Autoblog

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback starting at $19,190, Ralliart at $27,590

Dan Roth — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click above for high-res image gallery of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Lancer, good. Lancer Sportback, better. Lancer Sportback Ralliart, better still. The hatchified version of Mitsubishi's Lancer was confirmed earlier this year to go on sale as a 2010 model. For the first two-thirds, it's a normal Lancer, but out back there's a smidge of extra length and a newly fattened C-Pillar for the practical hatch profile. Not only is it sporting smart-looking hatchy excellence, the Lancer Sportback glowers at the Subaru Impreza and says "bring it."

Tweaking an Impreza's nose is best done when you're rocking the $27,590 Lancer Sportback Ralliart. The entry GTS serves up the style and utility for a reasonable $19,190, but the 2.4-liter four cylinder's 168 horsepower, while good, doesn't exactly get enthusiast blood boiling. If you want your Sportback GTS to shift itself, it will start at $20,190 and pack a CVT with magnesium shift paddles and six fixed ratios to emulate more conventional transmissions.

Real performance isn't the exclusive domain of the Evo. In fact, the Lancer Sportback Ralliart is something of a 2/3 Evo, running an underachieving version of that car's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine spitting out 237 horsepower through all four wheels either via a twin-clutch paddle-shifted six-speed. More hatches are always good, and more higher-performance hatches are even more welcome. Get all the details in the press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Continue reading 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback starting at $19,190, Ralliart at $27,590

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback starting at $19,190, Ralliart at $27,590 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Impression: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer lineup includes new MR Limited

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, Evo GSR and Evo MR Limited - Click above for high-res gallery

Remember the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback we showed you back in October? The one that debuted in Paris? The one that we lusted after for its hatchback practicality and Ralliart brawn? The one that the good folks from Mitsubishi had promised we'd be getting here in the States this summer as an early 2010 model? Well, Mitsubishi has delivered. Sort of. A few Mitsu reps drove down to Irvine from Cypress with a genuine 2010 Ralliart Sportback. And not only that, but they dragged along an Evo GSR and an all-new MR Limited as well.

The Ralliart Sportback drew a lot of attention for its shape, but the Limited was the one that caught our eye. It's a regular old MR with a few differences. In place of the Alcantara bits, Mitsubishi has gone all-cowhide inside. There are also a few additions to the standard options list, including an Evo-first moonroof. Out back, the car has gone undercover by foregoing the large wing that has heretofore characterized the Evo sedans. Sounds like the Evo MR for grownups. Mitsu's reps remained tight-lipped on the details, but pricing is likely to top $40,000 for this model. We didn't get as many shots as we would have liked, but we did manage to get a few that we've assembled in the gallery below. As soon as we get more details, we'll fill you in.

Gallery: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancers

Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio / Weblogs, Inc.

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart

First Impression: 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer lineup includes new MR Limited originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Jun 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Ralliart Sportback spotted in MI

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Mitsubishi, Rumormill

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]

Spy Shots: Mitsubishi Ralliart Sportback spotted in MI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, Mitsubishi

Click above for high-res gallery of Lancer Sportback Ralliart

Rounding out the Mitsubishi Lancer line this year is the new Lancer Sportback, also in extra spicy Ralliart flavor. It's everything you love about the Lancer plus the space, versatility and convenience of a wagon - the first time since the '80s you'll be able to have your cake and haul it, too. If it weren't for the spoiler, which is aptly called the "rear wing", and the subwoofer in the trunk, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was just another cool little wagon. But thanks to the Lancer Ralliart's turbocharged 2.0L MIVEC engine producing 237 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque and Twin-Clutch SST transmission, you'll soon be able to get those groceries with gusto. And it's the only wagon we know of with an access hatch to the central differential. All the details can be found in Mitsubishi's official press release after the jump, and live shots of the Lancer Sportback and Sportback Ralliart can be viewed in our high-res gallery below.

Gallery: Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Continue reading Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback

Paris 2008: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Sportback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi Prototype S

Alex Nunez — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:50:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click for more hi-res images of the Mitsubishi Prototype S

Autobild spilled the beans over the weekend, and today, Mitsubishi lifted the embargo on its Geneva-bound Prototype S, which is basically the forthcoming Lancer Sportback in light concept trim. Beneath the hatchback's skin lies the powertrain used in in the new US-market Lancer Ralliart -- 240 horses, dual-clutch, full-time AWD, and active center differential. It's anyone's guess whether Mitsubishi will elect to offer it outside Europe, where the body style is sure to be a bread-and-butter seller. We certainly wouldn't turn it away, though; there's always room for more hatchbacks with "go." Check out the new high-res shots in the attached gallery, and Mitsu's official release after the jump.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S

[Source: Mitsubishi]

Continue reading Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi Prototype S

Pics Aplenty: Mitsubishi Prototype S originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva '08 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S unmasked!

