CP9A 2000 Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition

The 1998 Tokyo Show saw the debut of the Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition. Officially announced at the end of the year, it was introduced to celebrate Makinen's four consecutive World Championship for Drivers titles, and is sometimes referred to as the Evolution 6.5.

Nationwide sales began on 8 January 2000. At the time of the Tokyo launch, Makinen said "It is a great honour for me to have my name on this car. I have spent so many hours behind the wheel of a Lancer, helping to develop certain areas where my input was of use to the engineers. It is not only highly efficient, but easy to control and fun to drive, too. It is a very well-balanced package, and one that I hope will take me to many more victories in the World Rally Championship".

Engine and transmission options were carried over, along with the gear ratios on the five-speed box. However, the high response titanium-aluminium alloy turbine blades were now specified on the GSR's turbocharger [Type TD05HRA-15GK2-10.5T] as well, combined with a smaller diameter compressor wheel; the RS kept its old turbo, with the new one as an option. In addition, there was a new exhaust with a big bore tailpipe. Ultimately, the engine provided lots of torque in the low to mid-range, the Evolution VI TME modifications bringing in the maximum torque 250rpm lower down the rev-band.

Easily distinguishable by its redesigned, aggressive looking front bumper / airdam, The Tommi Makinen Edition rode 10mm lower than the Evolution VI, as the GSR came with the tarmac suspension settings [an option on the RS]. A front tower bar was standard on all cars, including the GSR, while the steering ratio was quicker than that of the earlier Evolutions.

White Enkei 17" alloys [the same as those used on the works Group A cars] came as part of the GSR package, and could be bought as an option for the RS grade. Combined with the so-called Special Color package [available on the Passion Red GSR as a 20,000 Yen option], the exterior could be made to resemble an authentic WRC machine. Inside, although the style of the interior and its components was carried over, there were now black-faced gauges with red numbers and calibrations, and red stitching graced the Momo leather trimmed steering wheel, gearknob and gaiter. The cockpit remained predominantly black, but the Recaro seats had red fabric inserts and a "T.Makinen" logo on the GSR, while the RS had a strict Evolution VI interior with blue inserts.

Chassis codes were the same as those used for the Evolution VI, although the GSR based Special color package carried the SNGF2 designation. Weights were also the same as was the fuel tank capacity, which remained at 11 imperial gallons/50 litres, although the shape of the tank was changed slightly to stop petrol moving around so much during extreme cornering.

The GSR was priced at 3,278,000 Yen, whilst the RS was slightly cheaper at 2,598,000 Yen. A lucky 2500 buyers received a resin scale model mounted on a wooden plaque, while dealer options included front foglights [PIAA], and HID headlights from the Cibie concern.

Some images..

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