Here is Info on Colors, Options, and Option Packages for Each Evo 8/9 Model Year!
Never knew that. I pulled my MSRP & you are right.
So maybe under hard acceleration, that valve opens up and short cuts the exit point?
Yes I think so too. This is what the OP on another forum said in his post where I found that picture of the muffler cutout:
"EVOs, F430s, and E46 BMW AFAIK have them."
"EVO muffler cutaway: Flapper is in the upper left. The arrows show the flow while flapper is closed. When it opens it bypasses the circuitous route."
Here is the link to the original post on the miataturbo.net forum:
https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...e-62488/page2/
"EVOs, F430s, and E46 BMW AFAIK have them."
"EVO muffler cutaway: Flapper is in the upper left. The arrows show the flow while flapper is closed. When it opens it bypasses the circuitous route."
Here is the link to the original post on the miataturbo.net forum:
https://www.miataturbo.net/diy-turbo...e-62488/page2/
Last edited by city; Jul 6, 2019 at 05:09 PM. Reason: added a link to the original post
I believe I remember reading that the 8 and 9 OEM mufflers are different. The 9 has a deeper growl. Maybe I’ll see if I can find something to support that, but I’m fairly certain that is the case.
“A redesigned muffler... enhances the exhaust note at low to mid-range engine speeds.”
From:
https://media.mitsubishicars.com/cha...tion-press-kit
That press release also lists a number of other technical improvements on the 9 should you care to read about it.
From:
https://media.mitsubishicars.com/cha...tion-press-kit
That press release also lists a number of other technical improvements on the 9 should you care to read about it.
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 154
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
Reminded me of this old review
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mits...06/rally-cars/
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/mits...06/rally-cars/
Combined with a revised, freer-flowing turbo housing and new exhaust system, horsepower has increased to 286. Incidentally, that new exhaust system sounds much better. The previous Evo sounded like a vacuum that's sucked up a sock. The new one has a much throatier rasp akin to a dog expelling kibble.
What Evo do you have? Base? GSR? SE? MR? MR SE? SSL? RS? What do all those things mean? What options did your Evo come with? What colors were available for each model year, and did certain option packages require certain colors? Find all of that info and more below!
First, I know that some of the information below is probably elsewhere on this site, but it isn't all put together into one convenient post from what I could find. This info was put together primarily for those who have questions regarding options, option packages, and available colors for each model year (MY). I also included additional information and fun facts to further increase the usefulness of this post.
Now if you have your VIN handy, you can see the exact options your car came with by copying the link below and pasting your VIN after the equals sign (note that the VIN letters need to be capitalized for it to work).
http://www.mitsubishicars.com/rs/file/monroney?vin=
Overall Production figures:
Evo 8 - 12,846.
Evo 9 - 8,201.
Total CT9A - 21,047.
Approximate weights for different option packages:
Base/GSR - 3,263 lbs.
MR - 3,285 lbs.
RS - 3,217 lbs.
SSL - 3,338 lbs.
Approximate weights for brand new 2006 MY Evos after subtracting fuel weight. Info is from Vorshlag (https://www.vorshlag.com/tech_evoweights.php):
Base/GSR- 3,203 lbs.
MR - 3,220 lbs.
MR SE - 3,207 lbs.
RS - N/A.
SE - 3,171 lbs.
SSL - 3,270 lbs.
Note that simply removing the spare tire, trunk mat, jack, and tools lightens an Evo by 42 lbs.!
For MY specifics scroll down below and locate the year of the Evo that you are interested in learning about. Note that there was no CT9A Evo that was known as the GSR in the U.S., but for easy classification many refer to the regular/base model as the GSR. I'll also note here that no CT9A Evo came with cruise control.
2003:
The first year for the Evo 8 and also the first year that the U.S. gets the Evo.
Production Numbers:
- 7,167 total for 2003.
Power Figures:
- 271 hp @ 6500 rpm, 273 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm.
What comes standard on base model (aka GSR):
- 5 speed, turbo has 9.8 hotside, open front differential, intercooler sprayer, low profile spoiler (the majority were ordered with the optional carbon fiber spoiler though), HID headlights, and fog lights.
- Basic power options- power windows, locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD player, etc.
Options that are available separately on top of base model (aka GSR):
- 6 disc CD, moonroof, carbon fiber spoiler in lieu of the low profile spoiler.
Colors offered:
- Apex Silver (AS).
- Blue By You (BBY).
- Lightning Yellow (LY).
- Rally Red (RR).
- Tarmac Black (TB).
- Weightless White (WW) (Weightless White is not as bright as Wicked White).
2004:
The rarest year for the Evo 8 and the rarest year for the CT9A Evo as a whole. Options now only come in packages. SSL and RS packages are now available.
