Detroit 2008: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart... we're sold
click above image to view more high-res images of the Lancer Ralliart
Mitsubishi has made up for the crimes it perpetrated on enthusiasts with the last two generations of the Lancer Ralliart. In atonement for its sins, it's fitted the new Ralliart with a detuned version of the 4B11T pulled from the Evolution X, producing 235 hp and an unknown amount of torque. Additionally, Mitsubishi has decided to fit the Twin Clutch-SST transmission, pulled from the high-power and high-priced Evo X MR. The TC-SST clicks off the shifts through a set of steering wheel mounted paddles and sends power to a full-time all-wheel-drive system equipped with Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD).
The exterior is so reminiscent of the Ralliart's big Evolved brother that we're sure it'll be mistaken for the X and in addition to the absolutely boss Recaro buckets, the interior materials and amenities seem several notches above its base brethren.
On a personal note: As the guy that berated the Lancer ES in our recent Garage review, when the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart goes on sale this summer, I'll be one of the first ones in line. It's obvious that the Ralliart is aimed squarely at Subaru's WRX and if they can keep the price around the Subie's (about $25k), the Ralliart stands as one of the performance bargains of the decade. And just think of the mods....
Check Mitsubishi's full press release plus video after the jump and our gallery of live and press shots below.
Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
PRESS RELEASE
The new Lancer Ralliart reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance that creates a unique product between the Lancer GTS 2.4 and the Lancer Evolution models. The Lancer Ralliart makes effective use of the Lancer's rigid unibody and four-wheel independent suspension by mating this capable chassis to a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive.
Mechanical
Lancer Ralliart is powered by the new 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine (also used in the Lancer Evolution) that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi's efficient Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that helps enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle by allowing the driver to execute lightning-quick, silky-smooth, paddle-actuated shifts. The TC-SST transmission also operates in fully automatic modes for Normal and Sport driving conditions.
The Lancer Ralliart's full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring drive torque to the front and rear according to different driving conditions to realize the best balance between steering response and traction characteristics on Tarmac, Gravel, or Snow surfaces.
Lancer Ralliart is also equipped with front helical limited slip differential and a rear differential mechanical limited slip differential.
Design
Elaborating on the basic sporty design and proportions of the Lancer, the Lancer Ralliart exterior is distinguished by its more aggressively styled front bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger.
The interior design places greater emphasis on function and vehicle control. Lancer Ralliart is equipped with FAST key, Bluetooth® hands-free telephone interface, the same Twin Clutch-SST shifter used on Lancer Evolution, and easily accessible steering column mounted paddle shifters.
Available equipment and options to include: Recaro seats, HID headlights, 650-watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio system, Sirius satellite radio, power sunroof, and a 30-gigabyte hard drive navigation system with digital music server.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
cody 12:57AM (2/24/2008)
mitsubishi announced that there will be a 5 speed manual down the line.
Reply
Jmaxx93 6:09AM (3/26/2008)
'tards,...... That is a dual clutch manual. It's a manual with no, driver controlled clutch. And is quite impressive for a car in this price range.
Reply
Brian 8:27PM (1/13/2008)
no manual...why?
Reply
TwinTurbo3000GT 8:35PM (1/13/2008)
I would bet they will offer a regular manual as well.
Brian 8:43PM (1/13/2008)
not according to edmunds http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/detroit/2008/2009mitsubishilancerralliart.html?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..2.*
Jery 1:46AM (3/15/2008)
I know that some people are wondering were is the manual version? I couldn't agree more. Perhaps their just showing the automatic version for now. It would be a bad decision if the Lancer Ralliart is only in automatic. If you think about it there's a good chance it will be in manual because of the previous Lancer Ralliarts and the Evo X have come in manual. So lets all hope we finally see a Lancer Ralliart were we can actually shift gears!
TwinTurbo3000GT 8:27PM (1/13/2008)
Sold +1. Exactly what ive been waiting for.
