victories
# Year Driver Co-driver
1 1985 Patrick Zaniroli Francia Jean Da Silva
2 1992 Hubert Auriol Philippe Monnet
3 1993 Bruno Saby Dominique Serieys
4 1997 Kenjiro Shinozuka Henri Magne
5 1998 Jean-Pierre Fontenay Gilles Picard
6 2001 Jutta Kleinschmidt Andreas Schulz
7 2002 Hiroshi Masuoka Pascal Maimon
8 2003 Hiroshi Masuoka Andreas Schulz
9 2004 Stéphane Peterhansel Jean-Paul Cottret
10 2005 Stéphane Peterhansel Jean-Paul Cottret
11 2006 Luc Alphand Gilles Picard
12 2007 Stéphane Peterhansel Jean-Paul Cottret

See also

References
  1. "MITSUBISHI MOTORS - A Unique and Glorious Cross-Country Heritage". mitsubishi-motors.com. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
  2. Orlove, Raphael (14 May 2015). "Meet The Mitsubishi Pajero Evo: The Last Forgotten Homologation Special". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  3. Okula, Chris (2018-08-16). "The Pajero Evo Is The Best SUV You've Never Heard of". DriveTribe. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  4. DeMuro, Doug (October 2016). "The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Was the SUV Version of the Lancer Evolution". www.autotrader.com. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  5. "1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution specifications, fuel economy, emissions, dimensions 152372". www.carfolio.com. Retrieved 2020-03-17.
  6. "Pajero: la regina della Dakar". motori360.it. Retrieved 6 January 2018.
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