Production Numbers:
- 263 RS.
- 1,254 Base (aka GSR), includes SSL.
- 1,517 total for 2004.
Power Figures:
- 271 hp @ 6500 rpm, 273 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm.
What comes standard on base model (aka GSR):
- 5 speed, turbo has 9.8 hotside, open front differential, intercooler sprayer, carbon fiber spoiler, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- Basic power options- power windows, locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD player, etc.
Option packages available:
- SSL (sun, sound, leather) package is available in all colors. SSL adds to the base model (aka GSR): premium sound system with Infinity subwoofer, leather seats, and moonroof.
- RS is only available in RR or WW. RS deletes from the base model the audio system, HID headlights, fog lights, ABS, rear wing, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sound deadening, trunk-compartment trim, rear wiper, map lights, rear assist handles, parking-brake handle leather, center-console lid, and keyless-entry system. The door mirrors and handles are black instead of body-colored. RS adds front LSD and aluminum roof.
Colors:
- Apex Silver (AS).
- Blue By You (BBY).
- Lightning Yellow (LY).
- Rally Red (RR).
- Tarmac Black (TB).
- Weightless White (WW) (Weightless White is not as bright as Wicked White).
2005:
The most desirable year for the Evo 8 from a performance standpoint. Turbo is upgraded to a 10.5 hotside, which bumps the power slightly when compared to MY 2004. ACD, front LSD, and halogen headlights are now standard. The intercooler sprayer was deleted to make room for the ACD. MR package is now available.
Production Numbers:
- 282 RS.
- 1,000 MR.
- 2,880 base model (aka GSR), includes SSL.
- 4,162 total for 2005.
Power Figures:
- 276 hp @ 6500 rpm, 286 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm.
What comes standard on base model (aka GSR):
5 speed, turbo has 10.5 hotside, front LSD, ACD, carbon fiber spoiler, halogen headlights.
Basic power options- power windows, locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD player, etc.
Option packages available:
- SSL (sun, sound, leather) package is available in all colors (except GG for MY 2005). SSL adds to the base model (aka GSR): premium sound system with Infinity subwoofer, leather seats, moonroof, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- RS is only available in RR or WW. RS deletes from the base model (aka GSR): audio system, ABS, rear wing, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sound deadening, trunk-compartment trim, rear wiper, map lights, rear assist handles, parking-brake handle leather, center-console lid, and keyless-entry system. The door mirrors and handles are black instead of body-colored. RS adds front LSD and aluminum roof.
- MR is only available in AS, GG, RR, or WW. MR adds to the base model (aka GSR): Bilstein suspension, aluminum roof, vortex generator, 6 speed, gauge pack, carbon fiber e-brake handle, 17.74lb BBS forged wheels, HID headlights, and fog lights.
Colors:
- Apex Silver (AS).
- Electric Blue (EB).
- Graphite Gray (GG). (GG only available on MR for MY 2005).
- Lightning Yellow (LY).
- Rally Red (RR).
- Tarmac Black (TB).
- Wicked White (WW).
2006:
The first and only year for the Evo 9. MIVEC engine and larger compressor side on turbo bump the power figures slightly when compared to MY 2005. Arguably the most desirable MY for the CT9A.
Production Numbers:
- 358 RS.
- 4,176 MR.
- 3,667 base model (aka GSR), includes SSL and SE.
- 8,201 total for 2006.
Power Figures:
- 286 hp @ 6500 rpm, 289 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
What comes standard on base model (aka GSR):
5 speed, front LSD, ACD, rear spoiler with carbon fiber center section, halogen headlights.
Basic power options- power windows, locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD player, etc.
Option packages available:
- SSL (sun, sound, leather) package is available in all colors. SSL adds to the base model (aka GSR): premium sound system with Infinity subwoofer, leather seats, moonroof, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- RS is only available in RR or WW. RS deletes from the base model (aka GSR): audio system, ABS, rear wing, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sound deadening, trunk-compartment trim, rear wiper, map lights, rear assist handles, parking-brake handle leather, center-console lid, and keyless-entry system. The door mirrors and handles are black instead of body-colored. RS adds front LSD and aluminum roof.
- SE is available later in the MY and is only available in AS, GG, or TB. SE adds to the base model (aka GSR): red-stitching on the suede seats, aluminum roof, 17.74lb BBS forged wheels in diamond black color, SE lip, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- MR is at first only available in AS, GG, RR, or WW. Later in the MY the MR is made available in TB. MR adds to the base model (aka GSR): Bilstein suspension, aluminum roof, vortex generator, 6 speed, gauge pack, carbon fiber e-brake handle, 17.74lb BBS forged wheels, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- Note!! An appearance package is made available later in the MY for the MR that includes some SE parts and it is only available in AS, GG, or TB. The package includes the SE seats, SE wheels, and SE lip. Some people refer to that option as the MR SE for easier clarification. The only way you can get an MR in TB is with the appearance package.
