Evolved Pajero

Want a Mitsubishi Evo that really stands out? Well, check this out – the Pajero Evolution! Sure, it weighs nearly two tonnes and has a centre of gravity that encroaches on aerospace but this machine truly deserves the Evolution badge.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution is a mid ‘90s limited production homologation vehicle intended for off-road racing. It’s a purpose-built Paris to Dakar special.

The greatest feature of the Pajero Evo is its engine; it’s no stretch to mention this engine in the same breath as a BMW M3 engine. The 3.5-litre V6 is based on those found in mainstream Pajero models but features DOHC, 24-valve heads with MIVEC variable valve timing and lift. We believe a dual-stage intake manifold is also fitted. The tuned 3.5 doesn’t deliver a turbo-like rush of mid-range torque but it's a very responsive engine that offers excellent flexibility – not to mention the ability to rev past 7000 rpm! At around 5000 rpm, the MIVEC V6 starts to roar and there’s a healthy 206kW on tap at 6500 rpm. Peak torque is a fairly ho-hum 348Nm at 3000 rpm – similar to a conventional Mitsubishi V6.

That free-spinning V6 is bolted to a five-speed manual gearbox with a perfect spread of ratios. It’s remarkable to trickle along at 50 – 60 km/h in top gear knowing you can reach well over 200 km/h (if it weren’t for the 180 km/h speed limiter) without needing a gear-change... We believe a four-speed auto version was also produced.

The Pajero Evolution’s Super Select 4WD system is much less sophisticated than the AYC and ACD systems found in today’s Lancer Evo models. The Pajero is normally driven in rear-wheel-drive but a selector lever can be used to engage high-range 4WD, high-range 4WD with diff lock or low-range 4WD with diff lock. Interestingly, there’s plenty of traction even in rear-wheel-drive – enough to help the 1790kg Mitsubishi reach 100 km/h in the high seven second bracket. Note that our test vehicle was fitted with an aftermarket air intake and exhaust. A standard example is around half a second slower.

And there’s a whole lot more to the Pajero Evolution than its driveline.

Based on the conventional Pajero three-door, the Evo model boasts a double wishbone coil sprung independent front-end and a multi-link IRS with various aluminium components throughout. The normal Pajero uses a torsion bar independent front suspension and a live rear axle...

Suspension travel is also increased to let you jump sand hills without fear of bottoming out – there’s 240mm of stroke at the front and 270mm at the rear. The track is also widened by more than 100mm to improve stability. On the road, the Pajero initially feels roly-poly but get past this and you’ll find a chassis that offers good grip and a safe bias towards understeer. It’s also surprisingly manoeuvrable thanks to the very short wheelbase. Unfortunately, we are unable to find specifications on the brakes but we can tell you they appear a bit on the small side. ABS comes standard.

The appearance of the Pajero Evolution is kinda uncoordinated but cool at the same time – everything here serves a purpose. Those huge wheel arch flares are essential to accommodate the widened track, there’s a bonnet scoop and air extraction vents in the front guards, an elaborate rear spoiler and a new bumper with integrated fog lights. An aluminium bash guard is also fitted under the nose. Our test car is seen wearing aftermarket 18 inch wheels.

Inside, you’re confronted with a typically Evo-like equipment level. Standard equipment includes Recaro seats, power windows, climate control and a centre instrument binnacle (containing battery voltage and oil pressure gauges, digital compass and ambient temperature display). Don’t bother looking for cruise control or any more than two airbags. There’s usual Pajero occupant space up front and there’s useable space for two rear passengers though depending on the position of the front seats, knee room is limited. Access to the rear seat is also awkward.

The Pajero Evolution is a genuinely rare beast which is therefore difficult to value. This particular Japanese import vehicle (privately owned but available for purchase though Adelaide’s Port Road Commercial and 4WD and Kansai Automotive) is on the market for around AUD$45,000. It has less than 80,000km on the odometer and is in excellent all-round condition aside from a rattle through the steering column.

If you want a performance vehicle that really stands out, they don’t come any better than this. Alternatively, it’s the perfect machine to get stuck into local off-road racing. Just make sure you don’t crash it – the MIVEC 3.5 is exclusive to the Evo Pajero and you probably won’t find many replacement suspension or body parts in Australia.

So have fun. But not too much!