Drive.com.au had a chance to sit down with one of Mitsubishi's execs and during the course of the conversation was able to pry a few details out about the upcoming Lancer Ralliart.
As we've already known, the Ralliart-massaged version of the Lancer has its sights squarely set on the Subaru WRX, and in order to compete with the entry-level rally machine, Mitsubishi has to bring two things to the table: all-wheel-drive and turbocharging.
The plan is to offer a similar lineup as Subaru, with the Ralliart slotting in below the Evolution X. Doing so, Mitsubishi intends to turbo a 2-liter inline four and hook it up to a five-speed gearbox that will send power to all four wheels, hopefully using as much of the Evo's hardware as possible.
The Ralliart will be released after the Evolution X, which is expected to hit dealers sometime in 2008.
There was also mention of a 2.4-liter model (which we doubt would have a snail attached) and a hatchback version that would replace the wagon variant seen in the past. However, since said exec was talking to an Australian news outlet, there's no guarantee that we would see such a vehicle Stateside.
Our favorite quote of the article, however, came at the end, when Mitsubishi's Robert McEniry said that the Australian Lancer would look nearly identical to the version we'll see here in the States, except with "less US chrome."
[Source: Drive.com.au]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim UF @ Feb 2nd 2007 11:17AM
Wasn't there a report this week that the Subie Rex wasn't going to be available in the 2008 models?
So, as soon as Mitsu gets its ralliart to market, it won't have any competition. (this could work out well for Mitsu)
Steve S @ Feb 2nd 2007 11:20AM
I hope the bring the Sportback concept. I loved that one from the 2005 Frankfurt show.
Michael Karesh @ Feb 2nd 2007 11:47AM
Get past its numerous aesthetic shortcomings and you'll find the even the current 2.4-liter Ralliart is a very satisfying car to drive. Given the poor resale value of Mitsubishis, a used one could be a great value.
My full review of that car:
http://www.epinions.com/content_120901111428
tikirob @ Feb 2nd 2007 11:48AM
I'm really starting to like this car, I love to see what they will do with a Hatchback. This generation is a ton better than the last one.
Rob
http://www.autoshortlist.com
huis @ Feb 2nd 2007 12:50PM
If they put some extra effort into small turbo engines and AWD for this Ralliart Lancer, I wonder if they'll try to go back to those roots for the next generation Eclipse. The current Eclipse is cool, but it's large and heavy and has a totally different personality than the spunky lighter AWD turbo Eclipses of the early and mid 90s.
Seven @ Feb 2nd 2007 1:30PM
If they equal the performance of curent gen WRX's, I'm seriously interested. One can only hope for subaru-esque reliability.
PJ @ Feb 2nd 2007 1:54PM
The current Ralliart is no match for a WRX performance-wise, but if you're not a numbers guy, it's just as rewarding to drive. Great torque band, firm and feelsome steering, perfect shift action... it's one of the best-kept secrets in its class.
If Mitsubishi can maintain the current model's control purity while kicking power and grip up several notches, I'll be hugely impressed. Offer it as a hatchback, and I'd buy one.
Used, of course, after it's lost half its value.
Danny Cheung @ Feb 2nd 2007 9:36PM
will it be available soon in canada?
visit :
http://www.geocities.com/vaiowallpaper/
Kaleb @ Feb 5th 2007 5:30PM
Lets hear it for less U.S. Chrome and I live in the U.S.