Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announces that the Lancer Evolution VII sophisticated 4WD sports sedan will go on sale at Galant and Car Plaza dealer showrooms throughout Japan on Saturday 3 February.

A high-performance 4WD sports sedan, Lancer Evolution VII delivers mainstream motor sports capabilities into the hands of the enthusiast driver. Derived from the Lancer Cedia series that debuted in May 2000 after a full model change, Evolution VII is powered by Mitsubishi's well-proven 2-liter intercooler-turbocharged engine, which is mated to the company's own 4WD system that has undergone further evolutionary development. With an attractive price setting, the Lancer Evolution enables a wide variety of customers to experience the pleasure of driving. Other distinguishing characteristics include:

• Refined and spirited exterior styling that combines superior aerodynamic and engine and brake cooling performance with an appearance that becomes a sophisticated new-age 4WD sports sedan.
• Improvements to the in-line 4-cylinder 4G63 2-liter intercooler-turbocharged engine concentrated on boosting medium range torque and have produced class-topping maxima of 206kw (280PS) at 6500 rpm and 383N-m (39.0Kg-m) at 3500 rpm.
• A newly developed Active Center Differential (ACD) brings better handling response and traction to Evolution VII. Integrated control of the ACD and the Active Yaw Control (AYC) handling enhancement systems brings superior acceleration and handling characteristics.
• Evolution VII marries the latest version of Mitsubishi's Sports ABS system, which incorporates Electronic Braking Force Distribution, to the Brembo brakes of its predecessor. Braking force is controlled independently at each wheel to realize improved stability and steering response under braking when turning.
• Torsional stiffness is 50% greater than in its predecessor. This is the result of the use of additional reinforcements and welding, particularly at the joins, to complement extensive weight reduction throughout the body framework.

Lancer Evolution VII GSR

More information about the Lancer Evolution VII is available on our website:
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/PDF-E/

I . Product features

1. 4G63 intercooler-turbocharged engine better still
   
   
   • Maximum torque has been boosted to a 2.0-liter class-topping 383N-m (39.0Kg-m) at 3500 rpm with improved torque characteristics in the mid-speed range. Changes to the 4G63 engine for the Evolution VII include: improvements to the turbocharger; the use of an uprated intercooler; a redesign of the intake piping; a 20% reduction in intake resistance; and the use of a 3-nozzle intercooler spray with a manual override switch.
   • Inertial weight in the upper engine weight has been reduced through the replacement of aluminum rocker covers with magnesium, and the use of hollow cam shafts.
   • Back pressure in the exhaust system has been reduced through the use of a spherical joint for the front exhaust pipe and a straighter exhaust pipe. The fitting of a variable back pressure valve in the main muffler provides better noise reduction at low engine speeds and lower back pressure at high speeds. Resistance to corrosion and strength have been improved with the use of stainless steel in all exhaust pipes.


2. Advanced 4WD system
   
   
   • Evolution VII employs a new Active Center Differential 'ACD) that improves traction performance and steering response through corners. Replacing the viscous coupling-type with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch differential, the ACD effectively regulates slippage in the 50:50 torque split center differential from free to lock-up to match driving conditions. Control is further optimized with a 3-way selector that enables the driver to override the automatic system and choose between Tarmac, Gravel or Snow modes for different surface conditions. (Standard on GSR, factory-fitted option on RS).
   • Evolution VII retains the Active Yaw Control system that enhances cornering performance. Located in the rear differential, AYC uses a computer to regulate yaw moment in the vehicle body by actively transferring torque between the rear wheels in accordance with driving conditions. (Standard on GSR; factory-fitted option on RS)
   • Evolution VII features integrated control of the ACD and AYC handling enhancement systems. Operating so that ACD provides better traction when accelerating out of a corner while AYC enhances steering response and grip through corners, integrated control realizes better acceleration and handling stability than if these systems were operating independently.


3. Drivetrain
   
   
   • Evolution VII uses the 5-speed manual transmission of its predecessor, uprated for the increased engine torque. Improvements include the use of stronger materials for some of the gears. In addition, a lower first-gear ratio gives better acceleration from a standing start, while a higher fifth-gear ratio enhances comfort and mileage at high cruising speeds.
   • Other changes in Evolution VII contributing to superior transmission of drive torque and durability include an uprated clutch cover clamp load and the use of larger clutch discs and flywheel to handle the greater engine torque.



4. Suspension delivers superior handling stability, raises cornering limit

   Evolution VII retains the MacPherson strut front, with its superior handling and straight line stability characteristics, and multi-link rear suspension of its predecessor. Alignment optimization and use of a longer wheel stroke have realized well-balanced cornering performance, from initial response right up to the cornering limit.

5. Wheels & tires
   
   
   • Evolution VII is shod with tires using a high-grip compound and a carcass design that gives superior resistance to lateral distortion. Lighter and stiffer, the new tires give more consistent grip under high G cornering. (Standard on GSR; factory-fitted option on RS)
   • Fatter 235/45ZR17 tires replace the 225/45ZR17 tires of its predecessor, bringing a further improvement in grip under high G cornering. (Standard on GSR; factory-fitted option on RS)
   • Wider rim, mesh-styled 17x8JJ-size wheels replace the 17x7.5JJ wheels of its predecessor. (Standard on GSR; factory-fitted option on RS)


6. Braking system with improved stopping power and stability
   
   
   • Evolution VII retains the Brembo 17-inch ventilated disc with 4-pot caliper front and 16-inch ventilated disc 2-pot caliper brakes of its predecessor. An uprated tandem master improves braking action and feel. (Standard on GSR; factory-fitted option on RS)
   • Evolution VII uses Mitsubishi's own Sports ABS anti-lock system. Adding a steering angle sensor to the longitudinal and lateral G sensors and wheel speed sensors of its predecessor, the revised system detects steering input to deliver enhanced steering response under braking. (Standard on GSR; factory-fitted option on RS)
   • Reducing fade under severe braking, a large front undercover with ducts that force cooling air to the front brakes and scoops (Dealer option) are available.


