Willem's Mitsubishi Lancer EVO (2000). Pampered collector's item

The Tommi Makinen Edition says enough about the rarity of this Mitsubishi Lancer EVO. As is currently known, only three of this version are on the road in the Netherlands. The modifications Willem has made to this youngtimer, to put it together according to his own idea, make it completely unique.

By: Dirk de Jong 

The power source of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO already had sufficient power, but not enough for Willem. The fact that he himself works as a software engineer at a company that includes chip tuning, naturally plays a role in this. To indicate how he gave the engine even more power and what work was carried out for this, we would like to let him speak for himself. 

Willem about the modifications to his Mitsubishi Lancer EVO: “My wish with this 4G63 was to build in a 'fast response' engine. That is why the engine is built by myself with lighter and stronger parts. Also, the compression is just increased instead of the conventional decrease. The piston pin in the piston has been raised and the connecting rods have been made longer to reduce the lateral load of the piston, resulting in less friction. With this mindset, the engine is built, produces 465 hp and has 550 Nm of torque over a wide rev range and almost no 'turbo lag'. The air is supplied by Garrett's new G25 550 turbo, which is small in size but can quickly get to the desired speed.” 

More technology

Willem continues: “The engine management and wiring harness of the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO have been renewed and are controlled by a new aftermarket ECU. This is freely programmable and brings many advantages over the original system. This engine now runs with an electronic throttle and accelerator pedal, so that the idle control can be removed, which can fail on these cars.” 

Rightly proud 

Just that Willem has thought of everything from A to Z to make his youngtimer better will give you a sense of pride. That's why it's nice to go back to the beginning of his Mitsubishi Lancer EVO adventure.  

Imaginative model

“Fall with your nose in the butter”, is the expression. It happened to Willem in 2020 after a tip that a special Mitsubishi was for sale. What he did realize – through the contacts he had with experts – was that the parts supply for this model was extremely difficult. In fact, there was hardly anything left to get. The focus had to be on foreign countries. In the Netherlands, the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO has never been officially imported, so the dealers do not have it in stock. 

magic car

When Willem talks about his special version of the Mitsubishi, the words come like a waterfall at a dike breach. He admires the model and is proud that he could do everything himself. It is no wonder that this fast Japanese man plays a leading role in his car life. For him it was a creative process to show the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO even better. 

Symbol of wealth

The price tag has risen quite considerably after all the adjustments. Yet the economic value is less important to him, it is about the emotional value that the possession gives him. It will be clear, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo is in good hands. It's not just any car, it's a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO Tommi Makinen Edition. 

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