to Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition It was becoming increasingly clear that the scope for modifying World Rally Cars constituted a breakthrough and that their stricter limits put Group A cars at a disadvantage. But Mitsubishi well aware of the situation, kept faith with production-based Group A cars. This attitude had spurred the creation of each Evolution model from the outset and the constant progress with a line of cars that sometimes looked as though they had been developed to their full potential. This process was such that the engineers boasted that the specification of the engine changed at every round, citing the lightweight engine used for the Catalonia Rally with an improved ECU that gave better throttle response. The “Tommi Makinen Edition," named after the renowned champion driver was introduced as a base model - another example of the ceaseless development on the road to victory. On the Rally Finland, development was focused around the front suspension. The cross member was lighter yet with more rigidity with changes in the geometry. There was also an intensive review of the aerodynamics. It was also a season in which suspension defined the limits of a Group A car. But in the Rally Australia, fate finally shone on the Lancer. Improved suspension, differentials and mapping bore fruit, the car was highly competitive and a great comeback win was achieved. The next day however, news broke that stunned the whole team. The turbocharger was not in accordance with the regulations and the win became a mirage. The fact that it was merely a difference in the interpretation of the regulation made it all the more painful to have all the points taken away. So the 2000 season ended just short of the possible fifth consecutive championship. For the next season, the ultimate Group A Evolution model was developed. It visually resembled the 2000 model, but all the weak points in comparison to World Rally Cars had been addressed. Rear suspension travel was extended by 30mm and the handling was greatly improved. In addition, the flywheel was lightened to improve throttle response. This last thoroughbred Group A car began its competition career by completing its a hat-trick on the season opener at Monte Carlo, followed by a victory in Portugal and a third win on the Safari. The Lancer Evolution series proved a match for the World Rally Cars until the very end. Since its debut in 1993, constant development and evolution brought the Group A Lancer a total of 25 wins. Now Mitsubishi would embark on a new challenge with the Lancer World Rally Car.