| Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution | |
| Manufacturer: | Mitsubishi Motors |
| Production: | 1984–2007 |
| Class: | Rally raid |
| Layout: | front-engine, 4-wheel-drive |
| Engine: | 3.5 L 24-valve V6 |
| Transmission: | 5 speed manual |
The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is an off-road competition car based on the Mitsubishi Pajero. It was specially designed to take part in the rally raids with the main objective of winning the Dakar Rally.[1] In addition to those produced for competition use only, a road-legal version was manufactured by Mitsubishi from 1997 to 1999 in order to homologate the Pajero Evolution for the Dakar Rally's T2 class. Approximately 2500 road-legal examples were produced.[2] [3] [4]
The road-legal version of the Pajero Evolution was produced between 1997 and 1999. It was based on the second generation Pajero but had many features unique to the model. Approximately 2693 units were produced in order to homologate the type for the Dakar Rally's production-based T2 class. It was equipped with a 3.5-litre 24-valve DOHC V6 6G74 engine with MIVEC and a dual plenum variable intake. This engine produced a claimed 275 bhp at 6500 rpm.[5] The two-door body incorporated large fender flares, two fin-like rear spoilers, a hood scoop, and various other racing-inspired styling elements. Skid plates and mudflaps were included for additional off-road protection. Double wishbone independent suspension was used on the front and the rear used a multi-link independent suspension unique to the Pajero Evolution. 4WD was standard, with front and rear Torsen differentials.
In January 1983, the first Pajero Evolution debuted at the Paris Dakar Rally, taking first place in 1985 at only the third attempt. Other wins followed, at events such as the Australasian Safari and Northern Forest.
With 12 victories from 1985 to 2007, it is the car that has won the Dakar Rally the most times.[6]
| Year | Driver | Co-driver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1985 |  Patrick Zaniroli | Francia Jean Da Silva | |
| 2 | 1992 | Hubert Auriol | Philippe Monnet | |
| 3 | 1993 | Bruno Saby | Dominique Serieys | |
| 4 | 1997 |  Kenjiro Shinozuka | Henri Magne | |
| 5 | 1998 | Jean-Pierre Fontenay | Gilles Picard | |
| 6 | 2001 | Jutta Kleinschmidt | Andreas Schulz | |
| 7 | 2002 | Hiroshi Masuoka | Pascal Maimon | |
| 8 | 2003 | Hiroshi Masuoka | Andreas Schulz | |
| 9 | 2004 | Stéphane Peterhansel | Jean-Paul Cottret | |
| 10 | 2005 | Stéphane Peterhansel | Jean-Paul Cottret | |
| 11 | 2006 | Luc Alphand | Gilles Picard | |
| 12 | 2007 | Stéphane Peterhansel | Jean-Paul Cottret |