Apologies to our friends at Carscoop, but we must qualify the details we're about to share with you on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart because we haven't seen the actual press release for ourselves. Perhaps they're privy to some long-lead info over there, however, that we're not, as the details are specific enough as to sound convincing.
Regardless, Carscoop is reporting that the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart will be a 5-door hatchback model in Europe and be based on the sedan in the U.S. Power will reportedly come from a detuned version of the EVO X's 2.0L turbo-four producing 240 PS, or about 236 horsepower if you want to be stickler about conversions. Surprisingly, the Lancer Ralliart is also pegged to come with Mitsubishi's 6-speed Twin-Clutch SST transmission, a piece of kit only available on the top level Lancer EVO MR. The EVO GSR makes do with a simple 5-speed. Of course, the Ralliart model will also be aided by the same Super-All Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system used by the EVO X, as well Active Yaw Control and Active Center Differential. Other notable features include an aluminum hood, Recaro front seats, a sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and a special Ralliart radiator grille.
If these facts hold true, then the Ralliart will be the weapon used by Mitsubishi to take on the Subaru WRX around the world. In the past, Mitsubishi has allowed the Subaru WRX free reign, choosing to field a much less potent version of the Lancer Ralliart. No more.
UPDATE: Channel4 substantiates the information provided by Carscoop, adding that the Lancer Ralliart will also get rain-sensing wipers, auto xenon headlamps and headlamp washers.
[Source: Carscoop]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Injected @ Dec 19th 2007 2:31PM
So what is the advantage of the upper level EVOs besides the power, which is coming from the same 4B11T?
SPF @ Dec 19th 2007 3:15PM
That's what I want to know too.
EndlessMike @ Dec 19th 2007 3:39PM
Suspention, brakes, looks (irrelevant for performance, I know), probably weight. Yeah, those can all be improved to equal or better levels, and probably for cheaper, but the can be said with the WRX and STI.
Steve_S @ Dec 19th 2007 3:46PM
Yep thinking the same. If it's more or less a de-tuned Evo X whats to stop you from just tuning it back up? Probably have 90% of the Evo for 8-10k less. Seem like the sweet spot to me.
I see lots of WRX's and not so many STI's. Now that the WRX has been neutered this Ralliart would reign unopposed.
David(Postal) @ Dec 19th 2007 2:31PM
I know this car is going to do great especially with the price increase of the Evo X
Jeff @ Dec 19th 2007 2:36PM
I'm skeptical.
Russell @ Dec 19th 2007 2:58PM
I have a hard time buying this; it sounds much too similar to the Evo and, consequently, much too expensive. There's a big gap between the $15k 150hp base model and the $35k 300hp Evo and this level of equipment doesn't seem feasible for a $25k WRX competitor.
3000GT TwinTurbo @ Dec 20th 2007 1:30AM
i was thinking the same thing. This was hopefully gonna be my next car, and all i was hoping for was a de-tuned evo motor, AWD, and a little leather on the inside.
but if it really is priced similar to the WRX, count me in!
dlroto @ Dec 19th 2007 3:11PM
If the price is right I'll buy it, it should cost the same as the wrx to make me get it.
Tony @ Dec 19th 2007 3:13PM
I'm curious how they're detuning the engine, if it's just a matter of reflashing the ECU and upgrading intake/exhaust this could an awesome performance bargain.
MUSASHI66 @ Dec 19th 2007 3:25PM
What happened with all the old reports stating that it will have AWD from EVO IX, not from X? And I really doubt this will have the SST instead of the 5sp, why would a car that is step down have the transmission of the top of the line model?
drunkenpublicness @ Dec 19th 2007 4:06PM
True, but I think Mitsu. needs to pay for the TSST tranny engineering budget, which means it needs to sell it in more cars then just Evo.
Also, I believe the Ralliart version will be sold using the standard Lancer body and not the uber-wide Evo X version.
MUSASHI66 @ Dec 19th 2007 4:17PM
I just don't see them keeping the cost low enough. If the are competing with WRx, it starts at ~25K. How can they have the new AWD and the new tranny, recaros, and it seems like everything else from EVO, even if it is not a widebody. You are talking 15K in savings over Evo MR. Maybe this will start with the 5sp, and have an option of SST?
deadlydave @ Dec 19th 2007 3:27PM
I predict failure. The same engine and awd system = too expensive. They're making an intelligent effort...the old Rallyart's are just regular lancers.
How about they throw it in a new eclipse instead, and ditch the v6 front wheel drive heresey?
Tyo @ Dec 19th 2007 5:54PM
The Old Railliarts are not just regular lancers.
They had a 162hp 2.4L MIVEC 4 that was much better than the base lancer of the time. It was the closest thing to a 4 door Civic SI we had.
Dino @ Dec 19th 2007 4:01PM
I'm really glad to see Mitsu attacking Subaru in this market. Subaru hasn't had any real competition as of yet.
I'd like to see what else is missing from this car that is standard on the X, but it may prove to be quite the value.
I don't understand, however, why Mitsu is pushing the SST transmission so hard. I don't think it will be quite as reliable as the new w5m6a 5 speed manual transmission, nor should it be as cheap.
I understand an SST box may have a wide market appeal, but why not make the 5 speed manual an option? Then again, they don't make it an option on the US Spec MR either. Gah.
Anyway, if you love these cars as much as I do, come join us at http://www.evoxforums.com and give us your input.
YourNameHere @ Dec 19th 2007 4:11PM
it sounds JUST like a GTI with 4wd and a little more power. i dont see why they cant do this. and why they havnt already
MUSASHI66 @ Dec 19th 2007 4:19PM
VW has this already, it is R32 and its $33K.
Did you know that in Europe, you can have regular Golf/rabbit with 4motion ?
YourNameHere @ Dec 19th 2007 4:26PM
GTI $22,700 ($1075 for DSG)
WRX $24,300
no reason Mitsu cant sell this for ~$25k. add $1k for the DSG option. i doubt they will use the new 4wd system. and your still way under the Evo.
MUSASHI66 @ Dec 19th 2007 4:53PM
If they make this, it must be the regular body, old AWD, 5 sp manual, and if it has recaros, it will not be the same ones from the EVO. That way, I can see them being in the 25K range. Then add options, like the SST, premium package or whatnot, and you have a direct competition to the WRX.