Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Ralliart Sportback spotted in MI
Click above for another shot of the Lancer Sportback
The crew at NextAutos caught a Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback testing in the great state of Michigan, providing us with further proof that the WRX-fighter is on its way to the States. The Sportback is the hatch/wagon/combi variant of the Lancer that originally debuted in Paris, and while Mitsubishi still hasn't confirmed drivetrain choices for the U.S., we've been assured that a Ralliart version is in the cards.
The Sportback aims to unseat the five-door Subaru Impreza both here and abroad, with gasoline engine choices in Europe spanning the range from 1.5- to 1.8-liters, along with a turbodiesel displacing 2.0 liters. The Sportback Ralliart will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter MIVEC four equipped on the sedan and putting out 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's new Twin-Clutch SST transmission and Active Center Differential. Expect the Sportback to arrive on U.S. shores later this year, with the Ralliart variant following shortly thereafter.
[Source: NextAutos]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Jon Barrett 7:06PM (1/07/2009)
Mitsubishi may not have disclosed which engine variants will be offered in the US, but the EPA website shows the N/A 2.4L I4 FWD Manual and Auto and the T/C 2.0L I4 AWD w/ TCSST as the powertrain options for the Sportback. This seems to indicate that it will be offered in GTS and Ralliart trims when it officially debuts.
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Jon Barrett 7:23PM (1/07/2009)
In fact, Edmunds' InsideLine pointed that out a month ago: http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=136887
Mike 7:09PM (1/07/2009)
unseat 5 door impreza... yeah right. The Evo is the only thing that unseats the impreza. The ralliart sucks compared to the 2009 wrx... and the base lancer is doesn't sell.
The concept sportback was spectacular looking. This is warmed over meh.
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ckm 7:22PM (1/07/2009)
I don't know about that. If you drive the 2008 WRX STi and the 2008 Evo back to back, you will soon see that the WRX is really just a soft daily driver rather than a hardcore sport car.
Not that that's bad, but it certainly does not live up to it's reputation.... If the 2009 is anything like the 2008, well, then they are not in the same league.
Chris.
exkart 9:01PM (1/07/2009)
that's the firs time I heard that about the WRX, I thought usually when pitted against each other the Subaru wins?
BoneHeadOtto 11:55PM (1/07/2009)
EVO > STI
2009 WRX >> Ralliart
all other years WRX > 2008 WRX
moyoi 10:18AM (1/08/2009)
09 Cobalt SS > EVO, STI , Ralliart
*stirring it up*
BoneHeadOtto 2:55PM (1/08/2009)
@moyoi
I agree! Just make the darn thing look better and ill buy. I dont care enough about performance to obtain the Cobalt driver image. :P
Gimme a Cruz SS (or better yet a Cruz SS wagon) HHR SS is in the same ugly interior boat as the Cobaly SS
John 3:28PM (1/08/2009)
"09 Cobalt SS > EVO"
This HAS to be a joke???
Kumail 7:10PM (1/07/2009)
when they announced it and after i saw what the sedan looked like, i really wanted to like this car. i don't.
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GamerJunkie 8:28PM (1/07/2009)
The US Spec STI is softer than the EVO because Subaru ensures the car must be suitable as a daily driver. A softer ride is better suited for daily driving.
The JDM version STI is not so soft as the US Spec, different target audience.
If you look at all the internet forums, the EVO has the most crashes overall because it is too hardcore for most new owners.
I rather take the STI and mod it myself, better hardware overall than the EVO.
firstplace 7:12PM (1/07/2009)
at least they are innovative. cant say they will be around forever given the small US footprint. They will probably raise the HP again in another year to compete with subbie.
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P.V. 7:32PM (1/07/2009)
Every time I see this car I really think they just chopped off the trunk and reapplied the taillights, yet strangely at the same time I find it cohesive and attractive.
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NRO 7:47PM (1/07/2009)
I also live in MI, there were three of them on M-14 near Livonia, all of which had manufacturers plates on them.
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.josh. 7:54PM (1/07/2009)
Hooray for the EPA testing facility in Ann Arbor!
Seminole 7:42PM (1/07/2009)
If you squint really hard does anyone else see a Subaru B9?
http://thewallpapers.narod.ru/archive11/free-desktop-wallpaper-1024x768-Subaru-B9-Tribeca-1024x768-09.jpg
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Dustin 9:18PM (1/07/2009)
I was thinking more along the lines of a squashed lexus rx
X3S2000 10:12AM (1/08/2009)
If I squint I see Infiniti EX http://www.rampurple.com/blog/2007/07/19/infiniti-ex/
Level 7:47PM (1/07/2009)
thats a damn good looking machine
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H4MM3R 8:15PM (1/07/2009)
I live in Mackinaw City Michigan. :o
When manufacturers need to put some highway miles on there vehicles. They make the run up I-75 or US-23 to Mackinaw. It's always fun getting to look at them. There have been times when I have been able to talk to the engineer that was driving it. My favorite conversation was with the engineer that was driving a Trail blazer SS that stopped in East Tawas.
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