2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition Is a Reminder of When Rally Sedans Ruled the Streets
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The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X Final Edition was never a normal sports sedan. It was loud, aggressive, slightly unhinged, and that is exactly why enthusiasts still miss it today. A nearly factory fresh example of the 2015 Evo Final Edition recently appeared on Bring a Trailer, and it instantly reminded people why Mitsubishi’s rally bred sedan still holds a cult following.
This particular car shows just 722 miles on the odometer. That is barely broken in for a machine that was built to attack corners, launch hard from traffic lights, and throw gravel across rally stages.
The Last Mitsubishi Evo Ever Sold in America
The 2015 model year marked the end of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in the United States. Mitsubishi introduced the Final Edition as a sendoff to one of the most iconic Japanese performance cars ever made.
Only around 1,600 Final Edition models came to America. Each one received a numbered plaque and a slight power bump over the standard Evo X.
Under the hood sat a turbocharged 2.0 litre four cylinder engine producing 303 horsepower. Power went to all four wheels through a five speed manual transmission. Mitsubishi skipped the dual clutch automatic for the Final Edition, which honestly made sense. Buyers wanted the raw experience, not convenience.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.0 litre inline four |
| Power | 303 horsepower |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual |
| Drivetrain | All wheel drive |
| Mileage on this example | 722 miles |
| Special feature | Final Edition package |
The Evo vs WRX STI Rivalry Was Peak Rally Era
For years, the Evo fought directly against the Subaru WRX STI. Both cars came from rally racing roots, and both built loyal fan bases around turbocharged performance and all wheel drive grip.
The rivalry pushed both companies to improve constantly. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Evo and STI became heroes of the street racing and rally worlds. They offered supercar level traction at a fraction of the price.
Mitsubishi officially brought the Evo to America in the early 2000s, but its reputation had already spread worldwide long before that.
Why the Evo X Still Feels Special Today
The tenth generation Evo felt more mature than earlier models, but it never lost its edge. It remained sharp, direct, and almost nervous in the way it responded to driver inputs.
Mitsubishi equipped the car with its advanced Super All Wheel Control system. The setup used three differentials working together to manage grip and balance. The rear differential could even react to oversteer and understeer while distributing power between the wheels.
That technology helped the Evo feel brutally effective on pavement. Compared to the STI, the Evo usually felt sharper and more focused during fast cornering.
Other highlights included:
- Quick steering response
- Aggressive turbocharged power delivery
- Strong Brembo brakes
- Short gearing for rapid acceleration
- Practical four door sedan layout
The result was a car that constantly demanded attention from the driver. It never felt relaxed, and fans loved it for that reason.
A Raw Driving Experience That Modern Cars Rarely Deliver
Modern performance cars have become faster, quieter, and more refined. The Evo came from a different era. It felt mechanical and alive.
The turbocharged engine delivered boost aggressively, while the steering reacted instantly to small movements. Even the brakes felt sharp enough to surprise inexperienced drivers.
That raw character is exactly why clean Evo Final Edition models continue to attract collectors today. Cars like this are becoming harder to find, especially with such low mileage.
Sadly, Mitsubishi moved away from performance sedans years ago and shifted its focus toward crossovers and SUVs. The Evo disappeared, and no direct replacement ever arrived.
For enthusiasts, the 2015 Final Edition remains more than just another discontinued sports sedan. It represents the end of an era when rally inspired compact cars dominated enthusiast culture.
Sources and References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition?
The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition marked the end of the Evo in the United States. Mitsubishi built it as a sendoff for one of its best known rally inspired performance sedans.
How many 2015 Evo Final Edition models were sold in America?
Mitsubishi sent around 1,600 Final Edition models to the US market. Each one came with a numbered plaque and a small power increase over the standard Evo X.
How much power did the Final Edition make?
It used a turbocharged 2.0 litre inline four engine rated at 303 horsepower. Power went to all four wheels through a five speed manual transmission.
Why do enthusiasts still talk about the Evo and WRX STI rivalry?
The Evo and Subaru WRX STI came from rally roots and built huge fan bases around turbocharged performance and all wheel drive grip. Their rivalry pushed both cars to improve and made the segment more exciting.
What does the Super All Wheel Control system do?
Mitsubishi used Super All Wheel Control with three differentials to manage grip and balance. It helped the Evo feel sharp, direct, and very capable during hard cornering.
Why is a 722 mile Evo Final Edition so valuable to collectors?
A 722 mile example is extremely close to factory fresh, which makes it rare and desirable. Low mileage Final Edition cars are getting harder to find, so collectors pay close attention to examples like this.
