Segment:
Performance Sedan / Rally Homologation Special
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, motorsport participants, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
Competitors 2001:
Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Honda Civic Type R (JDM), Ford Focus RS, Peugeot 206 GTi 180 (relative segment competitors).
Rally Heritage:
Developed from Mitsubishi's WRC (World Rally Championship) program, leading to advanced technology for road use.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on handling, grip, power, and driver engagement.
Advanced AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Super AYC (on some models/markets), providing exceptional traction and cornering ability.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, emissions control, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system (injection, pumps, injectors, lines), ignition system, turbocharger, intercooler, MIVEC system.
Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission (F5M42-2-MPKC), clutch system, transfer case, propeller shaft, driveshafts, differentials (front and rear), AYC (Active Yaw Control) system.
Brakes:
Front Brembo 4-piston calipers, rear Brembo 2-piston calipers, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), brake fluid, hydraulic lines, parking brake.
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut with inverted coil-over, rear multi-link, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, stabilizer bars, Super AYC (Active Yaw Control) system integration.
Steering:
Power assisted rack and pinion, steering column, tie rods, ball joints, steering rack.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), ECUs (Engine Control Unit, AYC Control Unit), sensors (crankshaft, camshaft, MAP, knock, O2, etc.), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body:
Body shell, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, fenders, glass, interior trim, body sealing, rust prevention, structural repair, alignment specifications.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant handling, diagnosis.
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, fluid checks and changes.
Diagnostics:
Systematic troubleshooting guides, fault finding trees, use of diagnostic tools (MUT-III), interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing.
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Specific guides for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Alignment:
Wheel alignment specifications (camber, caster, toe), suspension alignment procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and structural repair.
Detail Level:
Factory-level detail with step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16-valve, turbocharged with intercooler
Displacement:
1997 cc (2.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Engine Management:
ECI-Multi (Electronic Controlled Injection), ECU controlled MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control system)
Power Output Ps:
280 PS (approx. 276 hp) @ 6500 rpm (JDM specification)
Torque Output Nm:
370 Nm (approx. 273 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (JDM specification)
Turbocharger Model:
TD05HR-16G6-10.5T (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries)
Intercooler Type:
Air-to-air front-mounted intercooler
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium, 98 RON recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Pump:
High-pressure electric fuel pump
Injectors:
High-flow fuel injectors
Crash Test Data:
Limited official crash test data available from major agencies for the 2001 model. Focus was on homologation and performance.
AWD System:
All-Wheel Drive with AYC for enhanced stability and traction.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Active Traction Control (ASC) - often integrated with AYC/AWD system, but primary focus on mechanical AWD grip.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced body structure with crumple zones.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Depending on driving conditions, severe use may require more frequent changes).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or 1-2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km). Iridium-tipped plugs have longer life.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 90,000 miles (96,000 - 144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Crucial due to interference engine design.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 recommended. Synthetic oils are highly recommended for performance driving. (Refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature).
Engine Oil Capacity:
~4.5 Liters (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, Mitsubishi Genuine Long Life Coolant (Green or Pink/Red depending on market/spec) or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Type:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (Manual Transmission). Refer to specific manual for AYC hydraulic fluid type.
Differential Fluid Type:
API GL-5, SAE 90 (Front and Rear differentials).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Engine Wear:
Potential for ring land failure on pistons under extreme stress if not properly maintained or if tuned aggressively without supporting mods. Turbocharger seals can wear over time.
Ayc System:
AYC pump and accumulator can fail due to age or fluid contamination. Leaks in the hydraulic lines can occur. Diagnostic tools are essential for AYC troubleshooting.
Clutch Wear:
The stock clutch can wear out relatively quickly with aggressive driving. Clutch judder or slipping is a common symptom.
Suspension Components:
Bushings can degrade over time, leading to imprecise handling and knocking noises. Ball joints and tie rod ends are also subject to wear.
Rust:
Rust can affect the chassis, particularly around the sills, rear arches, and strut towers, especially in regions with salt exposure.
Rally Roots:
Mitsubishi has a strong and successful history in the World Rally Championship (WRC), with multiple driver and manufacturer titles.
Evo Lineage:
The Lancer Evolution series began in 1992 as a homologation special for Group A rallying. The Evo VII, introduced in 2001, represented a significant evolution in styling and technology.
Evo Vii Introduction:
The Evo VII (CT9A) debuted in January 2001, based on the chassis of the Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia. It marked a shift to the CT9A platform and saw improvements in AWD and engine control.
Production Years Evo Vii:
2001-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan