On the heels of Mitsubishi's announcement that it was withdrawing support for SCCA Pro Rallying in America, came the Thanksgiving day unveiling of the car that will lead them back into WRC competition during 2004--the Lancer WRC04.
"The car is quite different from our previous World Rally Car," says Mario Fornaris, who oversaw the car's construction at Mitsubishi's Motor Sports subsidiary in Rugby, Great Britain. "We have made something like 6,000 new parts. We have taken advantage of the freedom permitted by the World Rally Car regulations, but my philosophy is to do very simple things and have a good understanding of the car before we introduce more advanced systems."
The most apparent difference with the new car is the slick bodywork that emerged from three weeks of testing in the Lola racing team's wind tunnel. The hood, fascia, fenders and, most dramatically, the rear wing are all brand new. The two elements of the rear wing are both taller and more radical than ever and are sure to be imitated throughout the world of EVO owners.
The 2-liter, DOHC, 16-valve engine is still a member of the 4G6 family of fours and still uses a cast-iron block, alloy head and turbocharger. But the engine is based on the latest version of the 4G6 used in the EVO VIII and the reciprocating assembly is significantly lighter than before. A new Garrett turbocharger breathes in through the required 34mm intake restrictor and feeds a completely new intake system. The engine feeds a new Ricardo five-speed manual (a rarity in WRC) gearbox.
The suspension consists of MacPherson struts at each corner, with Brembo brakes in charge of stopping. The Mitsu will be the only car in WRC without an active center differential. Instead, it runs an epicyclic differential.
The WRCO4 reflects the conservative approach Fornaris took with the car. Innovation isn't something they're pursuing until they've first proved they can finish races. Who knows what will come after they've accomplished that?
Karena kalu gak juara, pasti nabrak... 
