http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/mitsubishi-lancer-ralliart-to-have-260-hp-engine-evo-ixs-awd/

Posted Nov 24th 2007 10:56AM by Damon Lavrinc
Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Wagons/Estates, Euro, Mitsubishi, UK

It's been generally accepted that the sales success of the first generation Subaru Impreza WRX caused Mitsubishi to rethink its policy of keeping the Evo off U.S.-bound boats. The Evolution's introduction in the States was quickly followed by the STI's, and all was right in the AWD performance segment. Not quite. Mitsubishi needs a direct competitor to the base WRX and as we've seen already, the Ralliart moniker is coming back, and it won't be limited to a couple of stickers and 15-inch O.Z. wheels.

Some European journalists were assembled by Mitsubishi this week (likely an Evo X ride and drive) and it was revealed that a five-door version of the Lancer would be made available abroad sporting a 260 hp engine and the Evolution IX's all-wheel-drive system. If this is the same setup as the Ralliart Lancer we'll be getting in the U.S., that pegs the 2008 Subaru WRX with a 36 hp deficiency, not to mention the wizardry of the last generation Evo AWD system.

Also noted in the article were three different versions of the Evolution X that our friends across the pond will get in the coming years, with models creating 295 hp, 330 hp and 360 hp. No surprise, since they've been blessed with a number of FQ-models over the course of the Evo's lifespan.

[Source: 4Car]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/mitsubishi-lancer-ralliart-to-have-260-hp-engine-evo-ixs-awd/

A 5 door Ralliart with AWD and 260 hp could be an option for me, but I think its introduction will be too late for me.

Anyone have more information on the Lancer based Ralliart coming to Canada or the USA?

It's been generally accepted that the sales success of the first generation Subaru Impreza WRX caused Mitsubishi to rethink its policy of keeping the Evo off U.S.-bound boats. The Evolution's introduction in the States was quickly followed by the STI's, and all was right in the AWD performance segment. Not quite. Mitsubishi needs a direct competitor to the base WRX and as we've seen already, the Ralliart moniker is coming back, and it won't be limited to a couple of stickers and 15-inch O.Z. wheels.

Some European journalists were assembled by Mitsubishi this week (likely an Evo X ride and drive) and it was revealed that a five-door version of the Lancer would be made available abroad sporting a 260 hp engine and the Evolution IX's all-wheel-drive system. If this is the same setup as the Ralliart Lancer we'll be getting in the U.S., that pegs the 2008 Subaru WRX with a 36 hp deficiency, not to mention the wizardry of the last generation Evo AWD system.

Also noted in the article were three different versions of the Evolution X that our friends across the pond will get in the coming years, with models creating 295 hp, 330 hp and 360 hp. No surprise, since they've been blessed with a number of FQ-models over the course of the Evo's lifespan.

[Source: 4Car]

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/24/mitsubishi-lancer-ralliart-to-have-260-hp-engine-evo-ixs-awd/#comments

I like very muchie! :peace:

Very interesting that it gets the 9's AWD system which basically lacks YAW when compared to the X's AWD.

Now I want to see what kind of engine they are using :)

Go mitsu.
Now we just need pricing.

Thanks Kooldino for merging my repost!

haha

If it is priced at around mid 20s, then its going to be an instant hit.

5 door? hmmm... i don't know how well that will look.

5 door? hmmm... i don't know how well that will look.

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/tm_june2007/1-lancer-sportback.jpg
Larger Pic: http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp-content/plugins/iimage-gallery.php?idpost=5192&idg=1&idi=1

http://images.leftlanenews.com/content/tm_june2007/2-lancer-sportback.jpg

Larger Pic: http://www.leftlanenews.com/wp-content/plugins/iimage-gallery.php?idpost=5192&idg=1&idi=2

Now that is a nice hatch.

Would hate to show up at Speedy Auto Glass and ask to have that windshield replaced! Of course, the production car will look nothing like this prototype and will have a typical windshield. As long as it doesn't look like past sportback lancer's which I think are much much uglier than the WRX wagon and STI.

I would hit it.

More Ralliart coverage:
http://www.cartoday.com/content/news/singlepage.asp?in=8841
http://www.cartoday.com/images/news/2007/11/lancersport3_305.jpg
http://www.cartoday.com/images/news/2007/11/lancersport4_305.jpg
http://www.cartoday.com/images/news/2007/11/lancersport5_305.jpg
Thursday, 29 November 2007

Lancer Ralliart sets WRX in its sights

The new Mitsubishi Lancer is easily one of the more striking designs to come out of Japan of late, and as promised earlier this year, Mitsubishi will also produce a five-door hatchback version – though the word is out that Minatoku-based manufacturer will also offer the hatch in Ralliart form

The 2005 Lancer Sportback Concept was the initial design behind which the current Lancer is based, and it could prove to be the major inspiration of the Lancer Ralliart. The Lancer is being well-received globally for its in-your-face styling cues and dynamic improvements over previous models, but Ralliart models of yore have equated to little more than slightly different lines, special badging and limited-edition wheels.

The Lancer Ralliart will now be a bit beefier, with Mitsubishi equipping it with a 190 kW engine and the same all-wheel drive system used in the Evolution IX. Combine that with a hatchback body and you have quite the rival for Subaru’s Impreza WRX, which also happens to be a five-door hatchback.

Because Mitsubishi’s top-of-the-range Lancer Evos have always been in an age-old battle with Subaru’s own king-of-the-food chain WRX STI, the next best thing were Lancers that could never really compete with the WRX Impreza in terms of specifications.

The only thing Mitsubishi has to be cautious about is that placing its tried-and-tested 2,0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine into a lighter body that also happens to have four-wheel drive – a move that could potentially negate the need for an Evo. Although seeing as this formula has previously worked for Subaru, it’s highly unlikely that die-hard Evo fans will opt for a “lesser” Mitsubishi.

If the sleek, coupe-like looks of the Lancer Sportback Concept are what the designers are aiming at, and the engineers stick to a 190 kW engine and all-wheel drive, then the Lancer Ralliart could well shake up the hot hatch establishment when it finally breaks cover.

Don’t forget to check if CAR’s resident hot-hatch king, the Ford Focus ST can withstand the onslaught from pretenders-to-the-throne Renault Megane R26 F1, Mazda3 MPS and Subaru Impreza WRX in a “winner takes all” battle for the hot hatch crown. Only in the latest issue of CAR magazine, on sale now

^those pics are old, but regardless, it looks like Mitsu has a good idea on how to do a 5 door.