I'm just about to begin a year long job rotation to the US, and have been trying to find out how to bring my Evo 6 RS-2 into the country.

It turns out that this is not possible, unless I only intend to use it for Motorsport.

Whilst looking into this, I had a conversation with a chap called Tony *** at Ralliart in the UK.

He informs me that he hopes to be able to supply the Evo VII to US buyers from January/February 2002. This date is not yet confirmed, as the car is still undergoing development work in order to meet Californian emissions regulations.

When the car does become available, it is likely that it will be slightly down on power, mainly as a result of the modifications for emissions purposes but also because US gas stations do not normally sell gas with a high enough octane rating.

The Evo VII is designed to run on 100RON fuel in Japan, which converts to approx. 97.5R+M/2 in US octane measurement. If you can get this grade of fuel (or better), then I doubt you will notice much of a performance drop.

If you want more information please contact Tony *** at Ralliart UK. Their telephone number is:

011 44 1384 216100

Hope this helps,

Andy.

 

You are fairly correct on this.
Mitsubishi is Not bringing the EVO here, but a registered importer is. They are currently undergoing crash tests in Michigan and will be ordered within the next couple of weeks. They will arrive in Dec/Jan timeframe.
There is only a plan for 100 at this time, im sure all of which are spoken for by now (some people are buying 20 to resell).

I think I am on that list and will keep you updated as things progress.

 

Hi Russ,

From what I understand, Ralliart UK are planning to sell the Evo VII into the US themselves. You will order your car in the UK, and it will then be shipped to you in the US.

I can't really tell you any more than this, as Tony is still finalising all the details.

For the sake of the US buyer, I hope that the initiative from Ralliart UK is a different one than you are talking about. At least that way there will be some competition, so prices will not be ridiculous.

Andy.

 

No I believe they are the same thing. The Registered Importer works for Ralliart Spain. He said some would come through the UK and some would come through Hong Kong depending on if the buyer was on the East or West coast.
Maybe they have changed things in the last week, but I believe they are only making a 100 car order from Ralliart at first.
Thats not to say there will not be more later though.
I'll talk to the RI early next week and try to get more details. I figure its not that important to most people here as most are not going to be putting out the $40K to get one.

 

When these cars are imported will they be legal to drive in the US? Any idea on the price range for everything to be brought over?

-Mark

 

Cost of car: $30K
Amount you pay for RI to make it legal: $10K
Joy of driving 1 of 100 EVO VII in the US: priceless!

 

The $10,000 question is, when is Mitsu of America going to officially import the Evo? Because if it's next year, I can wait the extra 8 months to get the car for about $30,000 instead of $40,000 (I think!). Even if it's detuned a bit more than the grey market version. All else being equal, a 250 HP Evo would still be an awesome car.

A practical question: will that $40,000 Evo be covered by any kind of warranty? I know RIs have to provide repair facilities as part of the approval process, but who pays if something goes wrong?

BTW, about my depreciation question, since we all agree that all cars depreciate, where might the Evo fit on the depreciation scale between say a similar MSRP Lincoln Continental and Mercedes? I ask this because, at $40,000 you could buy a lot of car (an Audi S4, or a WRX AND a nice condition '89 M3 for example). And what might happen if you spend $40,000 for a grey market car and then Mitsu starts officially selling the car for $30,000 eight months later? Is the used grey market car then worth $27,000?

I know, I'm being un-fun and practical.

 

I have asked those same questions, and some have not been resolved. The plan is the RI does provide the warranty and parts support. The details are not worked out yet.

The issue with Mitsubishi bringing them should not be an issue. I wouldn't worry about it happening anytime soon. Mitsubishi is having some bad sales right now. I think the RI will be the only one bringing them in for some time.

Value wise, if there are only a handful then their value will hold well, maybe even increase. If you are buying this car, worrying about the resale value, then I don't think it is for you (once again assuming it won't be available for under $30k next year).

 

I hate to burst everyones bubble here, but I have recently found out that:

Yes the Mitsubishi Lancer is coming to the Us for the 2002 model year, but that is all it is. As of right now all you would be getting is a glorified Mirage. Plans to bring the Evo VII to the US are currently on hold, I have not found out why

 

darkshadow: no bubbles to burst. I think we all know the Evo isn't coming here officially through Mitsu of America any sooner than 2003 model year (next summer?). And more likely as a 2003.5 or 2004. But it is apparently coming as a grey market version through a U.S. registered importer via Ralliart, probably as soon as January of 2002 (delivery). Full version. Maybe 100 tops in the U.S..

Tear it Up: "Worrying" about depreciation is probably too strong. Speculating maybe. ;-)

It is definitely the car for me. It's just that I have a car that I really like (a Viggen) that I've only had for a year, so waiting a year or so for the Evo at maybe several thousand less would probably work out better for me anyway. As long as I don't actually see one in the interim. If I do, I'll be so jealous.... actually, sick would probably be a better word. On the bright side, I've had a deposit at my local Mitsu dealer since April, so I get their first one whenever they finally bring it over.

 

Could be a while yet.

 

I saw this on AutoWeek's website:
http://www.autoweek.com/cat_content...._code=00232430

16:32 July 06, 2001)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII coming to U.S.?


"Even though the company says it’s still under study, Rhys Millen, Mitsubishi’s factory-sponsored driver, says the Lancer Evolution VII will be sold in the United States next year.

Mitsubishi’s American sales arm showed a Japan- market version of the all- wheel-drive, turbocharged, 2.0-liter 276-hp rally car at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, but would not confirm its intentions to sell the Evo here.

Its official stance is “maybe.” U.S.-market test cars are having difficulty with crash testing because of the car’s front-mounted intercooler, one source said."

The only thing in there that wasn't a rehash of old info was the Rhys Millen statement, for what that's worth.

 

Isn't Ralliart teaming up with some company in the US? I cant remember which one it is, but I think I remember it being HKS. Anyway, Doesn't this mean that Ralliart could import EVOs for the US just like the UK, without actually going through the UK? I would rather buy an EVO from Ralliart than a Mitsu dealership anyways. It would be sooooooo awesome to have a ralliart tuned EVO in the states!

 

Dont get your hopes up yet for a Ralliart Lancer. If we get an Evo at all it will be on that goes head to head with the WRX. If Subaru steps it up and brings the STi WRX then maybe we will see a J-spec Evo 7. Until then I wouldn't hold your breath. As for a Ralliart or Makinnen edition, that could be years off.

J

 

Okay, I'm just going to ignore all the other speculative BS and tell you that you ARE allowed to bring your Evo 6 over to the US for a limited time. I hope this isn't coming too late.

Copied directly from the http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website:

"NONRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

A vehicle registered in another country may be imported for personal use for a period not to exceed one year. The vehicle cannot be sold and it must be exported within one year from the date of entry. Your passport number and country of issue are required on the HS-7 form. Use Box 5 on HS-7 form."