The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII was the last of the Lancer Evolution series to be produced in Japan, and it is widely considered to be one of the best models of the entire lineup. This car was the culmination of over a decade of innovation and development, and it proved to be a great success for Mitsubishi. In this article, we’ll take a look at what made the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII such an iconic car.
The Design
The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII was designed to be a bold departure from the previous models. It featured a more aggressive and aerodynamic exterior, with sharp lines and a more muscular stance. The front end of the car was designed to be more angular and aggressive, while the rear end was designed to be more rounded and sleek. The hood was also designed to be more aggressive, with an angular shape and a large air scoop.
The interior of the car was also designed with the driver in mind. It featured leather and Alcantara upholstery, along with a fully adjustable driver’s seat. The center console was designed to be ergonomic and easy to use, with plenty of storage space. The car also featured a 6-speaker sound system and a 7-inch LCD display.
Performance
The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, which produced a whopping 271 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, which sent power to all four wheels. The car was capable of reaching 60mph in just 4.8 seconds, and it had a top speed of 155mph.
The car was fitted with a number of performance enhancing features, such as a limited-slip differential, four-wheel drive, and adjustable suspension settings. The car also featured a number of driver aids, such as traction control, ABS, and electronic stability control. The car was also fitted with Brembo brakes, which provided excellent stopping power.
Handling and Driving Impressions
The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII was a blast to drive. The car had excellent balance and handling characteristics, which allowed it to corner with ease. The steering was direct and responsive, and the brakes provided excellent stopping power. The car was also surprisingly comfortable, with the adjustable suspension allowing the driver to tailor the ride to their liking.
The car was also surprisingly economical, with fuel economy figures of around 25mpg. This was an impressive figure for a car of its size and power. The car was also surprisingly reliable, with few reported issues or breakdowns.
Conclusion
The 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII was a true testament to the evolution of Mitsubishi’s performance cars. It was a car that combined power, performance, and comfort into one package. It was the last of the Lancer Evolution series to be produced in Japan, and it is widely considered to be one of the best models of the entire lineup. If you’re looking for a car that is a blast to drive and will provide you with years of reliable service, then the 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII is definitely worth considering.
