Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
Mitsubishi has just released pricing on the all-new 2009 Lancer Ralliart and for $26,490, you can get behind the wheel of the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Evo Lite. Equipped with the same 4B11T/C as the Evolution X, the Ralliart is putting out 237 hp through a modified version of the Evo IX's AWD system. That includes an Active Center Differential, along with front and rear mechanical LSDs and settings for Tarmac, Gravel and Snow. Active Stability Control is part of the package, as is Traction Control, but unfortunately, Ralliartists have to make due without the Active Yaw Control equipped on its big brother.
The optional Recaro Sport Package will set you back an additional $2,750, and includes front Recaro buckets, HID headlamps, a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with a six month subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio.
All the details are available in the press release below the fold.
PRESS RELEASE
July 31, 2008 - CYPRESS, CA - Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) has announced pricing for its new 2009 Lancer Ralliart All-Wheel Drive, turbocharged sedan. The new Lancer Ralliart reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer vehicle lineup with aggressive styling and driving performance, offering a unique balance between the Lancer 2.4 GTS and the Lancer Evolution models. The Lancer Ralliart features a modified version of the Lancer Evolution 4B11 turbocharged intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine, producing 237-horsepower, and is teamed exclusively with Mitsubishi's advanced Twin Clutch-Sportronic¨ Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The 2009 Lancer Ralliart will start at a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $26,490.00.
"The 2009 Lancer Ralliart creates a perfect middle ground for the consumer looking for more performance than is offered in a Lancer GTS, but not quite to the extent of the rally-inspired and storied Lancer Evolution sports sedan," said Dan Kuhnert, executive vice president for marketing and sales, Mitsubishi Motors North America. "The result is a unique model optimized for exhilarating yet balanced overall road performance."
The full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD) unit, which 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 a front helical and rear mechanical limited slip differentials. Ralliart-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 Yokohama ADVAN summer tires complement the high grip afforded by the full-time active 4-wheel drive, while Standard Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL) contribute to safe handling.
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 also equipped with FAST-Key, hands free telephone interface and easily accessible steering column mounted paddle shifters.
The optional RECARO¨ Sport Package, $2,750.00 MSRP, further enhances the Lancer Ralliart's sporty appearance with Xenon HID headlamps, 650 watt Rockford Fosgate¨, Sirius Satellite Radio with 6-months subscription and RECARO ¨ front sport seats found on the Lancer Evolution GSR. A new 40-GB HDD navigation system is also available as either a port-installed option or as a dealer accessory.
Safety Features
Standard safety features in all Lancer models include an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver's knee air bag.
Premium Warranty
The new 2009 model year Lancer Ralliart also comes with a fully transferable 3-year/36,000 mile "bumper-to-bumper" new vehicle limited warranty. The Mitsubishi "3/36," limited warranty is in addition to a 5-year/60,000 mile power train limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion perforation limited warranty. In addition, all Mitsubishi models come with 5-year unlimited miles Roadside Assistance benefits.
2010 Nissan Cube breaks cover in Japan
Officially Official: 2010 Ford Mustang!
2010 Ford Mustang revealed early on Ford's own website!
2009 Nissan 370Z rolls out early in So. Cal
VIDEO: 2009 Nissan 370Z revealed early in So. Cal.
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 HUMMER H3T Alpha
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Hyundai Genesis
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse LT
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
David(Postal) @ Jul 31st 2008 4:31PM
We have a dog fight now. Will they be able to keep up with the WRX since it is getting that huge jump in horsepower?
stretchsje @ Jul 31st 2008 9:48PM
The WRX is many hundreds of pounds lighter, so no. The power-to-weight ratios aren't even close. The Ralliart had AYC going for it back when it was rumored to be part of the package, but with that gone, I don't think there's anything compelling here.
Bullitt @ Jul 31st 2008 4:36PM
That will probably translate to 32 grand CDN. I have been waiting for this car for a year now and it looks like I'll be waiting even longer to get it with a 5 spd.
Zach @ Jul 31st 2008 4:37PM
That is about $2500 too expensive, especially considering Subbie WRX's recent horsepower bump. The only thing this mother has got on the WRX is the double clutch gear box and, questionably so, better styling. Bring on the hatchback!
Uncle Evan @ Jul 31st 2008 5:38PM
I was just thinking that as well.
I drove the GTS version, but it didn't have traction or stability control which the Ralliant defiantly has but to ask
$ 26K, you'll walkout paying $ 29k and for that price
you can get a cheap BMW or Acura.
