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The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII is Here!
by Alex Michalas and Traian Popescu  Perhaps 10 years ago we wouldn't expect
to feature a car from Mitsubishi in FantasyCars.com but the times are changing and Mitsubishi's Lancer Evo has already left a very important mark in the automotive history of the 90s. It has redefined a whole
new sector: the supercar-beating 4-door sedan along with Subaru's Impreza Turbo, WRX and all the special editions they have spawned.
We are now in 2001 and the battlefield is set: Mitsubishi and Subaru wage an all out war on each other. The new Lancer Evo 7 sports a 2.0-litre turbocharged I4 producing 276 horsepower at 6500 rpm and
282 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm, the latter a slightly higher figure than the STi. The Lancer sits one gear short of the Impreza, using an updated version of the current 5-speed manual transmission.  Besides an increase in power, the Lancer also gets a little chubbier, by about 88lb, but
still little compared to the Impreza's 220lb weight gain. Various features on the Evo 7 include 17-inch Brembo brakes in front with 16-inch units at the back, ABS, 235/45ZR17 tires and the unchanged
suspension from the previous model, although a wider track and longer wheelbase are in place.
The big piece de resistance, however, is the new ACD (Active Center Differential) which uses an electronically controlled
clutch that gives better grip compared to the standard VCU type to improve traction, as well as the AYC (Active Yaw Control) stystem, which gives better torque distribution between the rear wheels. The Lancer
goes on sale in Ferbuary 2001, for the equivalent of about $25,500 USD for the GSR and $21K for the RS in Japan. Stay tuned for performance specs. Click here to visit the FantasyCars.com Message Board and write your ideas about the new EVO VI. Also go to The World's Fastest Sedans for more info all these crazy sedans! |
