The Fast and Furious franchise isn’t just about high-octane action; it's about the cars. And for many fans, a specific car stands out: Brian O'Conner's vibrant green Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII. This car, appearing in 2 Fast 2 Furious, became an instant icon, representing a blend of street racing culture and cutting-edge Japanese performance.

Let's dive deep into the specifics of this iconic Evo, exploring its modifications, its place in the film, and its lasting impact on car enthusiasts around the world.

The Star of the Show: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII

While many cars have graced the Fast and Furious screen, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII driven by Paul Walker (as Brian O'Conner) in 2 Fast 2 Furious holds a special place. It wasn't just a car; it was a statement. The Evo VII, with its angular design and aggressive stance, perfectly embodied the street racing spirit of the early 2000s. Its role in the film helped cement its status as a legendary performance vehicle.

It is important to note that there are two Evos in the movie.

  • The Green Evo VII: This is the main Evo we'll be focusing on. It's the one Brian uses for most of the movie and is most recognizable.
  • The Silver Evo VII: Briefly seen at the beginning of the movie during the street race scene, this Evo is visually different and less prominent.

Decoding the Green Machine: What Made It Special?

The 2 Fast 2 Furious Evo VII wasn’t just a stock model; it was heavily modified to enhance its performance and aesthetics. The modifications were carefully curated to create a visually striking and high-performing machine.

Exterior Enhancements:

  • Custom Paint Job: The most striking feature was the vibrant green paint, which immediately grabbed attention. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill green; it was a custom shade designed to pop on screen.
  • Body Kit: A full body kit, including a front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper, gave the car a more aggressive and aerodynamic look. The specific kit used was a combination of parts from various manufacturers, creating a unique appearance.
  • Wheels: The car sported aftermarket wheels, adding to its sporty appeal. While the exact brand and model might vary depending on the source, they contributed to the overall aggressive aesthetic.
  • Graphics: Custom graphics and decals adorned the car, further enhancing its visual impact. These weren’t just random stickers; they were carefully chosen to complement the car's overall design.

Performance Upgrades:

While the exterior modifications were visually impressive, the performance upgrades were equally crucial.

  • Engine Tuning: The engine likely received some tuning to increase horsepower and torque. While the specifics aren't explicitly detailed in the film, it's safe to assume that the engine was tweaked to deliver more power than the stock version.
  • Exhaust System: An aftermarket exhaust system not only improved performance but also enhanced the car's sound, making it sound more aggressive and powerful.
  • Suspension: Upgraded suspension components likely improved the car's handling and cornering ability, crucial for the high-speed chases and races depicted in the film.
  • Nitrous Oxide (NOS): Of course, no Fast and Furious car would be complete without a shot of nitrous oxide. The Evo VII featured a NOS system, providing a temporary boost of power for those crucial moments.

Beyond the Specs: The Evo's Role in 2 Fast 2 Furious

The Evo VII wasn't just a prop; it played a vital role in the film's narrative. It was Brian O'Conner's primary vehicle, used in numerous street races and high-speed chases.

  • Street Racing Scenes: The Evo was prominently featured in the opening street race scene, showcasing its speed and agility. This scene helped establish the car's performance capabilities and its importance to Brian's character.
  • Undercover Missions: Brian used the Evo while working undercover, blending into the Miami street racing scene. The car's appearance helped him gain credibility and build relationships with other racers.
  • Chase Sequences: The Evo was involved in several thrilling chase sequences, demonstrating its ability to handle high-speed maneuvers and evade pursuing vehicles. These scenes were crucial for building tension and excitement in the film.

The Evo's Demise: While the Evo was a key part of the film, its fate wasn't exactly glorious. It was eventually disabled by an EMP device deployed by the villains, rendering it useless. This marked the end of the Evo's screen time, but its impact on the film and car culture remained significant.

The Legacy of the 2 Fast 2 Furious Evo

The 2 Fast 2 Furious Evo VII has had a lasting impact on car enthusiasts and the automotive aftermarket.

  • Increased Popularity of the Evo: The film helped introduce the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution to a wider audience, boosting its popularity and demand. Many people who had never heard of the Evo before were instantly captivated by its performance and appearance.
  • Inspiration for Car Modifications: The Evo's modifications in the film inspired countless car enthusiasts to customize their own vehicles. The green paint, body kit, and graphics became iconic, and many people sought to replicate the look on their own cars.
  • Boost to the Aftermarket Industry: The film's popularity led to increased demand for aftermarket parts and accessories, benefiting the automotive aftermarket industry. Companies that produced body kits, wheels, and other performance parts saw a significant boost in sales.
  • Enduring Symbol of Street Racing Culture: The 2 Fast 2 Furious Evo VII remains an enduring symbol of street racing culture and the early 2000s tuner scene. It represents a time when cars were more than just transportation; they were expressions of personal style and performance.

Where Is the Green Evo Now?

The exact whereabouts of the original 2 Fast 2 Furious Evo VII are a bit of a mystery. Film cars often have varied fates after production wraps. Some are kept by the studio, others are sold to private collectors, and some are even dismantled.

The fate of the original green Evo VII is debated. Some reports suggest that it was sold to a private collector after filming, while others claim that it was dismantled or destroyed. It is also worth noting that multiple cars are often used during filming, some for stunts and others for close-up shots. This means that there may have been more than one Evo used in 2 Fast 2 Furious, each with its own fate.

Replicas are common. Given the car's iconic status, many enthusiasts have built their own replicas of the 2 Fast 2 Furious Evo VII. These replicas often feature similar modifications to the original car, allowing fans to own a piece of movie history.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What year is the Evo in 2 Fast 2 Furious? The Evo in 2 Fast 2 Furious is a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII, which was produced from 2001 to 2003.

  • Was the Evo really that fast in real life? While the movie exaggerates some aspects, the Evo VII was a genuinely fast and capable performance car in real life. Its turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system made it a formidable competitor on the street and on the track.

  • What happened to the Evo in the movie? The Evo was disabled by an EMP device deployed by the villains in 2 Fast 2 Furious, rendering it useless and ending its screen time.

  • Is it possible to build a replica of the 2 Fast 2 Furious Evo? Yes, it is possible to build a replica, although it may require some effort and investment to source the correct parts and modifications. Many enthusiasts have successfully built their own replicas, capturing the look and feel of the original movie car.

  • What made the Evo so popular? The Evo's popularity stems from its combination of performance, aggressive styling, and its prominent role in the Fast and Furious franchise. The movie helped introduce the car to a wider audience and cemented its status as a legendary performance vehicle.

Final Lap

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII from 2 Fast 2 Furious is more than just a car; it's a cultural icon. Its vibrant green paint, aggressive body kit, and impressive performance made it a standout vehicle in the film and a lasting symbol of street racing culture. If you're looking to capture a piece of automotive history, consider researching replicas of this legendary Evo and explore the world of tuner cars.