Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution 1997 - World Of Classic Cars -

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution 1997

The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution or PajEvo for short, was built from 1997 through to 1999 as a means of sneaking into the Dakar Rally's production-based T2 class. The Dakar Rally is dubbed the toughest car race in the world, and building a car for it is a serious task. The car is powered by a 3.5 litre 24-valve DOHC V6; a dual plenum variable intake helps to increase power and a new suspension makes the ride even smoother. Power output from the 3.5 litre V6 is 280p, whilst maximum torque is 35.5kgm (348.1Nm)/3000rpm. The car hosts a five speed auto Tiptronic gearbox, switchable 4 or 2 wheel drive and is spec'd with climate control, power steering, air bags, electric windows, heated mirrors, Recaro seats and carbon fibre dash, full tool kit, emergency flare, limited slip differential, rear/roof spoiler, anti-lock braking system and rear seat and side impact protection bars.

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution 1997

The PajEvo was given all new suspension, new differentials, skid plate, a wide body kit, and mud flaps.  The idea was to enter a super-strong car into the otherwise-tame stock class by selling 2500 beefy specials to the public thereby homologating them for the stock class. The result is that the Pajero Evolution remains to this day tougher than just about any other production car on the market.
The suspension, unique to the PajEvo, was given the acronym ARMIE by Mitsubishi ; All Road Multilink Independent suspension for Evolution. The car's track was widened by 125mm at the front, 110mm at the rear. Suspension travel is 240mm at the front, 270mm at the rear. It has the same style of centre diff as the other Super Select 4WD Pajeros, which can be either RWD only, 4WD unlocked (in which case it's a viscous diff), or locked 50/50. But where the regular Pajeros came with open front diffs and either open rear or with an optional locker, the PajEvo has Torsion diffs in the front and the back and an aluminium vented bonnet.

Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution 1997

Mitsubishi not only dominated the T2 class with this car, they dominated the whole Dakar Rally. Pajero Evolutions didn't just win their class; they won overall. PajEvos took the top three spots in 1998, beating even the supposedly faster T3 class cars. They covered over 10,000 kilometres in 18 days, and finished five hours before the next competitor. Pajeros have won nearly half of all the Dakar Rallies with 15 wins overall.