Reply
narcszm 2:41AM (1/14/2008)
I think alot of people are thinking exactly the same thing.
Dusty 8:31PM (1/13/2008)
I applaud Mitsu for filling in the gap between the GTS and Evo and offering some competition to the WRX but whats stopping this car from being a porker like the Evo? Your looking at most of the same components of the Evo except a simpler drivetrain and without the wide body panels. Wouldn't that mean this car will be close to the Evos weight? Hopefully they can keep the weight down so the performance makes this car fun to drive!
Reply
Maestro1 8:32PM (1/13/2008)
It sucks that there's no manual, but otherwise its awesome!
It looks so similar to the Evo in all the pics i've seen that from certain angles you almost couldn't tell the difference.
This is the ultimate bargain of 2008 without a doubt. I'm sold!
Reply
naggs 8:46PM (1/13/2008)
there is no way that the sst is going to be the only transmission
they will be a 5speed manual
Maestro1 9:27PM (1/13/2008)
I hope so, and I hope they don't end up offering a manual for 2010 and leaving out 2009...
EquinsuOcha 8:36PM (1/13/2008)
Finally! This is the car MMNA has been waiting for. Bring out the diesel variants and the hot hatch!
Oh, and Damon, I humbly request that you check out the Concept-RA, the old school Prototype Starion, and the '72 Galant GTO they have on display too. I would love to see more pictures!
Reply
naggs 8:46PM (1/13/2008)
very nice, about time the ralliart was something other than wheels and a badge
whats a wrx?
Reply
Vivek G. 8:50PM (1/13/2008)
A Toyota Corolla XRS with Subaru badges.
This is an excellent bargain, if Mitsu can keep the weight down. Even then, it'll be pretty damn nice. An excellently balanced car at a good price, just like the original WRX.
Kristovar 8:49PM (1/13/2008)
The lack of a manual transmission kills the car for me, otherwise it looks tremendous. Offer a 5 speed and I'd trade my SRT-4 in on one.
Reply
Kristovar 8:49PM (1/13/2008)
The lack of a manual transmission kills the car for me, otherwise it looks tremendous. Offer a 5 speed and I'd trade my SRT-4 in on one.
Reply
Scoobyless 8:53PM (1/13/2008)
Once I saw the leaked image of the Ralliart earlier this week I was really excited that I might have a choice other that the "somewhat unattractive" 2008 WRX sedan when I look for a new car next year, but I'm pretty heartbroken now if Mitsu will not be offering a standard transmission. Some people still appreciate changing cogs over the computer laden, double clutch, lighting fast transmissions of late, despite the advantages. Oh well, still a fine looking package if I must say...
Reply
spdracerut 9:07PM (1/13/2008)
Hmm... so it doesn't come with all the fancy electronic stability/torque/handling control stuff, but still has the ACD with front and rear LSDs. So just like an '05-07 Evo VIII and IX.
Detuned Evo X motor? What's to keep someone from 'retuning' it to the X power levels? So this comes with smaller wheels and probably smaller brakes. But for an almost $10k cost difference, I could do a lot with that money and probably make it a better performance car than the X.
This sounds like the car it might be the ultimate 'tuner' package, aside from the lack of a manual.
Reply
Injected 9:31PM (1/13/2008)
For your average person, this is probably more car than they need. But to say that this car has the potential to be as good as the Evo after investing the money, what without the SAYC and wider body, is a tuner-fanboy's dream. The brakes and additional power can be upgraded to Evo levels, but not for free. You will never replicate the handling potential of the Evo due it being wider and the additional electronic components. So once you've spent the additional 10K on an upgraded this and that, you will still be behind the Evo. I'm sure that this won't deter people from buying one and fooling around from it, even spending the 10K saved over the next few years. That's the experience some people want. Me, I'd take the Evo. I drive a 98 DSM, but I'm waiting for the next Z since Mitsu has abondoned sports coupes (RA looks interesting though).