MR (2003 to 2005)

Introduced alongside the standard Evo VIII in 2003, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR (short for Mitsubishi Racing) was the most performance-focused factory variant of the VIII range, aimed squarely at enthusiasts who wanted sharper dynamics straight from the showroom. The MR retained the turbocharged 2.0-litre 4G63 inline-four and advanced all-wheel-drive system, but added meaningful upgrades including Bilstein suspension, lightweight BBS forged wheels, larger Brembo brakes, and revised chassis tuning for improved precision and stability. Offered exclusively as a sedan and primarily with a manual transmission, the MR delivered a more planted, track-capable driving experience than the GSR. Estimated production for the Evo VIII MR is approximately 6,000–7,000 units worldwide, making it one of the rarer Evo VIII variants. In the Australian market, the Evo VIII MR was officially sold and is highly regarded as one of the best-balanced modern Evolutions, with values driven by MR specification, originality, manual gearbox, mileage, and condition, as collectors increasingly seek well-kept examples from the peak of Mitsubishi’s rally-derived engineering era.