Mitsubishi Lancer WRC04
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The Lancer WRC04 is just the second World Rally class vehicle to be entered by Mitsubishi in the World Rally Championship (the first being the Lancer/Carisma GT). The previous Lancer Evolution series of cars that Mitsubishi entered were Group-A class vehicles and while the "Evo's" were able to win a number of championships it eventually became apparent that Mitsubishi needed a true World Rally class car to be able to compete effectively.
The Lancer WRC04 is based on the same Lancer chassis that the previous Evolution VII and VIII were based on, but with over 6,000 new parts. It is powered by an improved version of the 4G63 engine that Mitsubishi has been using in its sports and rally cars for over a decade, producing 300 bhp (224 kW) at 5500 rpm. This engine is mounted to a completely new transmission that connects to a brand new 4WD system. The bodywork reflects the extensive testing done at the Lola racing team's wind tunnel and shows the importance of aerodynamics in the WRC.
The Lancer WRC04 however, is not intended to win any championships, but rather is a work in progress designed to help a new team composed of many new faces to learn the ropes of rallying.
The lead Lancer WRC04 in the 2004 World Rally Championship is driven by ex-Peugeot driver Gilles Panizzi with his brother Herve Panizzi as co-driver.
External links
- Mitsubishi WRC (http://www.ralliart.com/)
- World Rally Championship (http://www.wrc.com/)
- Lancer WRC04 technical specifications (http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com/motorsports/e/04wrc/lancer.html)