Carter Antal 1996 Mitsubishi Evo IV
The Mitsubishi Evolution is not only a street machine but also a rally racing beast that rivals any car that happens to cross its path. The Subaru WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, and Toyota Celica GT-Four are all close competitors, but when it comes to styling, history, and innovation, this Mitsubishi has evolved the standard for rally racing and street modification alike.
Eye level view of Carter Antals' 1996 Mitsubishi Evo IV interior from outside the driver window.
The WRC Group A Homologation
Mitsubishi had a simple goal in the early ‘90s: to compete in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Unfortunately, not having a car that qualified was a large hurdle. This changed in October of 1992 when they unveiled their latest creation: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution I. This car was created as a homologation model for Group A racing. Homologation models are cars that are created and released to the public to meet certain racing requirements, specifically having a certain number of road-going cars.
Mitsubishi created a car that would excel on the dirt and gravel roads it would come to face. This car came factory-powered with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 244 horsepower and 288 lb-ft of torque were sent to an all-wheel-drive drivetrain and 5-speed manual transmission. Out of the factory, these unassuming sedans could accelerate from 0-60 mph in an impressive 5.1 seconds.
Upper angle of Carter Antals' 1996 Mitsubishi Evo IV rear wing from the driver side door.
Out With the Old, In With the New
1996 marked the first year of the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV. This car was introduced in response to the growing aggression and competition in the WRC and the need for modernization within Mitsubishi's lineup. These models featured a refined suspension setup, improved performance numbers, and updated exterior aesthetics. This year's model was driven by reputable drivers and came equipped with plenty of technological innovations to help maintain an edge in Group A racing.
Mitsubishi retained the 4G63T engine, which had been standard since the Evo I. However, by this time, it had been refined and enhanced to produce around 276 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and 260 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM. Although this car was highly capable, it adhered to a Japanese rule known as the "gentlemen's agreement," which limited the advertised power of domestic vehicles. In addition to the added power, this year marked the first introduction of the twin-scroll turbocharger. This design reduced turbo lag and increased throttle response.
As exciting as all that is, Mitsubishi outdid themselves with their Active Yaw Control (AYC). This cutting-edge technology allowed the car to distribute torque between the rear wheels, improving handling and cornering. It functioned by using sensors around the car to monitor its behavior and adjust torque accordingly. This made the car extremely agile and allowed it to excel in corners.
Supporting the new engine and ECU upgrades, the Evo IV saw changes in its suspension and braking systems. Larger ventilated disc brakes were installed on all four corners, and the suspension was upgraded with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup in the rear, which allowed for enhanced road feedback and high-speed stability.
Zoomed in lower angle of Carter Antals' 1996 Mitsubishi Evo IV driver headlight from the center.
Antals Evo
This 1996 Mitsubishi Evolution IV was hunted down by Carter Antal as he was partaking in a common car guy pass-time. Antal was browsing the right-hand-drive (RHD) Japanese car market online when he stumbled on this listing for sale by JDM Sport Classics based in Three Rivers, Michigan. Its history in Japan and its vacation overseas is widely unknown. Assumedly without hesitation, Antal saw this listing of a car with an amazing legacy and had to have it. Following that, he put his deposit into the dealer for the car then shortly after drove up and bought this magnificent car.
Upper angle of Carter Antals' 1996 Mitsubishi Evo IV engine bay.
Powertrain
This 1996 Mitsubishi Evolution IV was hunted down by Carter Antal while he was partaking in a common car guy pastime. Antal was browsing the right-hand-drive (RHD) Japanese car market online when he stumbled upon this listing for sale by JDM Sport Classics, based in Three Rivers, Michigan. Its history in Japan and its journey overseas is largely unknown. Assumedly without hesitation, Antal saw the listing of a car with an amazing legacy and knew he had to have it. Following that, he placed a deposit with the dealer for the car, then shortly after, drove up and bought this magnificent vehicle.
Straight on shot of Carter Antals' 1996 Mitsubishi Evo IV on the driver side.
Totally Undercover Rally Car
Antal has embraced the legacy of these cars and emphasized the WRC aesthetic on the outside. It is painted in OEM Scotia White and fitted with a chassis-mounted fog light. That light has been fabricated to fit the front license plate holes, so no body modification was required. The windows are slightly tinted, though the exact darkness is unknown. The wheels on this car are one of two styles of Antal's preference: either black Sparco Terras (17x7.5 +43mm) or white Enkei WRC Tarmac Evos (17x7 +43mm). Photographed is the Sparco setup. The car is equipped with an aftermarket suspension featuring Feal Max Travel coilovers and has extra support with Cusco front strut tower bars and Ralliart OEM rear strut tower bars. Inside the cockpit of this rocket is an aftermarket OMP steering wheel, red Recaro front bucket seats, and an aftermarket boost gauge.
Lower head on angle of Carter Antals' 1996 Mitsubishi Evo IV.
Just Keep Driving
Antal has done an impressive job maintaining the aesthetic of this car and its origins and plans to continue this trend. He would like to install an aftermarket intake, add a full exhaust, and get an ECU tune for more power. He aims to keep this car as an OEM+ rally-style build.
