http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/mitsubishi-releases-official-details-on-lancer-ralliart/#comments

Apologies to our friends at Carscoop, but we must qualify the details we're about to share with you on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart because we haven't seen the actual press release for ourselves. Perhaps they're privy to some long-lead info over there, however, that we're not, as the details are specific enough as to sound convincing.

Regardless, Carscoop is reporting that the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart will be a 5-door hatchback model in Europe and be based on the sedan in the U.S. Power will reportedly come from a detuned version of the EVO X's 2.0L turbo-four producing 240 PS, or about 236 horsepower if you want to be stickler about conversions. Surprisingly, the Lancer Ralliart is also pegged to come with Mitsubishi's 6-speed Twin-Clutch SST transmission, a piece of kit only available on the top level Lancer EVO MR. The EVO GSR makes do with a simple 5-speed. Of course, the Ralliart model will also be aided by the same Super-All Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system used by the EVO X, as well Active Yaw Control and Active Center Differential. Other notable features include an aluminum hood, Recaro front seats, a sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and a special Ralliart radiator grille.

If these facts hold true, then the Ralliart will be the weapon used by Mitsubishi to take on the Subaru WRX around the world. In the past, Mitsubishi has allowed the Subaru WRX free reign, choosing to field a much less potent version of the Lancer Ralliart. No more.

UPDATE: Channel4 substantiates the information provided by Carscoop, adding that the Lancer Ralliart will also get rain-sensing wipers, auto xenon headlamps and headlamp washers.

[Source: Carscoop]

It almost looks better than the Evo X?! what gives! :uzi:

Wow, the Ralliart looks pretty sweet. Strap on a bigger turbo and you have an Evo MR.

Wow, the Ralliart looks pretty sweet. Strap on a bigger turbo and you have an Evo MR.

Boy I would hope that is not the case, I would feel dumbfounded buying an Evo X MR.

I'm sure it will lack a lot of the niceties that the X has, but I hope it takes a good chunk of market away from the WRX.

hmmm..sawc from the X? i thought it was gonna only have the 9 awd system

I'm sure it will lack a lot of the niceties that the X has, but I hope it takes a good chunk of market away from the WRX.

I think the new 08 WRX is already solving that problem (taking away a good chunk of market from the WRX).

But I want the 5 door hatchback!!! Anyword on which version Canada might get? I bet they just go with the same as the US. Damn it!

There is no way that info is accurate; the SST tranny alone has got to be what, at least 3K+; with the SAWC from the X added too it can't be less than the GSR by much if any. Also the X is bigger than the Lancer; I don't see how that would all fit on the Lancer body.

I'm thinking that info may be for a Rally Art Evo more than a Rally Art Lancer.

Straight from the horse's mouth, official '08 Lancer RallyArt specs.

where'd u get this? any other info? Colors? release date? Priceing?

There is no way that info is accurate; the SST tranny alone has got to be what, at least 3K+; with the SAWC from the X added too it can't be less than the GSR by much if any. Also the X is bigger than the Lancer; I don't see how that would all fit on the Lancer body.

I'm thinking that info may be for a Rally Art Evo more than a Rally Art Lancer.


The S-AWC is just a fancy way of saying we've encorporated AYC into the mix and made the systems work together....so In a way I believe the S-AWC is the EVO IXs AWD system with a more refined computer unit and AYC...

Seriously if the Ralliart comes with S-AWC and TC-SST Count me in....


Well hmm...Hope I can squeeze 245mm tires on there.

It will all come down to the price. It's looking good so far to me, enough to wait on purchasing the GSR for a little while.

sry to disappoint but there is no S-AWC it only has AWD+AYC+ACD+HSD

sry to disappoint but there is no S-AWC it only has AWD+AYC+ACD+HSD
RA doesnt have AYC

sry to disappoint but there is no S-AWC it only has AWD+AYC+ACD+HSD

And it would just be ACD Sport ABS ASC (The ACD is what makes it AWD)

Can anyone find a release date for the ralliart, I think i will get the ralliart and trade in my gts on it. The engine differences between the ralliart and the evo are just better internals right?

Most of the info comes this link. its a good source to check!

http://media.mitsubishicars.com/Releases

Thanks man.

Can anyone find a release date for the ralliart, I think i will get the ralliart and trade in my gts on it. The engine differences between the ralliart and the evo are just better internals right?

If they use the same engine it will be just a detuned version. of the EVOX so they'll probably have a different cam profile and various other mechanical changes as well as electronic tuning changes.

wonder how strong the internals on it will be.

In a video i saw mitsubishi said that the differences between evo and ralliart are smaller amount of psi going into engine, smaller intercooler, no AYC, diff. camshaft setup, and behind the wheelwell it doesent have the little air way that the evo does.

.......Stupid question........ if the Evo X came out months ahead in Jpn, than when is the release date for the RallyArt there?? Can those of you living there give us the heads up on new info??

