Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII Wrc

The team Mitsubishi Ralliart reigned supreme in the World Rally Championship from 1996 to 1999 with their four consecutive driver’s titles earned with the exceptional skill of Tommi Makinen, plus the constructors’ title in 1998. However, the tables turned in 1997 with the introduction of the the WRC regulations. The new, pure World Rally Cars are allowed a wider range of modification (engine change, turbo installation and power train modification permitted) than Group A cars and allowed European makers to stray from their market molds and enter machines with turbo 4WD. While Mitsubishi’s Group A Lancer Evolution was able to compete on even ground with the new supped-up machines of the pure World Rally competition, Mitsubishi decided to do a little extra modification of its own with the unveiling of a new WRC in round 11, San Remo 2001. Although it was named after and looked like to “Lancer Evo”, the Lancer Evolution VII WRC was based on the 4-door compact sedan “Lancer Cedia”. The 2-liter 4-cylinder engine, differential with active control locking system, and other mechanics developed in Group A were improved. Mc Pherson strut with coil spring suspension was given longer stroke for gravel driving. By mounting engine towards the back, front to rear weight balance was improved 55:45. In the 2002 season, Mitsubishi entrusted their new machine to veteran Francois Delecour and hot-shot Allister McRae. Round 9, the Finland Rally, saw the debut of the Lancer Evolution WRC2, literally an evolved version of the Evolution VII.

The kit
In my opinion, one of the finest from Tamiya (item 24257). Very well replicated and easy to build, with some nice touch like the taillights lenses molded in separate colors and very well detailed interiors.
The model have been completed with the upgrade photo-etched set from Studio27 (ST27-FP2462) and Marlboro logos sheet from Renaissance (Tk 24-141).

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