- The Zero Lift Kit is also available as a separate option on the MR which includes a wickerbill extension on the spoiler (aka gurney flap), front under air dam, and front brake air guides.
Colors:
- Apex Silver (AS).
- Electric Blue (EB).
- Graphite Gray (GG).
- Rally Red (RR).
- Tarmac Black (TB).
- Wicked White (WW).
Thank you for reading- I hope you all find this information useful!

First, I know that some of the information below is probably elsewhere on this site, but it isn't all put together into one convenient post from what I could find. This info was put together primarily for those who have questions regarding options, option packages, and available colors for each model year (MY). I also included additional information and fun facts to further increase the usefulness of this post.
Now if you have your VIN handy, you can see the exact options your car came with by copying the link below and pasting your VIN after the equals sign (note that the VIN letters need to be capitalized for it to work).
http://www.mitsubishicars.com/rs/file/monroney?vin=
Overall Production figures:
Evo 8 - 12,846.
Evo 9 - 8,201.
Total CT9A - 21,047.
Approximate weights for different option packages:
Base/GSR - 3,263 lbs.
MR - 3,285 lbs.
RS - 3,217 lbs.
SSL - 3,338 lbs.
Approximate weights for brand new 2006 MY Evos after subtracting fuel weight. Info is from Vorshlag (https://www.vorshlag.com/tech_evoweights.php):
Base/GSR- 3,203 lbs.
MR - 3,220 lbs.
MR SE - 3,207 lbs.
RS - N/A.
SE - 3,171 lbs.
SSL - 3,270 lbs.
Note that simply removing the spare tire, trunk mat, jack, and tools lightens an Evo by 42 lbs.!
For MY specifics scroll down below and locate the year of the Evo that you are interested in learning about. Note that there was no CT9A Evo that was known as the GSR in the U.S., but for easy classification many refer to the regular/base model as the GSR. I'll also note here that no CT9A Evo came with cruise control.
2003:
The first year for the Evo 8 and also the first year that the U.S. gets the Evo.
Production Numbers:
- 7,167 total for 2003.
Power Figures:
- 271 hp @ 6500 rpm, 273 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm.
What comes standard on base model (aka GSR):
- 5 speed, turbo has 9.8 hotside, open front differential, intercooler sprayer, low profile spoiler (the majority were ordered with the optional carbon fiber spoiler though), HID headlights, and fog lights.
- Basic power options- power windows, locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD player, etc.
Options that are available separately on top of base model (aka GSR):
- 6 disc CD, moonroof, carbon fiber spoiler in lieu of the low profile spoiler.
Colors offered:
- Apex Silver (AS).
- Blue By You (BBY).
- Lightning Yellow (LY).
- Rally Red (RR).
- Tarmac Black (TB).
- Weightless White (WW) (Weightless White is not as bright as Wicked White).
2004:
The rarest year for the Evo 8 and the rarest year for the CT9A Evo as a whole. Options now only come in packages. SSL and RS packages are now available.
Production Numbers:
- 263 RS.
- 1,254 Base (aka GSR), includes SSL.
- 1,517 total for 2004.
Power Figures:
- 271 hp @ 6500 rpm, 273 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm.
What comes standard on base model (aka GSR):
- 5 speed, turbo has 9.8 hotside, open front differential, intercooler sprayer, carbon fiber spoiler, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- Basic power options- power windows, locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD player, etc.
Option packages available:
- SSL (sun, sound, leather) package is available in all colors. SSL adds to the base model (aka GSR): premium sound system with Infinity subwoofer, leather seats, and moonroof.
- RS is only available in RR or WW. RS deletes from the base model the audio system, HID headlights, fog lights, ABS, rear wing, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sound deadening, trunk-compartment trim, rear wiper, map lights, rear assist handles, parking-brake handle leather, center-console lid, and keyless-entry system. The door mirrors and handles are black instead of body-colored. RS adds front LSD and aluminum roof.
Colors:
- Apex Silver (AS).
- Blue By You (BBY).
- Lightning Yellow (LY).
- Rally Red (RR).
- Tarmac Black (TB).
- Weightless White (WW) (Weightless White is not as bright as Wicked White).
2005:
The most desirable year for the Evo 8 from a performance standpoint. Turbo is upgraded to a 10.5 hotside, which bumps the power slightly when compared to MY 2004. ACD, front LSD, and halogen headlights are now standard. The intercooler sprayer was deleted to make room for the ACD. MR package is now available.