*Shrugs* Its obviously going to be later in the year man I have never heard it address as anything other then the 2009 Lancer Ralliart unlike for comparison the 2008 Lancer Evolution

Not as late as you would think for it being called a 09, my dealership was told that they can start ordering in april and the earliest they could get one might be may.

Pretty sure I read "summer" as the availabilty in one of the releases or blogs.

Damn, I wonder what it wieghs....

More on the RA from Mitsu...
http://www.mitsubishicars.com/media/evoinsider/2009_Lancer_Ralliart.pdf

The Ralliart sounds like its going to be the best buy for the buck HANDS DOWN, if the price is good it will be WAY more appealing to me than the Evo. If its the same engine and you tune it and put a bigger turbo in it...sounds like your veryy close to an Evo. I can't wait.

This is degrading to the Evo though :(

This is degrading to the Evo though :(

It drives me up the wall when people say things like this.

The RA is NOT degrading to the Evo, it has the potential to go just as fast on a strip with the right amount of mods, but thats not what the evo is about. The evo will always be able to kill the ra on a track, thanks to the more advanced awd system, and all of those fancy acronyms.

This is simply mitsu's WRX.

Is the WRX degrading to the STI?

This is degrading to the Evo though :(

Also as stated above more then just the better AWD system. Do not discredit the Larger contact patch. wider stance and shorter height and length..... They play a larger role then the number sizes let on...However with that said I think it will be easier to mod a RA to EVO specs...will it ever handle as good I dont think so..

I mean with out a doubt the Evo is better, I agree 100% but I mean the RA looks almost Identical to it minus the vents behind the wheel well and the missing Evolution badge, so if the RA cost $25-30k then the MR is going to cost about $10K more, it just seems unfair to Evo owners that less educated people will mistake the much cheaper RA for an Evo

I mean with out a doubt the Evo is better, I agree 100% but I mean the RA looks almost Identical to it minus the vents behind the wheel well and the missing Evolution badge, so if the RA cost $25-30k then the MR is going to cost about $10K more, it just seems unfair to Evo owners that less educated people will mistake the much cheaper RA for an Evo

Those are the key words...Let those people think they have an evo beater in the ralliart....We know better for a reason...we've done our "homework" and we have the passion that is required to drive a machine like the Evo

the same can be said between sti's and wrx's, s4's and a4's, m3's and 335i's, etc.....just because there are "lesser" versions that look similar doesnt diminish the demand for the top end model

the same can be said between sti's and wrx's, s4's and a4's, m3's and 335i's, etc.....just because there are "lesser" versions that look similar doesnt diminish the demand for the top end model
True, like if someone wants an evo..they're buying an Evo, but I'm sure they would be happier if there wernt those "lesser" versions, I know I would. Like if it was JUST the Evo, no lancer, no RA...I would love the car even more...thats just my personal opinion, I like having things other people don't, we all do

I think the more I dwell on it I would be much happier with the Lancer Ralliart...I get the feeling that it would detract from my learning experience as a driver as I would have a computer making corrections before I ever encounter errors....

And if the sensitivity of the S-AWC system is true this might be easier to mod especially since we know the TC-SST will take 300 lb-ft of torque...I'm sure adjusting the timing might be nothing more then simply changing the numbers in the RA's TCM to the EVOX TCM numbers

theres no S-AWC system on the RA

http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/futuremodels/index.asp

http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/images/futuremodels/lancer_ralliart_anim1.gif http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/images/futuremodels/lancer_ralliart_anim2.gif

"The Lancer Ralliart was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and there's no doubt it was the star of the show.

Following the successful launch of the iconic Lancer Evolution X, Mitsubishi has once again whetted the appetites of enthusiastic drivers everywhere with this stunning new model.

The car is planned to feature a dual valve, variable valve timing two litre turbo engine, producing 240PS. This will be mated to Mitsubishi's outstanding new 6 speed Twin Clutch Sports Shift Transmission, which has already received critical acclaim in the new Lancer Evolution X. The TC-SST transmission allows the driver to select between manual mode using a paddle shift mechanism, semi-auto mode, or full auto mode. It also comes with 3 driving modes; normal, sport and super sport to cover every type of desired driving style.

The performance that this engine and transmission combination produces is transferred to the road via the legendary Mitsubishi four wheel drive system, incorporating Active Yaw Control and an Active Centre Differential.

There is no doubt that this is going to be the hottest hot hatch around when it goes on sale later this year. "

In the US the Ralliarts just a slightly changed Evo, here its an awesome hatchback :P

True, like if someone wants an evo..they're buying an Evo, but I'm sure they would be happier if there wernt those "lesser" versions, I know I would. Like if it was JUST the Evo, no lancer, no RA...I would love the car even more...thats just my personal opinion, I like having things other people don't, we all do

I feel what you're saying bro! It's nice to have something that not everybody has and we do since I've yet to see only 1 X on the road although I have 3 new Lancer's in my neighborhood!

