The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, universally known simply as the ‘Evo’, has become one of the defining performance saloon lineages of the modern era.

Produced across ten generations between 1992 and 2016, each iteration was fundamentally based around a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, close-ratio manual transmission and Mitsubishi’s advanced all-wheel drive system.

In many respects, it established itself as the benchmark 'Q car' of its generation, capable of humbling far more exotic machinery while retaining everyday usability.

The Evo VII saw the introduction of Ralliart UK’s ‘FQ’ (Factory Quick) programme, the first official use of the branding for Mitsubishi’s flagship performance saloon in the UK market.

Developed primarily to homologate key competition components for Mitsubishi’s continued rally programme, the Evolution VII marked a significant technical step forward over the outgoing Evo VI.

Central to this was a revised drivetrain and chassis package, most nota...