Everyone's attention so far has been on the Evo, but the AWD turbocharged terror won't be the only hot Lancer model in Mitsubishi's updated fleet. Previous reports suggested that a cheaper WRX-rival was in the works, complete with a turbocharged engine and AWD configuration, and this latest Ralliart prototype spotted in California's Death Valley seems to back up those reports. Like the Evo, this test-mule featured a front mounted intercooler, bonnet scoop and dual exhaust pipes, but missing were the widened fenders, imposing rear wing and the blacked-out bumper insert.
During the launch of the new Lancer late last year, one company official revealed that the Ralliart model would be making a return, this time with a greater influence on performance. With the addition of cut-priced performance cars like this and the styling of Subaru's new Impreza range gone sour, Mitsubishi's new Lancer range is poised to become the next cult classic.
[Source: Winding Road]
Audi A3 TDI Clubsport Quattro concept
Spy Shots: Production Audi TT Clubsport Quattro
Chevy Camaro getting early unveil at Indy in September
James Garner recovering from mild stroke
VIDEO: God's ringtone is a V10-powered Audi R8
First Drive: 2009 Ford Escapes, more of almost everything
Autoline on Autoblog with John McElroy
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 Mustang
Future Classic: 1984 Chrysler Minivans
_thumbnail.jpg "Lamborghini Reventon unboxed in Las Vegas")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Julius @ Jul 27th 2007 2:34PM
This should fill the gap in their lineup nicely and hopefully bring back Mitsu's tanking sales.
It's almost as sexy as the new Batman movie... almost. http://www.criticsrant.com/archive/2007/06/22/The-Dark-Knight--First-Prodution-Photos.aspx
naggs @ Jul 27th 2007 2:34PM
the 08 wrx has arrived
Mike @ Jul 27th 2007 2:40PM
The current Lancer is good but doesn't have enough power for my tastes.
If this Lancer has awd and the power to rival the wrx, I'll be the first one on the lot to grab one.
Mike @ Jul 27th 2007 2:41PM
Please keep this under 25,000 too.
Dave in MI @ Jul 27th 2007 2:46PM
I would be more interested in this than the Evo if it can find a nice balance between power and gas mileage and not give my insurance guy such an attitude. Gotta have a better interior than the lancer. Nicely designed area, but the bean counters cheaped it up something ugly.
Wait and see I guess.
John R @ Jul 27th 2007 2:51PM
If this is true and that's the Ralliart, Mitsu can take the rest of the day off. Between that and the Evo: Mission Complete. Subaru is pwned...
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=121788
JayP @ Jul 27th 2007 2:51PM
Is Mitsu going to void the warranty on these cars if they see an autox?
Kash @ Jul 27th 2007 3:13PM
I'd rather they give us another EVO RS model. Basically a stripped out, lightweight EVO for 3-4k less than the standard EVO model. That would be fantastic.
Doogs @ Jul 27th 2007 3:59PM
Imagine they probably will at some point. But this is equally welcome. A bit tamer than the Evo (and therefore easier to secure wife approval), but a hell of a lot gutsier than the stock Lancer.
Rodstar @ Jul 27th 2007 3:14PM
Bring it on baby!
I'll be looking for some new wheels in '08. Price it at less then $35k CAD (current WRX pricing) and you have a deal Mitsu.
calebe @ Jul 27th 2007 3:32PM
sweet car no matter what model it is. Subaru missed the boat on this one and fell right off the dock. There is no way the 08 wrx front end looks as good as this. IMO
Tyo @ Jul 27th 2007 3:44PM
I REALLY hope the ralliart uses a 4G63. Im terribly afraid that the new, Open-Deck 2.4 the evo is slotted to have wont be capable of much more than what it is stock. The old 4G 2.0l was capable of 400+hp without too many mods. Any honda fanboys, especially H22 heads should know open deck is absolutely horrible for forced induction applications.
I would like to see the ralliart be the stripper model for the "tuner" crowd and the EVO to be the one rich showoffs buy becuase its already done.
Michael @ Jul 28th 2007 6:47AM
The Ralliart will not use the 4G63, it will use the 4B11, same engine used in the DE, ES, GTS and Evo X. Also the new 4B11 is not a 2.4L open deck, its a 2.0L.
Also before any of you guys start crying about open deck and making power, just wait till the car arrives and shops start getting a hold of it to make mods.
aaron @ Jul 27th 2007 5:36PM
""I would like to see the ralliart be the stripper model for the "tuner" crowd and the EVO to be the one rich showoffs buy becuase its already done.""
I can't afford an EVO but I don't go around saying or thinking stupid stuff like what you just said. Sounds like you are bitter more than anything else.
stefan @ Jul 27th 2007 4:58PM
The Evo is gonna have a 2.0 not a 2.4.
Brian W @ Jul 27th 2007 8:02PM
I think this new one will be called a GSX. I don't think Ralliart will make anymore U.S. models.
EquinsuOcha @ Jul 27th 2007 9:06PM
Sorry Brian, that's wrong. There will be an updated RalliArt Galant, and an upcoming RalliArt Eclipse as well. In addition, there will be a SportBack version of the RalliArt Lancer in late 08 as an 09 model.
damian @ Aug 6th 2007 11:25PM
I know I would LOVE a sportback ralliart lancer ;D
RockStoneSteel @ Jul 27th 2007 11:18PM
This thing suffers from that same huge gap in the hood as the new 2008 Honda Accord coupe. It makes the body panels look seriously misaligned from the front. They should have simply extended the hood fully to the grill.
shuref00t @ Jul 28th 2007 1:22AM
This is why you would buy the car in black, and panel gaps are no longer an issue.
And by not having that huge rear wing like on the Evo would be another incentive to get this.