On the flip side of the coin, you must see it from the business stand point. I'll use the sad Ford Mustang. Lol. You KNOW when you see a GT Model or the real muscle version's that are good versus the base, cheap V6 model on the streets. The only way that car's to be profitable is that it broadens its share of range. If they only had the GT Model, it would be less popular and less successful. It's enough to keep Ford a player in the Us Market!

Now we all know Mitsubishi struggled some. But if they don't do a similar set up with the Evo, they are losing market-share. I don't know about you but I want Mitsubishi to stay in business; they're my favorite auto-maker. Last but not least, think of the popular 1 and 2G Eclipse. To this day I still get people walking up to me at the pump asking about my 1994 Eclipse and noticing my huge front mount. "Nice ride bro! You definitely have the nicer GSX, huh?!" What made that car popular was the bad ass turbo model that tore up the streets followed by the face time it had on the streets. So in other words believe this: ALL WHO LOVE THE X WILL NOTICE THAT YOU DRIVE THE STREET TERROR EVO X!!! So relax and let our car become and icon!

I
Now we all know Mitsubishi struggled some. But if they don't do a similar set up with the Evo, they are losing market-share. I don't know about you but I want Mitsubishi to stay in business; they're my favorite auto-maker. Last but not least, think of the popular 1 and 2G Eclipse. To this day I still get people walking up to me at the pump asking about my 1994 Eclipse and noticing my huge front mount. "Nice ride bro! You definitely have the nicer GSX, huh?!" What made that car popular was the bad ass turbo model that tore up the streets followed by the face time it had on the streets. So in other words believe this: ALL WHO LOVE THE X WILL NOTICE THAT YOU DRIVE THE STREET TERROR EVO X!!! So relax and let our car become and icon!


Nice to read your appreciation for Mitsubisbi.. I have a thing about them ever since we got our Shogun... (Montero for you Americans, and Pajero for other countries)

here in the UK, they have dominated the 4x4 markets, you see TONS of old Shoguns driving around, looking perfect... This shows how well mitsubishi builds its vehicles... They are everywhere... The L200, is an awesome pickup not sold in the US, (only the raider there, ew) and its dominated the pickup market in the UK, alongside the Nissan Navara (Titan in the US)... The evo is not much seen but still seems to be the best around. Everywhere you look you see Galants, Evos, L200s, Shoguns and Colts... They're the best maker IMO...

And this and the Standard Evo hopefully will dominate too.

theres no S-AWC system on the RA

I know theres no SAWC on the RA I was saying it might be more advantageous to the RA since it doesn't have it and its been reported through japanese tuners that the EVO X SAWC system is spec sensitive (Not self-learning)

I know theres no SAWC on the RA I was saying it might be more advantageous to the RA since it doesn't have it and its been reported through japanese tuners that the EVO X SAWC system is spec sensitive (Not self-learning)

What do you mean by advantageous? Cheaper cost? Or a better driver's car?

What do you mean by advantageous? Cheaper cost? Or a better driver's car?

Cheaper Cost, Better Ability to mod for example (brakes mods, driveshaft mods etc.) and above all else Drivers car.

man, I am on the same boat, I have to rationalize a RallyArt over the Evo. Since it'll be our first new car, the wife will want to get her female hands on it and I might pop a vein every time she asks. The RallyArt on the other hand might be less painful since its not as valueble!!! :thumbup:

what brakes do they come with?

Its not so much what brakes do they come with as opposed to Being able to switch to a performance pad change the brake lines kind of thing....LIke I said apparently the S-AWC system on the EVOX is from review not self-adjusting/stock spec sensitive

what brakes do they come with?
I'm wondering the same, as well as if/when there'll be a manual trans!!

Cheaper Cost, Better Ability to mod for example (brakes mods, driveshaft mods etc.) and above all else Drivers car.

No S-AWC = Driver's car?

A go-kart with direct drive rwd and no suspension is also a driver's car...

I like many new technologies, like airbags, abs brakes, traction control, etc. they come in handy, and you can still drive the car. True, intrusive systems can be annoying at times, and it is good to have the option to turn them off. Modding ability is a whole nuther kettle of fish.

No S-AWC = Driver's car?

A go-kart with direct drive rwd and no suspension is also a driver's car...

I like many new technologies, like airbags, abs brakes, traction control, etc. they come in handy, and you can still drive the car. True, intrusive systems can be annoying at times, and it is good to have the option to turn them off. Modding ability is a whole nuther kettle of fish.

No no no I'm not say that a car without S-AWC = drivers car...it could be likened to Manual vs. Automatic transmission debate...I like to still be able to see a flaw and correct it....SAWC pretty much erases that so I personally will have a greater appreciation in the Ralliart then I would the EVO X