7. Stiffer body designed for performance
   
   
   • A 50% increase in body torsional stiffness over its predecessor brings improved handling stability to Evolution VII. The increase stems from stronger suspension mountings and body frame joins, the use of special reinforcements in over 20 additional places, extra welding spots and the use of front strut tower bars.
   • Weight increases accompanying the stronger body have been minimized by replacing the steel front fenders and an engine food with aluminum and through shape and structural optimization of parts and components.


8. Exterior design
   
   
   • Evolution VII is wrapped in refined and dynamic exterior lines that become a sophisticated 4WD sports sedan and that realize significant improvements in aerodynamic and cooling performance. Major contributing elements include: an aluminum engine hood with optimally located heat extraction outlets and NACA cooling ducts; an oversize front grille-integral bumper with side slots that reduce drag while improving cooling efficiency; a large undercover for the engine compartment; front and rear blister-type fender flares that meld seamlessly into the body lines; large airdams under the front bumper and at the sides; and a reardeck spoiler with a variable angle of attack.
   • Housing the auxiliary lights, the multi-lamp headlight units provide superior beam distribution and light intensity, giving a better field of view and making for safer driving at night. The headlight unit design also adds to Evolution VII's intrepid and formidable looks. Xeon discharge-type headlights and foglamps are available as a factory-fitted option. Lighting at the rear is provided by classy three-lamp combination units using clear lenses.


9. Interior
   
   
   • Evolution VII's motor sports lineage is clearly apparent in the interior, with Recaro bucket seats(dealer option on RS) and a new Momo 3-spoke leather-rim steering wheel (factory fitted option on RS), leather-trimmed shift lever knob and parking brake grip complementing the off-black interior coordination.
   • Housing five dials and gauges each with its own silver bezel, the function-oriented instrument panel further adds to the sporty flavor of the interior. On the GSR trim level, an ACD mode indicator shows the driver at a glance which mode the center differential is operating in.

II . Sales information

1. Sales target:

   10,000 units

2. Available at:

   Galant and Car Plaza dealerships throughout Japan

III . Manufacturer's recommended prices

Trim level	Drive	Engine	Transmission	Prices nationwide
GSR	Full-time 4WD	2-liter intercooler-turbocharged	5M/T	2,998,000 yen
RS				2,518,000 yen

Lancer Evolution VII : Principal Specifications

Drive mode			Full-time 4WD
Model code			Mitsubishi GH-CT9A
Designation			SNGFZ	SNDFZ
Engine			2000 DOHC 16-valve Intercooler Turbo
Trim level			GSR	RS
Transmission			5-speed manual gearbox
Dimensions & weights
Overall length (mm)			4455
Overall width (mm)			1770
Overall height (mm)			1450
Wheelbase (mm)			2625
Track(mm):		Front	1515	1500
		Rear	1515	1500
Min ground clearance (mm)			140
Interior length (mm)			1880
Interior width (mm)			1425
Interior height (mm)			1185	1185
Vehicle weight (kg)			1400	1320
Passengers			5
Performance
Minimum turning radius (m)			5.9
Fuel consumption (km/l) 10-15 mode			9.6
Fuel economy management			N/A
Engine
Type			4G63 Turbo
No. of cylinders / valvetrain			In-line 4 / 16 valve DOHC
Bore x stroke (mm)			85.0 x 88.0
Displacement (cc)			1997
Compression ratio			8.8:1
Max. output (kW/rpm) [PS/rpm]			206 [280] / 6500
Max. torque(N-m/rpm) [Kg-m/rpm]			383 [39.0]  / 3500
Fuel delivery			ECI-MULTI electronic fuel injection
Type of fuel			Unleaded premium gasoline
Fuel tank capacity (liters)			48
Transmission
Type			5-speed manual
Gear ratios		1st	2.928	2.785
		2nd	1.950
		3rd	1.407
		4th	1.031
		5th	0.720
		Reverse	3.416
Final reduction gear			4.529
Running gear
Steering			Rack & pinion (with power assist)
Suspension		Front	MacPherson strut
		Rear	Multi-link
Brakes		Front	17-inch ventilated disc	15-inch ventilated disc
		Rear	16-inch ventilated disc	15-inch ventilated disc
Tires			235 / 45ZR17	205 / 65R15 94H

Environmental specification

Emissions	Conforming Regulations	2000 Japanese Emissions Regulations
	NOx / HCs / CO levels: (10-15 urban driving; g / km)	0.08 / 0.08 / 0.67
Greenhouse gases	CO2 emissions: (10-15 urban driving; g/km)	247
	HFC134a refrigerant (g):	550
Ozone layer	CFCs:	Zero
External noise	Noise under acceleration (dB-A)	76

Environment loading substances	Lead (vs 1996 level):	< 1/3
	Mercury:	None
		Minute quantity in some optional items
	Sodium azide:	Zero
Recycling	Parts using easily recyclable materials:	Bumpers, hood weather strip, dash, interior trim,
	Code-marking of plastics:	Yes
	Parts using recycled materials:	Air-cleaner case, air ducts, sound proofing and exclusion materials