FROM rally car in disguise to supercar-slayer, the Lancer Evolution has come a long way.

Evolution I

Evolution VI

Evolution IX

Just like its nemesis, the Subaru WRX, the Lancer Evo was conceived as a homologation special to go rallying. After all, the rules of the sport demanded that rally cars be based on road-going production models.

Evolution I, 1992

Introduced in Japan, the be-spoilered saloon borrowed its engine and all-wheel-drive drivetrain from the Galant VR-4, which was already campaigning in the rally championship. The first couple of Evo models weren't that popular outside Japan. It was only when Mitsubishi started winning rallies with the Evo III that the rest of the world started to take notice.

Evolution IV, 1996

This was a milestone in the model's history. Featuring an all-new bodystyle and a repositioned engine, this was the first Evo to boast 280bhp. It was also the first to receive the trick AYC (Active Yaw Control) differential. This car further evolved - by way of the Evo V and VI - into possibly the most hardcore Evo of all time: the Evo VI Tommi Makinen Edition.

Evolution VII, 2001

This marked the third generation of the Evo series. The VII was equipped with further trickery in its drivetrain, including AYC and the then-new ACD (Active Centre Differential).

The next model, the Evo VIII, had even more up its sleeves, thanks to Super AYC which boosted the car's cornering prowess even further. The VIII also spawned a special edition dubbed the MR, or Mitsubishi Racing, with bespoke suspension and a new turbo.

The Evo IX and the IX MR were the last two Evos of the third generation. From the IX onwards, the 2-litre turbo engine was equipped with Mivec variable valve timing.

The end of the third generation models also bid goodbye to the venerable 4G63 engine that had seen service in all previous Evos and the Galant VR-4.