Wednesday 26th March 2014

Makinen in an Evo: Time For Tea?

The glory days of the Evo and the WRC in one video

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Perhaps understandably, the reception to the Evo X's UK return hasn't been overwhelmingly positive. In 2014, it looks expensive and not especially advanced anymore. So forgive us a little nostalgia as we revisit the Evo's best years with a little video.

The late 90s and early 2000s really were the glory days for the Japanese rally reps, particularly when the Lancer Evo 6 became officially available in the UK from 1999. And like McRae with Subaru, one name is inextricably linked with Mitsubishi, the Evo and rallying; Tommi Makinen.

With Sebastien Loeb's recent domination of the WRC, it's easy to forget Makinen's outstanding success, winning four consecutive titles from 1996-1999.

So here's a quick vid of man at work. This is New Zealand in 1997 and the driving is absurdly good. With precise and delicate inputs the car is thrown around at ridiculous angles and with huge speed too; watch the left from 0:57 for proof!

See the rest of the video here (no doubt there's plenty more to keep you entertained on Youtube also).

 

[Pic: LAT]

[Alex Langheck]

NZ in 1997, I think that ended in a huge high speed roll trying to chase down McRae. That Lancer Evo IV built by Ralliart was like a tank; and very reliable. Unlike the Impreza which kept failing thanks to the cam belt, if I remember.

[DE15 CAT]

I remember back then not being a big rally enthusiast, a just passing want to learn more interest. Wow this will surely be an all time record. Little did we know there would be a gymnast wondering if to continue or to pursue his other passion for driving cars.

[strummerville]

Superb in car action. Loving the sideways style - shame the Loeb era favoured the cleaner, less dramatic lines.

[Djtemeka]

Love the sideways action but is it just me or does it seem a little slow compared to group B or modern rally cars? Granted it is a really old vid..

[iloveboost]

Djtemeka said:

Love the sideways action but is it just me or does it seem a little slow compared to group B or modern rally cars? Granted it is a really old vid..

It does and it probably is despite similar power outputs I think the torque and grip of modern rally cars is much better than the older ones.

[DubZeus]

Alex Langheck said:

NZ in 1997, I think that ended in a huge high speed roll trying to chase down McRae. That Lancer Evo IV built by Ralliart was like a tank; and very reliable. Unlike the Impreza which kept failing thanks to the cam belt, if I remember.

Correct

[BricktopST205]

Remember him during the 98 RAC when he ripped one of his rear wheels off on a concrete block. Then continued to drive the car like it still had all four. Only to be pulled over by plod in between stages with him having a argument! Little did he know that Carlos' Corolla would blow it's engine 500 meters from the finish and he would be crowned champion!

Those were the glory days of my generation.

[strummerville]

iloveboost said:

It does and it probably is despite similar power outputs I think the torque and grip of modern rally cars is much better than the older ones.

Or in the case of the Gp B quattros, they were big, unwieldy, under steering buggers that had to be driven like a front driver! Loved them.

[Howrare]

Impressive stuff.

[jonah35]

Djtemeka said:

Love the sideways action but is it just me or does it seem a little slow compared to group B or modern rally cars? Granted it is a really old vid..

I thought that

[Ranger 6]

Djtemeka said:

Love the sideways action but is it just me or does it seem a little slow compared to group B or modern rally cars? Granted it is a really old vid..

No, GpB times on comparable stages were beaten within a couple of years by the massive development of GpA cars. From personal experience the attraction of GpB is mainly noise and spectacle rather than outright speed.

[iloveboost]

Ranger 6 said:

No, GpB times on comparable stages were beaten within a couple of years by the massive development of GpA cars. From personal experience the attraction of GpB is mainly noise and spectacle rather than outright speed.

He just meant the acceleration I think.

[Ollieb7]

I had them at the time before the chavtastics got them. Now i've seen this again... I think i might want another EVO...