Deposits on EvoVII in US?

[JeffWels]

Does anyone know if any US dealers are going to be taking deposits on Lancer Evo VII's anytime soon. Also any idea on what they will run US curency wise?

Jeff

[lancerevoV]

i have heard that the dealership in roswell, Ga takes down payments. They guy told me it was about 36,000 but that was about two or three months ago

[JeffWels]

are you sure 36,000??? I read here http://www.motortrend.com/nov01/evo/evo_f.html that they will be mid twentys. I hope that article is right and you aren't I need to make my deposit ASAP.

[JeffWels]

I can't wait till January when they finally throw us a bone here and tell us when the damn thing is coming out.

[DVSNCYNIKL]

Taken from Motor Trend Magazine

Sony PlayStation has weaned a generation of car enthusiasts on rally-bred, all-wheel-drive sport sedans in its hyper-realistic video games, introducing kids to the World Rally Championship racing. These tech-savvy Gen-X and Y enthusiasts have clamored for the instant-street legend Subaru Impreza WRX, prompting Mitsubishi to get serious about importing the latest in its series of 2.0-liter turbo sedans, the Lancer Evolution VII.

Since 1992, "Evolution" has represented the extreme form of the compact Lancer, progressively improved through the mechanical Darwinism of aggressive motorsports competition. For 2002, the home-market Evo VII enhances the basic Lancer platform with a 2.0-liter/276-horsepower DOHC turbocharged four, hardened five-speed manual transmission, AWD with active center differential and active yaw control, special motorsports anti-lock system with Brembo brakes, sport-tuned suspension, and 235/45ZR17 tires. To further ensure swift performance, curb weight has been minimized through lightweight components, such as the aluminum hood and fenders, and thin rear glass.

In street trim, it is a no-bare-bones race car. Think of it as a Japanese interpretation of the BMW M3 -- a heightened production vehicle that straddles the thick line that separates traditional passenger cars and no-apologies racecars. To that end, the Evo's purposeful appearance features flared fenders to accommodate a wider track, aggressive fascia, hood NACA ducts, and massive decklid wing. Inside, the car is dressed with stitched leather trim, three-spoke Momo steering wheel, and available Recaro seats sized for slender Asian passengers. (This would have to change for the McDonald's SuperSized American consumer.)

We drove the Evo VII briefly in Japan, tearing through hills with the turbo in full song. Everything we loved in the diluted-for-U.S. WRX was cranked up in the Evo VII, with dramatic power, traction, and even interior size advantages. The engine is capable at low-rpm, but the true excitement happens above 2800 rpm. Power surges forth with awesome strength, matched by tenacious traction as each tire independently claws at the asphalt. The overall dynamics inspire supreme confidence, as the car drives with balance and poise.

The only thing more extraordinary than the sedan's performance is its price. In Japan, these extreme cars start near $23,000. Mitsubishi has a couple details to address before import into the United States is ensured, namely intercooler/bumper packaging and California emissions. We're told that the target price would be well under $30,000. The intention is to bring the car over as is, with changes limited to government requirements.

Competition is good for the breed. Subaru is expected to counter the Evo VII with its more potent WRX STi. Other powerful transplants are in the works, as Infiniti will soon market the Nissan Skyline sedan as the G35, and Nissan is considering bringing the full-bore Skyline GT-R coupe over to position above the 350Z. Good times are definitely ahead for import performance enthusiasts.

2002 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION VII
Specifications

Price $20,630-24,560
Vehicle layout Front engine, awd, 4 dr, 5 pass
Engine Turbo 2.0-liter I-4, 276-hp, DOHC, 4 valves/cyl
On-Sale in U.S. 4th quarter, 2002 (est)
0-60 mph, sec 5.0 (est)



Just thought I'd update if you don't already know this.

[Hooby]

I put down $500....the dealer gave me a peice of paper that said they will sell it for MSRP, and that it WILL most definately be UNDER $30k

Hooby