The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX was an enhanced version of its predecessor, the Evolution VIII.
It came with features that were fitted for a rally car, but able to be driven on the street.

The ninth evolution model of the Lancer was unveiled in Japan and at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005 on the same day. One month later, in April, it was shown at the New York International Auto Show. It featured almost the same specifications as the Evo VIII, but with some improvements over the engine and for the special MR edition.

The exterior of the car featured wide open in the front spoiler and the big intercooler for the turbo was exposed. On its sides, there were two fog-lights and another pair of cooling vents for the brakes. The black mesh-grille supported only the three-diamond chromed Mitsubishi logo. On the hood, there was an air-extraction vent that was not only for show. It was functional. On the rear side of the roof, Mitsubishi installed a line of small, shark-like, fins, which helped the aerodynamic. The rear massive spoiler on the trunk was fitted with an adjustment system, to help increase the downforce on the rear axle. While the MR featured special BBS light-alloy wheels, the rest of the lineup was fitted with a set of ENKEI wheels.

Inside, the Lancer featured sport-bucket seats and, for the MR edition, Recaro seats and Momo steering wheel. The instrument cluster featured four dials and a traction system indicator for the three settings available: tarmac, gravel, and snow.

Under the hood, there was the same 4G63 engine fitted on many Lance Evolution models, but for the IXth version, it was fitted with a variable valve timing named MIVEC. Apart from the MR version, which was fitted with a 6-speed manual, the rest of the trim levels had only 5-speed gearboxes. All models were all-wheel-drive.