Built on the CN9A (Evo IV–V) and CP9A (Evo VI) chassis from 1996 to 2001, this era of Evolution is the one most associated with Mitsubishi's WRC dominance — culminating in the Tommi Mäkinen Edition, a road car built to celebrate four consecutive drivers' championships.
Overview
All three generations run the cast-iron 4G63T 2.0L turbo four that defined the Evo's reputation, paired with a rally-honed all-wheel-drive system. Evo IV (1996–98) introduced this chassis; Evo V (1998–99) widened the track and added bigger brakes; Evo VI (1999–2001) refined cooling and reliability further. The Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition, released in late 1999, added a titanium turbocharger, uprated and lowered suspension, quicker steering, a reworked ECU, a stronger transfer case and genuine WRC-style 17" Enkei wheels — around 2,500 were built across five colours, with allocations sold in Japan, the UK and Australia.
All-Wheel-Drive Comfort Trim
The more usable, better-equipped trim — full interior, standard AWD system, and the easier car to live with day to day.
Lightweight & Homologation Specials
RS strips weight and simplifies equipment for motorsport use; the Tommi Mäkinen Edition is the flagship road-going tribute to the WRC era — the most collectible car in this range.
Auction Pricing
Standard GSR and RS models across Evo IV–VI typically trade from roughly ¥1,500,000 to ¥4,000,000 at Japanese auction depending on generation, mileage and modification history. The limited-edition Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition sits in a different bracket entirely — pristine, low-kilometre examples have sold for well into six figures USD at international collector auctions, with one verified sale reaching $320,000.
What to Check
The 4G63T is a genuinely tough engine, but three decades of enthusiast ownership means modification and hard use are the norm rather than the exception — verify turbo, clutch and drivetrain condition, and check for accident repair given how many of these have seen spirited driving or motorsport use. On a Tommi Mäkinen Edition specifically, we verify chassis number and factory option codes to confirm it's a genuine TME and not a standard car dressed to match.
Import Eligibility
Fully Eligible
Evo IV–VI production (1996–2001) has now cleared, or is just clearing, Australia's 25-year threshold.
Fully Eligible
Same rolling window as Australia — the last 2001 cars clear the federal 25-year exemption this year. See our Import page.
MOT Only
Well past the 10-year IVA threshold — a standard MOT is all that's needed to register.
FAQ
Is the Tommi Mäkinen Edition worth the premium over a standard Evo VI?
If you want the most collectible, historically significant Evo of this era, yes. If you're after the same driving character for less money, a well-kept standard Evo VI GSR gets you 90% of the experience at a fraction of the price.
How do I verify a genuine Tommi Mäkinen Edition?
We check the chassis number and factory option codes against Mitsubishi's records before you bid — badges and wheels can be swapped onto a standard car, but the underlying build data can't be faked.