1997: Mitsubishi Evolution V was released...
Evolution V
In 1997, the WRC created a new class, "World Rally Car", and while
these cars still had to abide by Group A standards, they did not
have to meet homologation rules. Mitsubishi completely redesigned
the EVO IV with this in mind and introduced the EVO V in January of
1998. All aspects of the car were changed, most notably the
turbocharger, brakes and cylinder bore (by 0.3 mm) that had both
increased in size. Torque was increased to 275 ft·lbf (373 N·m) at
3,000 rpm. Horsepower officially stayed the same, at 280 PS (276
hp/206 kW) as agreed by Japan's automotive gentlemen's agreement
that all cars would have 276 or less hp, but reputable sources
claim horsepower was actually somewhat higher. More aggressive
bodywork finished the package along with Brembo brakes.
