The Legacy of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has long held a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts. Among its many versions, one model stands out as a true icon—the Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen edition. This special edition was created to honor the legendary rally driver Tommi Mäkinen and his remarkable achievements with Mitsubishi Motors.
Mäkinen joined Ralliart in 1996, and his success on the track earned him the nickname “Flying Finn.” His accomplishments were so impressive that Mitsubishi decided to create a special edition of the Lancer Evolution to celebrate his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in the 1999 World Rally Championship. This edition, known as the Evo VI TME, was a tribute to his dominance in the WRC and was produced in limited numbers—only 2,500 units were ever built.
The Evo VI TME came in a variety of colors, including Canal Blue and Pyrenees Black, but the most popular option was Passion Red. This vibrant color was paired with unique decals and 17-inch Enkei alloy wheels that closely resembled the WRC-spec version of the car. Mäkinen himself praised the Lancer Evolution, stating, “The LANCER Evolution realizes a beautiful balance between all performance parameters and it really provided me with the perfect car to re-write the WRC record book. I would just like to say that anyone who buys the LANCER Evolution has made the ‘Right Choice.’”
Design and Performance Features
One of the standout features of the Evo VI TME was its bespoke asymmetrical front bumper. This design included integrated extensions that improved airflow to the intercooler, oil cooler, intake, and brakes, contributing to better aerodynamics. The exterior also featured a unique aesthetic that set it apart from other models.
Inside, the car offered a premium driving experience with Recaro seats featuring an embossed Tommi Mäkinen logo and a Momo steering wheel. These details added a personal touch that resonated with fans of both the driver and the car.
Under the hood, the Evo VI TME was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, which was rated at 276 hp. However, some rumors suggest that the actual power output was even higher. The car was equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and was available in RS and GSR-based configurations.
Performance Metrics
In terms of performance, the Evo VI TME was nothing short of impressive. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and had a top speed of 149.1 mph. These figures made it a formidable competitor on the track and a highly sought-after model among enthusiasts.
Could the Lancer Ever Make a Comeback?
Despite its popularity, the Lancer name was retired by Mitsubishi in 2017, except in certain markets like Taiwan. Since then, fans around the world have been hoping for a revival of the Lancer Evolution. Recent reports suggest that something might be in the works.
At the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi’s engineering fellow, Kaoru Sawase, hinted that a Lancer Evo revival is not far-fetched. He stated, “We have a dream, of course, for Lancer Evolution. We have a variety, a range of technologies on hand.”
This announcement has sparked excitement among fans, especially as Mitsubishi has been spotted testing a boxy SUV that could potentially revive the Pajero name. Whether or not the Lancer will return remains to be seen, but the possibility of a new chapter for the iconic model is definitely on the horizon.
