ARE YOU READY for even more driving pleasure in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII? The Japanese are about to fit a semi-automatic gearbox to its Evo VII, offering drivers a machine that mirrors the world rally car.

It's the first time any Lancer-based Evolution model has had an auto option, and it's likely to be an advanced CVT with a TipTronic-style function. Interesting is, that this gearbox based on an automatically box gives the driver a better rally- or Formula One sequential feeling than any traditional manual gearbox. Apart of course from the real thing like an X-Track sequential gearbox costing far more than 35.000 Euro (£25.000, $35.000). Besides this type of rally- and race tech is almost impossible to daily use.

The basic cabin layout will be taken from the recently lunched Evo VII World Rally Car, and it features a centrally positioned gear selector as well as paddles at the steering wheel.

Other streetcars with similar CVT boxes: Fiat Punto, Nissan Primera and Audi A6.

FACTS
· Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII
· Coming up with CVT gearbox with TipTronic-style function
· 4-cyl. inline, 2.0-lite, 16V
· 280 bhp
· Four wheel drive

Images
1) Evo VII at a Mitsubishi test track – studying the driving style this could be a photo from our test track in Sweden. 2) Mitsu is still living in the big wing age. 3) Drivers seat – this specific car with manual transmission.