COLOR CODEP23 - Phoenix Red MetallicMitsubishi Touch-Up Paint

The Look

This is the heartbeat of the Lancer Evolution IX. It is an aggressive, high-energy red that defined the peak of the rally-inspired tuner era. Whether it is on a weekend warrior or a daily-driven Outlander, this color carries a heavy weight of history. Since your Mitsubishi has been braving the sun since the mid-2000s, you should expect some natural UV fade. Red pigments are notorious for losing their punch over time, so your fresh paint may look slightly more vibrant than the aged panels currently on your car.

Technical Details

While the name suggests a heavy sparkle, the metallic flake here is exceptionally fine. It is designed to give the red depth and a "glow" rather than a gritty, glittery texture. This fine flake can be tricky because the heavy pigments like to settle at the bottom of the container. If they aren't fully mixed, the color will look thin and lack the richness of the original factory finish. Red is also a naturally transparent color, so you will need to rely on multiple light layers to build up the correct "weight" and hide any repairs beneath.

Best Practices

You will find your identification plate on the firewall at the back of the engine bay or tucked inside the passenger door jamb. Before you spray or dab Mitsubishi Phoenix Red Metallic (check for code P23), you need to shake it for 60 seconds. This is the only way to get those fine flakes into the flow of the paint. Test the color on the included card to see how it reacts with your car's current level of fade. When you begin the repair, keep the container moving in steady, overlapping passes. Give each layer enough drying time to set so you don't end up with sags or dark spots.