The launch of the Subaru WRX had just the effect that many of us predicted it would. I figured that no self-respecting automaker was going to let Subaru just waltz in and monopolize the billion-dollar enthusiast market, without at least putting up a decent fight. Well, Mitsubishi appears to be up to the challenge with its mighty Lancer Evolution VII.
To be honest with you, when word got out that the Lancer EVO VII might be coming to the United States in late 2002, I about fell out of my chair. I knew the introduction of the Impreza WRX would create some excitement, but I really didn't expect an immediate reaction to it!Our sister publication, Automobile, first broke the story in its April 2001 issue-of course, it was a subject we felt we had to investigate further. After all, Mitsubishi has been tight-lipped about the whole possibility from the beginning, feeding us just enough inside secrets to whet our American appetites, but corporately keeping enthusiasts at arm's length. Then the rumors began to swirl.
First we heard that the U.S. Lancer would simply be a re-badged Mirage. Then there were rumblings that an outside motorsports source would possibly bring the real EVO VII into the states. Well, after reading Peter Nunn's article in Automobile, the story gets even more exciting.
According to Automobile, "The Lancer Evolution VII GSR has two missions in life: to outgun Subaru Impreza WRXs and to put Mitsubishi atop the World Rally Championship pile once again."
The article goes into great detail about the drivetrain, specifically that the U.S.-bound EVO VII is going to retain the 2.0-liter turbo and all-wheel-drive layout-although it will be less "boy racer"-like than its Japanese counterpart. Gleaning more details, the article stated that the new entry will be a new car from the wheels up. It'll be bigger, stiffer and much more refined. Horsepower will remain at 276, while engine torque will increase to 283 lb-ft. The clutch system will be beefed up using stronger internals and the suspension will see upgrades. The cool thing, Nunn added, "the driver can even adjust the diff setting for pavement, gravel or snow."
Obviously, the content seemed credible, and so I placed a call to Mitsubishi to confirm or deny the rumor and within a short time, the phone rang.
Janis Little, Mitsubishi's product and brand communications manager said, "We've had meetings in Japan to discuss the homologation standards around the world, and it is truly under study." Little added that indeed an all-new Lancer (Cedia in Japan) sedan is coming to U.S. soil this year, and it will replace the Mirage. Then another source at Mitsubishi added, "We're having difficulties with the placement of the turbo's intercooler to meet U.S. bumper specs."
OK, there you have it...the answer that answers nothing.
New Look!
Notice anything different about your favorite magazine? Well, former art director, Jong Cadelina is back with a vengeance and he's giving SCC a complete revamp from cover to cover. After more than a year away from his home away from home, Jong re-joins the staff just in time to test his skills on our frequent 300-plus page packages! Along with a new look, we're adding some new columns and some new names to our growing list of contributors. Check it out, this is just the beginning!