aerodynamic and engine and brake cooling performance with an appearance that becomes a sophisticated new-age 4WD sports sedan. Improvements to the inline fourcylinder 4G63 two-litre intercooler turbocharged engine concentrated on boosting medium range torque and have produced class-topping maximum of 276bhp at 6500rpm and 282lb/ft of torque at 3500rpm. Changes 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 three-nozzle intercooler spray with a manual override switch.

Internal weight in the upper engine has been reduced through the replacement of aluminium rocker covers with magnesium, and the use of hollow camshafts. Backpressure 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 backpressure valve in the main muffler provides better noise reduction at low engine speeds and lower backpressure at high speeds. Resistance to corrosion and strength have been improved with the use of stainless steel in all exhaust pipes. A newly developed Active Centre Differential ( ACD ) brings better handling response and traction to the Evolution VII. Integrated control of the ACD and the Active Yaw Control ( AYC ) handling enhancement system bring superior acceleration and handling characteristics. Replacing the viscous coupling type with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch differential, the ACD effectively regulates slippage in the 50:50 torque split centre differential from free to lock-up to match driving conditions. Control is further optimised with a three-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 the RS ). The Evolution VII carries the latest version of Mitsubishi's sports ABS system, which incorporates Electronic Braking Force Distribution, to the Brembo brakes [which were used on the Evolution V and VI]. Braking force is controlled independently at each wheel to realise improved stability and steering response under braking when turning. Torsional stiffness is 50% greater than the Evolution VI. 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. The Evolution VII uses the five-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, lower first gear ratios gives better acceleration from a standing start, while a higher fifth gear ratio enhances comfort and fuel efficiency at higher speeds. Other changes in the 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 greater engine torque. Fatter 235/45/ZR17 tyres replace the 225/45/ZR17 tyres used on the Evolution VI, bringing a further improvement to grip under high G cornering. Wider rim, mesh-styled 8Jx17 wheels replace the 7.5Jx17 wheels used on the Evolution VI.
Wrapped in refined and dynamic exterior lines that became a sophisticated 4WD sports sedan and that realise significant improvements in aerodynamic and cooling performance. Major contributing elements include; an aluminium 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 rear deck 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 design also adds to the Evolution VII's intrepid and formidable looks. Xenon discharge type headlights and foglamps are available as a factory option. Lighting at the rear is provided by classy three-lamp combination units using clear lenses. With Recaro bucket seats [Factory options on the RS] and a new Momo threespoke leather-trim steering wheel ( again, factory option on the RS ), leathertrimmed shift lever knob and handbrake grip complement the off-black interior. Housing five dials and gauges each with its own silver bezel, the function orientated instrument panel further adds to the sporty flavour of the interior. On the GSR trim level, an ACD mode indicator shows the driver at a glance which mode the centre differential is operating in. The GSR ( CT9A-SNGFZ ) was priced at 2,998,000 Yen; the RS ( CT9A-SNDFZ ) at 2,518,000.