2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII

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.)