Lancer Evolution VI In it's bright new Marlboro colours, the Lancer Evolution VI made its first appearance at the beginning of the 1999 season on the Monte Carlo Rally. With reliability and three consecutive Drivers'Championships to its credit, the car took on the World Rally Cars at once and won the first round to start off the season on the right note. The Lancer Evolution was the only car homologated as a pure Group A car in the 1999 season and as a result, it was forbidden to mount the "VI" engine further back or to modify the suspension to increase travel, in contrast to the World Rally Cars. The limited range of modification put the Group A car at a clear a disadvantage. But in in spite of this, the lone Group A design proved more than competitive and the FIA responded by restricting its rear wing. However, the Lancer followed its Monte Carlo success with victory in Sweden. Proven speed doesn't guarantee results in an environment as competitive as the WRC. Continued refinement made the Lancer Evolution faster still as a tough'99 season progressed. The engine in particular went through an unusually extensive development programme. The new, twin-scroll turbocharger unveiled from the Catalonia Rally was exceptionally durable at high temperatures and titanium/aluminium alloy turbines were used for improved pick-up. In addition to the lighter engine developed for Catalonia, the compression ratio was raised late in the season. The type 4G63 had evolved to a point where the drivers reckoned it had the most power and response. Mitsubishi's electronic multi-plate clutch-activated 4WD system had also been greatly improved. Its response speed is far superior to the hydraulic/active differentials used by its opponents, and the new active system played a significant part in the Lancer Evolution VI's success. The long-awaited active rear differential was used from the Sanremo Rally onwards and stability during cornering was considerably enhanced. Thanks also to highly developed rear suspension; the Lancer Evolution VI was able to outpace the competition at the critical stage in the championship battle. Tommi Makinen became the drivers' champion for the fourth consecutive year, yet another achievement without precedent in World Rally Championship history.