Response from my source reference rumors
Response from my source reference rumors
Ok. As we have all been reading there are rumors about the Evo on this board about two models..a low hp model, etc. I wrote my source that is high up in 
and expressed my concern, and got a response. Keep in mind my source is always real vague with me but that is ok.
Here is what was said:
"Eli,
Thanks for this. I'll forward to the rest of the group working on this project.
The HP they quote is wrong, and there are multiple other errors. But I do appreciate what you say about the rumors filling in when there is a lack of information. I can assure you, this will be a performance model with no reason to apologize! "
and expressed my concern, and got a response. Keep in mind my source is always real vague with me but that is ok.Here is what was said:
"Eli,
Thanks for this. I'll forward to the rest of the group working on this project.
The HP they quote is wrong, and there are multiple other errors. But I do appreciate what you say about the rumors filling in when there is a lack of information. I can assure you, this will be a performance model with no reason to apologize! "
Here is the thread I forwarded to my source..asking for a response and telling them my concerns:
"OK GUYS. I heard this info today from my cousin who spoke with HQ guys today (he knew those people before, and they gave him a ride in the LHD RS-ii I showed before). This COULD be true, but I hope it's not....
In January of 2003, a WORLD LAUNCH of new EVO will be released. The thing is, in Japan, Imprezas are separated into classes, with the non-turbo versions, the WRX, and of course the WRX STi, tuned by STi. Evolution is tuned by Ralliart. The problem is, the new version EVO they're going to release will NOT be tuned by Ralliart.
What that means is, in Japan they will be releasing a new model called LANCER CEDIA TURBO, which LOOKS like the current EVO-7, with the wide body, the spoiler, the wheels, 4G63 (detuned to 250hp), etc. BUT there will be no Brembo brakes, no great suspension, and NO ACD/AYC. This car will be called Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world, while being called Lancer Cedia Turbo in Japan (Similar to Cedia Wagon Turbo that just debuted, but much better engine).
What that means for us US market? We will be getting the same Lancer Evolution 7 that the Japanese people have, minus the brembos, minus ACD/AYC, and have a detuned 4G63 (everyone knows that), probably down to 250hp.
Cause? They estimated MSRP of below 30000 for US market, to compete with the WRX. Same with other parts of the world. However, Mitsubishi realized that it is hard to keep that promise if they throw in everything EVO 7 offers. Therefore they offer a new model in Japan, cutting cost by a large margin, and slap on EVO 7 badge for US. So we THINK we got the new EVO, but what it is is actually just a Lancer Cedia Turbo, that looks like the EVO7. Basically AirTrek stuff inside an Evo shell.
Good news:
There will, however, be the REAL Evo 7, most likely called Ralliart Evolution, which will compete with the WRX STi. By doing so, they can keep their promise with the MSRP under 30k, while offering a real performance model over 30k limit that can compete with the WRX STi. Hope this makes sense. And the Evo 7 will just be a top-of-the-line Lancer, called Lancer Evolution (probably VII but I didn't get any info about that).
I really don't want them to do this. Seeing EVO without all the Ralliart goodies is so empty. But who knows. This could be good news for people who absolutely wants the cost to be under 30k. What I'm pissed off about is that they had to introduce a cheaped-out model just to meet the 30k MSRP promise.
This is something like what Shirokuma posted in the Lancer/Cedia EVO thread but just giving you guys what I heard from Mitsu people HERE in US. "
"OK GUYS. I heard this info today from my cousin who spoke with HQ guys today (he knew those people before, and they gave him a ride in the LHD RS-ii I showed before). This COULD be true, but I hope it's not....
In January of 2003, a WORLD LAUNCH of new EVO will be released. The thing is, in Japan, Imprezas are separated into classes, with the non-turbo versions, the WRX, and of course the WRX STi, tuned by STi. Evolution is tuned by Ralliart. The problem is, the new version EVO they're going to release will NOT be tuned by Ralliart.
What that means is, in Japan they will be releasing a new model called LANCER CEDIA TURBO, which LOOKS like the current EVO-7, with the wide body, the spoiler, the wheels, 4G63 (detuned to 250hp), etc. BUT there will be no Brembo brakes, no great suspension, and NO ACD/AYC. This car will be called Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world, while being called Lancer Cedia Turbo in Japan (Similar to Cedia Wagon Turbo that just debuted, but much better engine).
What that means for us US market? We will be getting the same Lancer Evolution 7 that the Japanese people have, minus the brembos, minus ACD/AYC, and have a detuned 4G63 (everyone knows that), probably down to 250hp.
Cause? They estimated MSRP of below 30000 for US market, to compete with the WRX. Same with other parts of the world. However, Mitsubishi realized that it is hard to keep that promise if they throw in everything EVO 7 offers. Therefore they offer a new model in Japan, cutting cost by a large margin, and slap on EVO 7 badge for US. So we THINK we got the new EVO, but what it is is actually just a Lancer Cedia Turbo, that looks like the EVO7. Basically AirTrek stuff inside an Evo shell.
Good news:
There will, however, be the REAL Evo 7, most likely called Ralliart Evolution, which will compete with the WRX STi. By doing so, they can keep their promise with the MSRP under 30k, while offering a real performance model over 30k limit that can compete with the WRX STi. Hope this makes sense. And the Evo 7 will just be a top-of-the-line Lancer, called Lancer Evolution (probably VII but I didn't get any info about that).
I really don't want them to do this. Seeing EVO without all the Ralliart goodies is so empty. But who knows. This could be good news for people who absolutely wants the cost to be under 30k. What I'm pissed off about is that they had to introduce a cheaped-out model just to meet the 30k MSRP promise.
This is something like what Shirokuma posted in the Lancer/Cedia EVO thread but just giving you guys what I heard from Mitsu people HERE in US. "
