1998 was Mitsubishi’s most successfull year in rally motorsports. With the Evolution V platform, Mitsubishi finally claimed the WRC Manufactuerer’s Championship which had eluded them for five years. Tommi Makinen played a large role in this victory, as he himself took the WRC Driver’s Championship.

Techically, the Evolution V adopted many changes to reflect newer regulations that were put in place by the FIA in 1997. Mitsubishi and Ralliart created a new suspension for both the front and rear of the car. This suspension used different attachment points to allow for increased suspension travel. The new suspensions also increased the front and rear track of the car by nearly 1.5 inches (350 mm).

Ralliart pretty much left the engine the same for the 1998 season. A slightly larger turbocharger was attached and the engine managment system was tweaked.

Compares to its road-going countrepart, the RS version has no airbags, no electric windows, a limited interior and a mechanical differential. The road-going GSR model features an electronically controlled rear differential in an attempt to get closer to the RS rally car.