In commemoration for Tommi Makinen's achievement of driver's champion 4 years running from 1996 to 1999, The Lancer Evolution T.M. EDITION was sold in a limited run of 2500 cars. The model code was GFCP9A, and is sometimes nicknamed the Lancer Evo 6.5.
Compared to the Evo V, the Evo VI introduced in the beginning of the same year had a softer ride, due to the unpopularity of the previous suspension that was considered too hard for driving in the city. In addition the front bumper shape had been revised for aerodynamic and cooling performance. The T.M. EDITION on the other hand was created in the image of a tarmac rally setup, and was equipped with a front bumper that omits fog lights for even better aerodynamics, and the harder suspension from the EVO V further lowered by another 0.3 inches. The steering gear ratio is also slightly quicker in this model.
By utilizing a titanium-aluminum alloy turbine and smaller compressors, its maximum torque of 274.8 ft-lb is produced earlier at 2750rpm, rather than the usual 3000rpm. It is also given red Recaro seats with a stitched TOMMI MAKINEN logo, special red meters, the same Enkei spoke wheels as the rally car, and a large exhaust muffler with a circular exit, rather than the original elliptical one.
The promotional image color of the body was red, and it was possible to select a special color package which had a black stripe running from the front fenders to the body sides.
This Evo was popular as a model that was further perfected, worthy to be crowned with the name of the undefeated WRC champion.