Discover the Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo-R: A Crossover with a Rally Heart
Imagine a world where practicality meets performance in the most unexpected ways. Enter the Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo-R, a Japanese automotive gem that secretly harbors the soul of a rally legend. As stated in Car Throttle, this intriguing vehicle draws its power from none other than the formidable Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII. Let’s explore why this unique crossover deserves a spotlight.
A Subtle Powerhouse
The Airtrek Turbo-R may not visually scream performance, but beneath its unassuming exterior lies a detuned version of the Evo VII’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4G63 engine, generating 237bhp. It’s a testament to the inventive spirit of the noughties when Japanese manufacturers endeavored to create high-performance variations of seemingly ordinary vehicles.
From Evo DNA to Family Crossover
Transplanting the Evo’s powertrain, Mitsubishi crafted a family-friendly crossover that can reach 60mph in just 6.5 seconds. While it lacked the advanced features of its rally-based counterpart, such as an active center diff and yaw control, it retained the full-time all-wheel drive system. The result was a practical yet thrilling ride that could easily outpace many contemporary hot hatches.
A Hidden Treasure in the Used Car Market
Priced at an attractive ¥760,000, or just over £3800, this Airtrek Turbo-R – with a mere 34,500 miles on the clock – is a steal in the Japanese used car market. The unassuming exterior boasts subtle hints of its prowess, including larger alloy wheels, a bonnet scoop, and an aftermarket exhaust that hints at something special. For those in search of rally-tuned performance wrapped in family crossover guise, this find is nothing short of a revelation.
An Enthusiast’s Dream
For fans and collectors of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles, the Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo-R represents a brilliant blend of practicality and performance. Its rally-derived underpinnings make it a sought-after treasure, especially for those with a passion for unique and rare automotive curiosities from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Unleash your inner rally enthusiast with a vehicle that offers both thrill and utility, proving once again that in the automotive world, appearances can be wonderfully deceiving.
