Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, tuners, dedicated owners seeking in-depth repair knowledge
Key Competitors:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Ford Focus RS, Audi S3
Unique Selling Points:
Advanced AWD system (ACD), rally-bred heritage, powerful 4G63T engine
Performance Focus:
Designed for high-performance driving and motorsport applications
Technical Complexity:
Covers highly sophisticated mechanical and electronic systems
Primary Coverage:
Complete service, maintenance, and repair
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostics, troubleshooting, electrical schematics, bodywork
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine (4G63T), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Manual Transmission (Getrag 5-speed), Active Center Differential (ACD), Helical Limited Slip Front Differential, Viscous Coupling Rear Differential
Suspension Steering:
MacPherson Struts (Front), Multi-link (Rear), Power Steering System, Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) details if applicable to specific trims
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, Rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, ABS System, EBD System
Electrical Electronics:
ECU/ECM, Engine Control, Ignition System, Lighting System, Audio System, Power Accessories, Diagnostic Codes (DTCs)
Body Chassis:
Chassis, Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Climate Control, HVAC
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and flushes, timing belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, turbocharger service, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and repair
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, DTC interpretation and resolution
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Visuals:
Includes detailed exploded views, diagrams, and schematics
Engine Type:
4G63T MIVEC (Evolution VII specific features may vary)
Displacement:
2.0 Liters (1997cc)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Valve Train:
DOHC, 16 Valves, MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)
Horsepower Ps:
280 PS (approx. 276 hp) at 6,500 RPM (JDM Spec)
Torque Kgfm:
34.8 kgfm (approx. 252 lb-ft) at 3,500 RPM (JDM Spec)
Induction:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Electronic Fuel Pump
Turbocharger:
Mitsubishi TD05H-16G (or similar variant) with Water-Cooled Center Section and Intercooler
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (RON 98 recommended for optimal performance)
Type:
Getrag 5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
N/A (Manual transmission standard on Evo VII)
Clutch:
Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch
All Wheel Drive System:
Mitsubishi's S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system including ACD, AYC (Active Yaw Control), and ACD electronic controller
NHTSA Overall:
Not Rated (Vehicle of this era often not rated by modern standards)
ABS:
Yes, with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Traction Control:
Yes (Part of S-AWC system)
Stability Control:
No (MASC/ASTC not standard on Evo VII)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point Inertia Reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced 'RISE' (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure
Engine Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 km (3,000 - 5,000 miles) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (9,000 - 12,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 40,000 - 60,000 km (25,000 - 37,000 miles), depending on plug type
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 100,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years, inspect more frequently
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (consider 5W-30 for colder climates)
Coolant:
Mitsubishi Genuine Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent ethylene glycol based with corrosion inhibitors)
Transmission Fluid:
DiaQueen LSD Gear Oil GL-5 75W-90 (for Front/Rear differentials), Manual Transmission Fluid (specific type per manual)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Engine Reliability:
Generally robust, but can suffer from rod bearing failure under extreme stress (poor maintenance, detonation) and turbocharger wear
Drivetrain Wear:
ACD pump failure, AYC pump failure, differential wear if fluid maintenance is neglected
Electrical Quirks:
Power window regulators, ECU issues can arise with age
Rust:
Common rust areas include rear quarter panels, strut towers, and sills, especially in corrosive climates
Motorsport Connection:
Direct lineage from Mitsubishi's successful WRC (World Rally Championship) program
Predecessor:
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI (Evo VI)
Evolution Vii Changes:
Stiffer chassis, revised suspension geometry, larger turbocharger, improved ACD system, larger Brembo brakes, wider track
Production Years:
2001-2002
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Rally Dominance:
Won numerous championships in various rally series globally, cementing its performance reputation
Automotive Press Reviews:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its handling, performance, and AWD capabilities
Handling Score:
Exceptional (often cited as a benchmark for AWD sports sedans)
Homologation:
Built to meet FIA homologation requirements for Group A rallying
