The Evolution was modified again in 2003, this time with 17 "Gray Enkei sports tires, Brembo brakes, Bilstein shock absorbers to drive traction and a 5-speed manual gearbox, with 280 PS (276hp / 206 kW). Originally A compensation model, sales were so successful in the US that in 2005 it was available in four styles: the regular GSR model in Japan, the RS, with a steel roof, 5 speeds and standard wheels (which lack the luxury components such as windows / electric doors and radio), the SSL (with sunroof and leather seats), and the MR, which came with MR aluminum shift knob, handbrake with carbon fiber handle, rims 17 "BBS, aluminum roof and a 6-speed manual gearbox. The aluminum roof panel and other reductions in body weight lowered the center of gravity to produce more natural thrust characteristics. It also improved its own Mitsubishi four-wheel electronics, ACD 5 + Super AYC 6 traction control, and sports ABS systems. The Lancer Evolution VIII was shown at the 2003 Tokyo Motor Show and took the MR designation traditionally reserved for high-performance Mitsubishi Motors models (first used for the GTO Galant). Many special versions of Evo were introduced in the United Kingdom, including the FQ300, FQ320, FQ340, and FQ400 variants with 310, 320, 340 and 405 hp (227, 239, 254 and 298 kW), respectively.

The FQ400, sold to Ralliart, United Kingdom, produces 400hp, 298 kW (405.2 hp) of its 2.0 L 4G63 engine, due to special modifications for that country. With a weight limitation of 1450 kg, it reaches 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-100 mph in 9.1 seconds, 1/4 mile in 12.1 seconds at 118 mph (190 km / h), and a speed 176 mph maximum (283 km / h) at a cost of £ 47,000. The BBC television series "Top Gear" showed that the FQ-400 could follow a Lamborghini Bat on a test track. The Stig recorded a quick lap of 1 minute and 24.8 seconds, 1.1 seconds slower than the Bat that was 1 minute 23.7 seconds.4 In a similar test conducted by the British magazine Evo Supercar, the Evo He was able to ride the Bedford Racetrack faster than an Audi RS4 and a Porsche Carrera 4S. The Lancer Evolution VIII, was also the first Evo to be sold in the United States, 5 driven by the success of the Subaru Impreza WRX, which had been marketed three years earlier.6 However, the internal components of the US versions were largely a reduced version of the specifications of the Japanese version. No Evo model for the United States before Evo X had active skid control, including Evo IX.

Most Evolution VIII has a carbon fiber rear spoiler, body end plates in the same color. In addition, the US versions From 2003-2005 they received rear bumpers more bulky than their Japanese counterparts to accommodate US security laws, such as the rear metal crash bar. All Evos have front fenders and aluminum bonnets. The MR and RS versions have an aluminum roof. In addition, MR editions are equipped with a 6-speed transmission, Bilstein shock absorbers, and optional factory BBS wheels. The basic RS edition does not come with windows, locks, or electric mirrors, audio system, rear wing or anti-lock brake system. All Evo VIII R models sold in the US They have an air conditioning system. The electric windows, safe and audio systems could be added in the RS model by purchasing the "Urban Jungle" package. For a short period of time, Mitsubishi Motors offered this car in GSR equipment as well as in some Latin American countries randomly, such as Mexico, Chile, Colombia among others, although it also had a presence by the local rally teams that acquired some, in its RS version ready to modify