Mitsubishi has a lot of potential for a major comeback
but the price will turn a lot of folks away...
djSyndrome @ Jul 31st 2008 5:25PM
You're kidding yourself if you think Subaru's going to give you all those goodies for free. Expect a healthy bump on '09 WRX prices.
Xcountryflyer @ Jul 31st 2008 4:42PM
Things are getting hot in the mid-20s compact "sports" car segment (some better than others): GTI, MS3, Ralliart, WRX, Cobalt SS, Caliber SRT4..
Looks like Nissan will be joining with a smaller Infiniti eventually. The Nissan Sentra SE-R doesn't cut it.
How about Honda bringing over a Civic Type-R?
mk @ Jul 31st 2008 4:42PM
Yeah...
~30hp down from WRX... but gets twin-clutch gearbox, three limited slip differentials, the center being active, recaros and HIDs optional...
WRX has a fixed-bias center diff, which does work, a viscous rear limited slip, and an open front, if I remember correctly. It works, but the RalliArt's diffs may be better. No recaros on WRX, nor HIDs, and the Lancer looks better outwardly.
But it does have the boxer, which is lower not much more of a front overhang than a transverse I4, and a longitudinal transaxle, which helps rearward weight balance.
plusses and minuses to both, but the lancer RA seems better equipped with options. WRX now has the power edge, and the better drivetrain layout.
Imagine if the plusses for both, were all combined into one car...
Nick @ Jul 31st 2008 5:54PM
Actually, the 08 and later WRX's lost the rear LSD when they got the VSC stability control as standard. Apparently the WRX VSC is incompatible with a rear LSD (or so they say, the STI has VSC and 3 LSD's).
You raise good points- it's much cheaper and easier to add power than it is to change differentials.
wagonphile @ Jul 31st 2008 4:53PM
This, for me, is a more attractive package than the Evo. The Ralliart is finally something worth considering, based on performance upgrades rather than only appearance enhancements.
Jeff @ Jul 31st 2008 4:55PM
Mitsu, please put this engine/drivetrain in a good looking 2-door coupe. I'd buy one (like I did in 1997).
Kumail @ Jul 31st 2008 4:55PM
this thing is an amazing car. i would love to have one, insideline said that even though it is not an evo, its as fun as one.
ryan @ Jul 31st 2008 5:03PM
sold. granted, i'd like to see it about 2k cheaper, but now all i have to do is convince my wife.
so, i guess unsold then :)
dlroto @ Jul 31st 2008 5:16PM
First let me say wow what a sweet car :)
To me it sounds like a whole bunch of people are going to buy this for $2,000.00 more than it should be and then they will come out with a second iteration of it but with a manual tranny and then it will be $2,000.00 cheaper at a more reasonable price for the first iteration.
Bottom Line it should start at $24,500.00 and then when the manual comes out it should be $23,500.00 Than's just my 2 CENTS
hhsohn @ Jul 31st 2008 5:20PM
Impressive car, but too expensive for what you get. Rather take the Mazdaspeed3.
TwinTurboVR4 @ Jul 31st 2008 5:30PM
the Mazda is only like $2k less - and you dont even get AWD!
FWD FTL!
plus it's ugly compared to this.
Pete @ Jul 31st 2008 11:03PM
The Mazdaspeed 3 will trash this car in any situation, but I'd love to have that twin-clutch. AWD is not a big deal...it really isn't unless you live where it snows a lot. Learn how to drive. Ralliart owners will have to shy away from MS3s and WRXs in any straight-line contest. The small turbo, transmission, and porky weight will also prevent this car from ever really competing with the others in this respect.
Ricky @ Jul 31st 2008 5:23PM
Hey Mitsubishi, Leave the TC-SST on the MR, put the 5 speed gearbox in the ralliart and lower that price a few grand and you'll have a winner.
TwinTurboVR4 @ Jul 31st 2008 5:25PM
yea...i'll be trading in my '08 lancer ES for one of these babies...in white :)
iQuack @ Jul 31st 2008 5:29PM
OK, so it's fast, but it has all kinds of plastic junk hung on it that makes it look silly.
Then there's the price and what you could buy for your $26,000+ dollars that would be better in nearly every way except speed you can't use on public roads, anyway.
And don't forget resale value after you quickly tire of that thing: Mitsubishi isn't exactly among the most sought after brands--really kind of an off-brand car most people wouldn't consider unless cheaply priced.
The Ralliart is little more than an over-improved rental car.