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| Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production | 1984–2007 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Rally raid |
| Layout | front-engine, 4-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.5 L 24-valveV6 |
| Transmission | 5 speedmanual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm (95.3 in) |
| Length | 4,075 mm (160.4 in) |
| Width | 1,875 mm (73.8 in) |
| Height | 1,915 mm (75.4 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,970 kg (4,343 lb) |
TheMitsubishi Pajero Evolution is an off-road competition car based on theMitsubishi Pajero. It was specially designed to take part in therally raids with the main objective of winning theDakar 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 tohomologate the Pajero Evolution for the Dakar Rally'sT2 class. Approximately 2500 road-legal examples were produced.[2][3][4]
The road-legal version of the Pajero Evolution was produced between 1997 and 1999. It was based on thesecond generation Pajero but had many features unique to the model. Approximately 2693 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 V66G74 engine withMIVEC 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 rearspoilers, ahood scoop, and various other racing-inspired styling elements. Skid plates andmudflaps were included for additional off-road protection.Double wishbone independent suspension was used on the front and the rear used amulti-link independent suspension unique to the Pajero Evolution.4WD was standard, with front and rearTorsen differentials.[2]
In January 1983, the first Pajero Evolution debuted at theParis Dakar Rally, taking first place in 1985 at only the third attempt. Other wins followed, at events such as theAustralasian Safari andNorthern Forest.
With 12 victories from 1985 to 2007, it is the car that has won the Dakar Rally the most times.[6]
A Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution, driven by Andrew Cowan, finished the 1984 Paris–Alger–Dakar as the third ranked winner in overall class after covering more than 11,000 km. Mitsubishi dominated with multiple first, second and third place podium finishes until their final wins in 2007. From 2001 to 2005, with the introduction of their third generation Pajero with monocoque chassis and fully independent suspension, Mitsubishi had 5 consecutive first-place finishes and 12 of all 15 podium finishes in the same time period. Their overall record was 12 total overall wins (1st place) in the "Cars Class" and 150 stage wins (the second best being Peugeot with only 78 stage wins in comparison). Mitsubishi earned the title of ‘Most Dakar Rally Wins by A Manufacturer’ from the Guinness World Records.[7]
