Filed under: Wagons/Estates, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Mitsubishi
Paris Pre-Preview: Mitsubishi to unveil production Lancer Sportback and Ralliart version
click above to view high-res gallery of the Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
Mitsubishi announced today that it will unveil the production version of its Lancer Sportback and Lancer Sportback Ralliart at the Paris Motor Show in early October. The Lancer Sportback is just what it sounds like, a five-door hatchback version of the recently redesigned Lancer model that's on sale around the world. Mitsubishi already revealed in its latest global business report that it would be selling the Lancer Sportback in the U.S. as well, but the only time frame given was sometime after the introduction of the Evo X, which is already on sale here.
In Europe, the Lancer Sportback will be powered by a 1.5L or 1.8L four-cylinder, or a 2.0L turbodiesel, while the Sportback Ralliart will feature a turbocharged 2.0L MIVEC engine producing 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque that's mated to Mitsubishi's Twin-Clutch SST transmission. It will also feature an Active Center Differential to help send torque to the wheels that can use it, as well as two-piston front brake calipers. Sounds like the same setup we saw on the U.S. version of the Lancer Ralliart sedan that debuted at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show in January. We were particularly smitten with that car, so adding some more interior cubes and a fifth door should only serve to increase our anticipation for Paris.
Gallery: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
[Source: Mitsubishi]
PRESS RELEASE
Mitsubishi Motors unveils Lancer Sportback at Paris Motor Show
- Lancer Ralliart 4WD sports sedan also on display -
Tokyo, June 11 2008 - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation will unveil, for the first time at an international motor show, the Lancer Sportback at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 (Paris Motor Show 2008) being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 (October 4 for the general public) through October 19. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.
The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST (Sport Shift Transmission) and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential.
*1 Named the Galant Fortis in Japan
With its inverted-slant nose and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity the sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, a body type that is very popular in Europe. The model is available in versions powered by 1.5-liter (109PS) or 1.8-liter (143PS) gasoline engines or by a 2.0-liter (140PS) turbo diesel engine. The Lancer Sportback offers an "auto-folding function" which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors' new diesel engine in spring of 2009.
The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*2 engine [maximum output 177 kW (240PS), maximum torque 343 Nm (35 kgm)]. This is mated to Mitsubishi's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential, for extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.
*2 Mitsubishi Innovative Valve lift and timing Electronic Control system
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Aprime 10:34AM (6/11/2008)
I, for one, welcome this new Mitsubishi Impre- Wait, what.
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Torrent 11:33AM (6/11/2008)
Hopefully it should inspire a better looking Impreza
ASEVENSEE4 10:41AM (6/11/2008)
The overall style and bodywork is nice but the back is SO ugly
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Torrent 11:34AM (6/11/2008)
It looks like an Infiniti EX from the back- WHY!?!?
Kowell 10:42AM (6/11/2008)
I want one....now.... this is so much better than the older Lancer wagon we had to endure in north america the last 5 years...
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narutouzumaki16 12:30PM (6/14/2008)
wait...there was a lancer wagon?
Richard 10:46AM (6/11/2008)
I wonder if potential customer attitude research showed a deficit in the intend to by category when compared to the STI - because of that hatch's practicality.
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Aprime 10:58AM (6/11/2008)
We can only blame Europe for it.
... Not like it's a bad type of blame.
Chris 10:47AM (6/11/2008)
I have always been a hatchback fan...so i for one love this car
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Franz 11:08AM (6/11/2008)
The concept looked way better, but it still isn't a bad looking car.
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akatsuki 11:26AM (6/11/2008)
So a hatch without any of the advantages? Like the Lexus IS, I would prefer a normal shaped hatch....
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Quattrofan 11:49AM (6/11/2008)
No AWD? Am I missing something?
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EquinsuOcha 12:00PM (6/11/2008)
It's AWD with an Active Center Differential. It's the EXACT the same setup as an Evo IX. Except mated to the SST-CCT (paddle shifter tranny) and an option for the turbo diesel.
I hope to little black baby jebus that they bring it over here to the US.
Kunikos 2:16PM (6/11/2008)
the ralliart version anyway, the regular versions of the sportback are not 4wd if you read between the lines here
unless they offer a 4wd option that isn't ralliart
Jim 12:16PM (6/11/2008)
This car is so much better looking in sedan form. Too bad the interior and driving experience are so horrid. This is a truly unattractive hatchback.
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Barricade 12:18PM (6/11/2008)
Reminds me of a Subaru Tribeca rear end
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Soccer Mom 12:31PM (6/11/2008)
If only they had an interior to match it looks. I am afraid that it will come with Chrysler-inspired plastic in 90's GM gray.
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Steve Henderson 12:32PM (6/11/2008)
The car looks incredible. If they bring it to the US, it will likely be my next ride. Almost a smaller version of the Acura RDX I am driving now.
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Eduardo 12:38PM (6/11/2008)
mine in green, please. with ivory leather seats. as in a Jaguar, ok?
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Ken 12:53PM (6/11/2008)
I hope it sells poorly so I can get one for $5,000 below MSRP.
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