Mitsubishi Lancer GSR: Almost an EVO or beyond?

Although the only new Mitsubishis you can currently buy today are mostly SUVs and crossovers, things were a lot different a couple of decades ago. 

Back then, the Japanese automaker was going full out, putting all-wheel drivetrains on regular Lancers and installing large (although not by today's standards) turbo-charged engines under the hood. 

This week, we bring to you the story behind a Mitsubishi Lancer GSR from that era and why Pavel RKS plans on never letting go of it. 

"I got this car back in 2018, about two years ago. I have done a lot to it since then," said Pavel during an interview with The Business Standard.  

Everything was bone stock when Pavel first got the car; from OEM spoiler to stock bumpers. 

Even the interior was untouched and starting from the steering to the gear knob, everything was the same as Mitsubishi had originally installed some 30 years ago.  

The only thing that came upgraded was the heart of the Lancer. 

The Lancer was brought to life with a standard 1.5-liter engine. It was later gifted with a 4g93T by its previous owner and then converted to a 1.8-liter Lancer GSR. 

However, unlike most Evo converts in Bangladesh, the story with this one is quite different. 

The base Lancer initially started life as a 4WD Lancer from the Mitsubishi factories of Okayama, Japan. 

Hence, the conversion was much easier than it usually is and you can say "even closer to the real deal". 

"It was a bolt-on convert," Pavel confirmed, "Thanks to the base Lancer being a 4WD, the chassis is still untouched. It did not even need any additional framework and everything was done as neatly as possible!" 

But the enthusiast in Pavel was not happy with driving a "stock" Lancer GSR. It did not take him long to start transforming the car.  

Starting with the paint, the car now looks (and runs) completely different from how it used to a couple of years ago when Pavel initially got the keys. 

Pavel has literally gone "full send" with the skinny old Lancer. 

Starting with replacing the stock Lancer bumper to Evolution III bumpers, front lip, and Ralliart spoiler, even the stock hood was replaced with a fibre ventilated hood to increase air intake. 

"The interior has also been reworked completely. I went for the highest trim full-spec bright interior from the stock dark one. I installed genuine Works Pro Edition gauges and Momo Steering as well as an ARK carbon fibre gear knob." 

But Pavel did not want the new aggrandised to be a show car though. 

Stroker engine, GReddy Profec boost controller, GReddy oil catch tank, Works fuel line, Apexi intercooler, Forged Racing radiator, Works fuel pressure regulator, aftermarket plug wire, HKS blow-off valve, Ultra Racing strut bars, BC Racing coilovers, Hard racing arms, Poly bushes are only some of the innumerable number of mods which Pavel could remember but the list is actually longer. 

Currently, the Lancer has the same 2.0-liter engine displacement as an Evo III and the turbo can boost up to 25psi. No less than a Lancer on steroids! 

The story does not stop here though. 

There are already plenty of parts being shipped as you are reading this. Currently, Pavel is waiting for Evo III side skirts and rear skirts. 

How does it drive though? We desperately asked Pavel after we got to know about the almost exhaustive list of things installed on the Lancer. 

"I have no complaints with the GSR," he said, "It is my daily driver. I believe the car is very friendly and 'comfortable'. I am saying from the point of view of a petrolhead who had hands-on experience with quite a handful of project cars before."  

When it comes to project cars, they usually tend to be garage queens or you can say "workshop queens" but the scenario is quite the opposite when it comes to Pavel's Lancer GSR. 

He recently went on a 1,000 km long road trip to Sylhet right after covering another 2,000 km a few months ago on his trip to Kushtia.  

"I was amazed at how the Lancer performed. It was a test of endurance for both me and the car. I cannot think of a single moment where I had to stop the car during my almost four-day long drive. This is probably the best time I have had with my Lancer to date." 

The Backdrop

What are your future plans with the Lancer? 
I do not have any plan to let go of it, at least not anytime soon. I want to convert it to a track car. Maybe someday in the near future. 

I have been into cars since my childhood and got into the car scene at a very young age when I was only in grade seven. I have owned lots of different cars by now but the Lancer will always remain on top of the list of my most favourite cars among the ones I have owned and perhaps will ever own!

And I would like to thank my best friend Amin Bin Bashar Arafat who helped me a lot with the Lancer. Just like me, he was also bonded to this car and was a true car enthusiast as well. He was an amazing driver who was honest and had a heart of gold. Everyone in the car scene used to know him as 'Abba Go'. He had lots of memories with cars and had a marvellous collection. I would like to dedicate this to him!
- Pavel RKS