Production Numbers:
- 282 RS.
- 1,000 MR.
- 2,880 base model (aka GSR), includes SSL.
- 4,162 total for 2005.
Power Figures:
- 276 hp @ 6500 rpm, 286 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm.
What comes standard on base model (aka GSR):
5 speed, turbo has 10.5 hotside, front LSD, ACD, carbon fiber spoiler, halogen headlights.
Basic power options- power windows, locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD player, etc.
Option packages available:
- SSL (sun, sound, leather) package is available in all colors (except GG for MY 2005). SSL adds to the base model (aka GSR): premium sound system with Infinity subwoofer, leather seats, moonroof, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- RS is only available in RR or WW. RS deletes from the base model (aka GSR): audio system, ABS, rear wing, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sound deadening, trunk-compartment trim, rear wiper, map lights, rear assist handles, parking-brake handle leather, center-console lid, and keyless-entry system. The door mirrors and handles are black instead of body-colored. RS adds front LSD and aluminum roof.
- MR is only available in AS, GG, RR, or WW. MR adds to the base model (aka GSR): Bilstein suspension, aluminum roof, vortex generator, 6 speed, gauge pack, carbon fiber e-brake handle, 17.74lb BBS forged wheels, HID headlights, and fog lights.
Colors:
- Apex Silver (AS).
- Electric Blue (EB).
- Graphite Gray (GG). (GG only available on MR for MY 2005).
- Lightning Yellow (LY).
- Rally Red (RR).
- Tarmac Black (TB).
- Wicked White (WW).
2006:
The first and only year for the Evo 9. MIVEC engine and larger compressor side on turbo bump the power figures slightly when compared to MY 2005. Arguably the most desirable MY for the CT9A.
Production Numbers:
- 358 RS.
- 4,176 MR.
- 3,667 base model (aka GSR), includes SSL and SE.
- 8,201 total for 2006.
Power Figures:
- 286 hp @ 6500 rpm, 289 ft-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
What comes standard on base model (aka GSR):
5 speed, front LSD, ACD, rear spoiler with carbon fiber center section, halogen headlights.
Basic power options- power windows, locks, keyless entry, A/C, CD player, etc.
Option packages available:
- SSL (sun, sound, leather) package is available in all colors. SSL adds to the base model (aka GSR): premium sound system with Infinity subwoofer, leather seats, moonroof, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- RS is only available in RR or WW. RS deletes from the base model (aka GSR): audio system, ABS, rear wing, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, sound deadening, trunk-compartment trim, rear wiper, map lights, rear assist handles, parking-brake handle leather, center-console lid, and keyless-entry system. The door mirrors and handles are black instead of body-colored. RS adds front LSD and aluminum roof.
- SE is available later in the MY and is only available in AS, GG, or TB. SE adds to the base model (aka GSR): red-stitching on the suede seats, aluminum roof, 17.74lb BBS forged wheels in diamond black color, SE lip, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- MR is at first only available in AS, GG, RR, or WW. Later in the MY the MR is made available in TB. MR adds to the base model (aka GSR): Bilstein suspension, aluminum roof, vortex generator, 6 speed, gauge pack, carbon fiber e-brake handle, 17.74lb BBS forged wheels, HID headlights, and fog lights.
- Note!! An appearance package is made available later in the MY for the MR that includes some SE parts and it is only available in AS, GG, or TB. The package includes the SE seats, SE wheels, and SE lip. Some people refer to that option as the MR SE for easier clarification. The only way you can get an MR in TB is with the appearance package.
- The Zero Lift Kit is also available as a separate option on the MR which includes a wickerbill extension on the spoiler (aka gurney flap), front under air dam, and front brake air guides.
Colors:
- Apex Silver (AS).
- Electric Blue (EB).
- Graphite Gray (GG).
- Rally Red (RR).
- Tarmac Black (TB).
- Wicked White (WW).
Thank you for reading- I hope you all find this information useful!

Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,733
Likes: 154
From: Why do they always call the Evo the Dark Side?
http://web.archive.org/web/201510182...evoweights.php
They didn't have an RS to throw into the mix though.
That data has never been released by Mitsubishi as far as I know. That info was unavailable in the past at least. Based off of my observations, the numbers produced for Evo IX colors were in the following order from most common to least common. AS, TB, GG, WW, EB, RR.
I found a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Brochure online at www.auto-brochures.com, below is a link to the pdf file.
http://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/...ution_2006.pdf
http://www.auto-brochures.com/makes/...ution_2006.pdf
This is really the best source for everything about Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. BTW, not going into details, but by the numbers, does anyone know how many total changes were made to the Lancer Evolution from 1 as it evolved to its final iteration (up to 9 and up to 10)?






