This rear spoiler is so unique it looks like it was taken from a Batmobile.
Mitsubishi’s dictionary says that the term “Evolution” is synonymous with the “Lancer”. However, there was also the rare Pajero Evo, of which only 2,500 were made in the model’s brief life span between 1997 and 1999. What is the reason for this number? Mitsubishi was required to produce at least 2,500 legal vehicles to homologate its off-roader for Dakar Rally. It won the class in 1997 and 1998.
The Pajero Evolution was created. It features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 276 horsepower at 6,500 RPM and a maximum torque output of 256 poundfeet (347 Newton meters) starting at 3,000 RPM. This special edition was made in Japan’s “gentleman’s agreement” era, when output was at its maximum of 276 horsepower.
Performance-wise, the Pajero Evolution ran from 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) in eight and a quarter seconds. It then reached 130 mph (210 km/h) which isn’t bad considering it is an off-road vehicle that you can probably drive to the ends of the earth.
The vehicle weighed in at over 4,300 pounds (1.950 kg) and featured a custom aluminum hood. The front and rear tracks were wider than the standard short-wheelbase Pajero. Front and rear Torsen limited slip differentials were also installed. Mitsubishi also offered a long-travel suspension. It also offered an automatic gearbox, as shown in the video. However, there was also a very rare manual-equipped model.
Mitsubishi gave the Evolution model a more aggressive body and batmobile-inspired rear wingslets to make it stand out from the regular Pajero. To enhance the ruggedness of the model, the bumper was reworked with four fog lights and an obvious skid plate. To complete the package, Recaro body-hugging seats were installed inside.
The future could see a new Evolution with off-road capabilities. Although the e-Evolution concept was revealed in October 2017, it suggested a high-riding Evo. Mitsubishi however has stated that a new Evolution-badged production vehicle won’t be available until the end of the decade.