Mitsubishi Lancer RalliArt Unveiled at Detroit

Between Lancer and Evo
by Frank de Leeuw van Weenen
January 14, 2008 5:52 PM
Filed Under: Detroit Auto Show, Japanese, Mitsubishi

Between Lancer and Evo

Mitsubishi has launched the 2009 Lancer Ralliart at the Detroit Motor Show yesterday. The Ralliart version is situated between the regular Mitsubishi Lancer and its high-performance brother the Evolution X.

The Lancer Ralliart is powered by a 2.0 liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine producing 235 hp. The engine is coupled to Mitsubishi's new Twin Clutch-SST gearbox which can be used as a full automatic or with paddle-shifters. Of course the Lancer Ralliart comes with four-wheel-drive which features Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD delivers torque to where it is needed most by using a multi-plate cutch center differential, allowing for optimum traction on whatever surface you may be driving (tarmac, gravel or snow).

The exterior of the Ralliart is more aggressive than the regular Lancer with a new front bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a lightweight aluminium, ducted hood. Inside the designers focused on function and vehicle control, features include FAST key, hands free telephone interface, the EVO Twin Clutch-SST shifter and paddle shifters, optinal are Recaro seats, HID headlight and power sunroof.

Source: Mitsubishi
Press Release (Click to expand)

2009 Lancer Ralliart

The Lancer Ralliart model is the latest addition to the sporty Lancer compact car family. This new model reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance to be well positioned between the Lancer and the Lancer Evolution models.

Lancer Ralliart is powered by a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that delivers highly-efficient power transmission while enhancing the sporty driving qualities of the vehicle with lightning-quick, silky-smooth, paddle-actuated shifts or programmed fully-auto modes. The Lancer Ralliart's full-time 4WD driveline features Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD unit 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.

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 equipped with FAST key, hands free telephone interface, the same Twin Clutch-SST shifter used on Lancer Evolution, and easily accessible steering column mounted paddle shifters.

Available equipment and options to include: Recaro seats, HID headlights, 650 watt Rockford Fosgate 9-speaker audio system, Sirius satellite radio, power sunroof, and a 30 GB Hard Drive Navigation system.

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Comments

needs abit lower, looks high. thank god the spoiler not high nice and sleek

by mcwong | January 14, 2008 6:25 PM
of course they know that making it high will increase tha air resistence . i don't their point .why don't they make it more special its not cooler than the usual lancer

by blaconque | January 15, 2008 1:27 AM
best Lancer until now!

by Pentium | January 15, 2008 6:24 PM
Unlike the last gen Ralliart this one has AWD, which seems to be derived from the Evo. So Mitsu finally went and crafted a WRX competitor. And now that Subaru's styling and feel have gone softer, I'll be really curious to see if this goes that route or (hopefully) gives Mitsu the AWD Evo-lite that it needs. If it does, the current WRX will lose all appeal to me.

by StickForLife | January 15, 2008 6:30 PM

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