How does an ordinary-looking saloon develop into a cult car desired by just about any red-blooded male and more than a few of the fairer sex? That's the question we answer with this in-depth look at the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo series.

Like its great rival, the Subaru Impreza, the Lancer started life as an anonymous two-litre family saloon.

What set the pattern for the Lancer's rise to cult car status was Mitsubishi's decision to focus its 1993 World Rally Championship effort on an all-new 'Evolution' version and it was a young Finnish driver by the name of Tommi Makinen who took the marque to World Championship glory in 1996 - and again in 1997, 1998 and 1999.

Small wonder the Lancer has become a legend in its own lifetime.

This programme takes a close-up look at the new Evo VII and all the others along the way. There are visits to tuning shops and we join Evo fans as they put the pedals to the metal at Oulton Park and Castle Combe track days. Hang on tight for some great in-car footage!

Plus there's a visit to the workshops of Ralliart and no programme would be complete without talking with 'the man'... four-time World Champion Tommi Makinen. Road, racetrack and rally action, interviews with the men who made the legend, technical and topical looks at the whole range... all this and more in our Mitsubishi Lancer Evo story !