For such a sophisticated handling car, the basic recipe for the Evo VI's suspension is surprisingly simple yet effective. At the front, there are MacPherson struts with inverted dampers, aluminium lower wishbones and an anti-roll bar. A forged front knuckle gives the suspension set-up greater stiffness, while the ball joint itself is moved from the aluminium control arm where it was on the Evo V to the knuckle. This keeps the front tyres in sharper contact with the road during hard cornering.
The Tommi Makinen Edition's (TME) front suspension was augmented by a front suspension brace. This version of the Evo VI also had its suspension lowered by 10mm all round. It shares the same 1,510mm front track and 1,505mm rear track as the standard GSR model.
At the back end, the Evo VI uses a multi-link set-up with coil springs and anti-roll bar. Greater use of aluminium reduced unsprung weight compared to the Evo V and a longer rebound stroke for the dampers helped keep the tyres on the ground for more of the time.
Both the Evo VI GSR and TME models have 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels all round. The wheels are 17x7.5 OZ alloys on the GSR and Enkei alloys on the TME, both shod in 225/45 ZR17 Bridgestone S-01 tyres when new. Check the tyres of any potential purchase are in good shape as quality replacements are expensive, even if you find a good value supplier.
Behind the wheels sit Brembo 320mm front and 300mm ventilated discs with four-pot calipers on the front and single pot calipers at the rear. Anti-lock brakes are standard on the Evo VI. Power assisted rack and pinion steering is used and has 2.6 turns from lock to lock in the GSR, while the TME has a marginally quicker rack ratio to improve its turn-in to corners.
The steering and suspension on the Evo VI are very robust. Any creaks from the suspension are likely to be worn struts or bushes, which are simple to replace. The brakes are more likely to need attention and warped discs are not uncommon, so feel for any judder at the pedal or through the steering wheel. Brake pads are expensive to replace, so check there's plenty of life in them or factor this into the price you pay.
Owner's view:
"The standard discs warped twice despite being careful and I had problems with the gearbox bearings. Otherwise, the car was very reliable, but the suspension geometry has to be set up very carefully so the car handles correctly and to reduce tyre wear."
Andrew Payne
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling Chassis
Body
Interior
