S2 TMR

1999
At the beginning of the '99 season, Ralliart built several new chassis instead of rebuilding the Evo Vs into VIs. The first one was S2 TMR, which -alongside S22 TMR (note: Mitsubishi still had their interesting system at this time, which meant that the "sister cars" were used at each event; so S2-S22 TMR, etc.)- debuted as Evo VI after spending some days as an Evo V. Starting her life as a pure tarmac car, it was one of the longest running cars among her sisters. In Monte Carlo, Mäkinen was driving the car, and eventually won the rally. Not a bad start, huh?

On the way for her first victory (Foto: Mitsubishi)

The next round this car was used at was Rallye Catalunya, and it was driven by Mäkinen again, finishing in third after some difficulties. It appeared at the next event as well, bringing Tommi to 6th place.

After Corsica, she was packed into a container and sent down to New Zealand for her maiden taste of gravel; it appears she liked her firsts (can you blame her?), as she brought Mäkinen another victory.

Dominating in New Zealand, 1999 (Foto: Mitsubishi)

As it is usual among the cars used for the long-haul events, she was not transported back to Ralliart's base in Rugby, instead, she travelled down to Australia. She was in good shape again, getting to the finish in 3rd place, and giving Tommi his 4th and final world championship.

Cruising to 3rd place and the World Championship, 1999 Australia (Foto: Mitsubishi)

2000
As for 2000, she changed drivers, as now she became one of Loix's cars. She first appeared in Argentina, helping his new driver to a 5th place.

Rally Argentina 2000, with Loix

In New Zealand, she was featuring some of the new developments to the differentials and suspension; however, the changes were really bad, and Ralliart had to withdraw the crew before sombody got hurt.

The 2000 Rally NZ was a nightmare...

She was used as Loix's car in Australia, now featuring improved parts and the new front bumper. Her career ended in a total contrast as how it started: the win in Monaco was a good old memory, as she gave up the fight with a broken transmission after 2 stages.

During the few kilometres she could handle in her last WRC event, 2000 Australia

Whereabouts
When people talk about the works Lancers, the end is always like this: how sad it ended up being scrapped. Fortunately, this is not the case with S2 TMR. She is currently owned by a very careful gentleman who completely refurbished her, and keeps her very well conditioned-in fact, she isn't just like new, basically she IS new. The car was verified by MML Sports (the former Mitsubishi works team) as original, and also has the FIA Gold Passport. The owner of the car was kind enough to tell me where this car is and he also sent the following photos. Once again, thank you very much!

During a test in 2012 (Owner)

As it can be seen, the car is in absolutely mint condition! (Owner)

The engine bay is in great condition, too (Owner)

The car's livery is from her first rally, the 1999 Monte Carlo (Owner)

Track Records:
Wins: 2 (1999 Rallye Monte Carlo & Rally New Zealand)
Podiums: 4 (1999 Rallye Monte Carlo, Rally Catalunya, Rally New Zealand & Rally Australia)
Retirements: 2 (2000 Rally New Zealand & Rally Australia)