Alex Nunez — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:38:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Mitsubishi

Click image for a gallery of the Prototype S

German pub Autobild has spilled the beans on the Geneva-bound Mitsubishi Prototype S. The "S" is for Sportback, and this show car forecasts a future production vehicle that will probably carry that moniker. The Sportback is crucial for the European market, where hatches account for the majority of car sales. Up front, you essentially have the Lancer Ralliart's nose, which is dressed up with more ornate, concept-style headlamps and foglights. Head around to the car's rump, and you can almost see Mitsu's people drawing a line in the sand, daring the 5-door WRX to come over and "play." The sloping rear hatch is topped by a large, body-colored roof spoiler, and restyled rear lighting wraps from the lid onto the quarter panels. Dual exhaust tips poke through a diffuser insert on the rear bumper, and stylish split-spoke wheels in a gunmetal finish occupy the lightly-flared fender cutouts. Mechanically, it seems that the Prototype S is outfitted with the same running gear as the Lancer Ralliart. The 2.0L turbo four delivers 240 PS (236 hp) and 343 Nm (253 lb-ft) of torque through a dual-clutch setup to a full-time AWD system with an active center differential. It's cool, we want it, and most importantly, it'd fit -- after all, Subaru markets the WRX here as both a sedan and a hatchback. Come on, Mits. Go tit for tat with them and bring this one across the pond after you give it to Europe.

Gallery: Mitsubishi Prototype S

[Source: Autobild]

Geneva '08 Preview: Mitsubishi Prototype S unmasked! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2008: Autoblog picks the five most significant introductions

Chris Shunk — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:13:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Videos, Audi, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mitsubishi

Media days of the Detroit Auto Show have come and gone, and we've done our best to provide you with plenty of pics and updates of all the significant debuts during North America's biggest auto show. We scoured through all the new concepts and world debuts to give you our five most significant new products at NAIAS. Click on the video above to view the Autoblog Five, and be sure to give us your top five all-new concepts and world debuts after the jump.

Gallery: Audi R8 V12 TDI Concept

Gallery: Detroit 2008: 2009 Dodge Ram - Live Reveal

Gallery: Cadillac CTS Coupe Concept

Gallery: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Gallery: Detroit 2008: Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

Detroit 2008: Autoblog picks the five most significant introductions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart snapped in parking lot

Alex Nunez — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Mitsubishi

Click image to enlarge

According to poster jmk2888 at the EvolutionM.net forums, the car you see here is indeed the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The poster, who indicates that he works for Mitsubishi in California, says that the car was in the lot briefly but is now "on the way to an auto show." Funny, we happen to be going to an auto show next week, so let's assume the Lancer Ralliart's on its way to Detroit for its official unveiling.

According to the jmk2888, here are the pertinent stats. To be safe, treat everything as speculation for now until we get official info from Mitsubishi:

230 - 240 turbocharged horsepower
AWD
5-speed manual gearbox or Twin Clutch SST available
Recaro front seats
Gunmetal-finish Lancer GTS wheels
GTS rear wing
Nav system available

In front, the Ralliart gets a unique fascia dominated by a large (but not Evo X-large), chrome-rimmed grille opening. At the top right section of the grille itself, you can see the telltale Ralliart badge. According to the poster, the car in the photo is painted in the orangey-red "Sunset Pearlescent" finish that's currently available on the Eclipse. He also states that there's Ralliart branding on the rear of the car, and some other posters have noted that this car appears to be equipped with the same HID headlamps as the Evo X. Assuming it's going to be in Detroit, expect complete details and many photos of Mitsu's new Subaru WRX competitor early next week.

[Source: EvolutionM via Carscoop]

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart snapped in parking lot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More on the Lancer Ralliart

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 11:07:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Mitsubishi

Drive.com.au had a chance to sit down with one of Mitsubishi's execs and during the course of the conversation was able to pry a few details out about the upcoming Lancer Ralliart.

As we've already known, the Ralliart-massaged version of the Lancer has its sights squarely set on the Subaru WRX, and in order to compete with the entry-level rally machine, Mitsubishi has to bring two things to the table: all-wheel-drive and turbocharging.

The plan is to offer a similar lineup as Subaru, with the Ralliart slotting in below the Evolution X. Doing so, Mitsubishi intends to turbo a 2-liter inline four and hook it up to a five-speed gearbox that will send power to all four wheels, hopefully using as much of the Evo's hardware as possible.

The Ralliart will be released after the Evolution X, which is expected to hit dealers sometime in 2008.

There was also mention of a 2.4-liter model (which we doubt would have a snail attached) and a hatchback version that would replace the wagon variant seen in the past. However, since said exec was talking to an Australian news outlet, there's no guarantee that we would see such a vehicle Stateside.

Our favorite quote of the article, however, came at the end, when Mitsubishi's Robert McEniry said that the Australian Lancer would look nearly identical to the version we'll see here in the States, except with "less US chrome."

[Source: Drive.com.au]

More on the Lancer Ralliart originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Feb 2007 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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