2010 Mitsubishi RVR Details, Pricing and Pictures

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation announced that its all-new compact crossover Mitsubishi RVR went on sale throughout Japan from February 17, 2010. The Mitsubishi RVR is an ideal compact crossover which achieves superior utility and running performance, excellent environmental efficiency (all models qualify for the Japanese domestic eco-car tax reduction), and a refined interior and exterior in a compact size at an accessible price (¥1,785,000 ~ ¥2,449,650, consumption tax included).

The new Mitsubishi RVR provides outstanding fuel efficiency from its lightweight, compact body. With the panoramic field of view of an SUV, the Mitsubishi RVR is easy to drive and provides turn-on-a-dime maneuverability. The vehicle is the ideal compact crossover, with ample luggage space for every application from daily driving to leisure outings.

The power train combines a 1.8-liter, 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine with an INVECS-III sport mode 6-speed CVT. The vehicle features a regenerative braking system (high-efficiency electric power generation control), electric power steering, improved aerodynamics and other low-fuel consumption technologies down to fine detail, resulting in a 75% reduction from the Japanese FY 2005 emissions gas standards and exceeding the FY 2010 fuel efficiency requirements by 15%. All models qualify for the Japanese eco-car tax reduction (50% tax reduction to promote the popularization of environmentally-friendly cars).

The Mitsubishi RVR also incorporates super-wide HID headlights which provide a wide, ultra-bright beam for safe night driving, a panoramic glass roof (with LED illumination) for a sense of spaciousness during the day and a romantic ambiance at night, and push-button ignition. The vehicle has a refined and sporty interior with a black color scheme, silver highlights, and smooth, soft padding.

The Mitsubishi RVR is equipped with an advanced in-car entertainment including a terrestrial digital TV tuner HDD navigation system and a "link system" with USB, Bluetooth and other connections for music players and other external devices.

Exterior

"Jet fighter" grille, the design identity of Mitsubishi Motors, on the front mask.

Sporty, energetic exterior lines and a curving roof line with superior aerodynamics considering front, side and rear drag reduction, to express a dynamic silhouette.

LED brake lights at the rear which provide superior visibility.

Available in eight body colors including two new colors "Titanium Metallic Gray" and "Kawasemi Metallic Blue," which resembles the stunning azure feathers of the kingfisher (kawasemi in Japanese).

Interior

Comfortable passenger interior using smooth, soft padding, mesh fabric, and a sporty appearance with silver highlights accenting the black keynote color scheme.

Elegance with plating on the gearshift frame and a genuine leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshift knob.

Packaging

Compact body with a total length of 4,295mm; superior packaging featuring a panoramic field of view for easy travel around town.

Comfortable interior space and superior stability from the 2,670 mm-long wheel base.

Power Train

The power train combines a high-output, high fuel efficiency 1.8-liter, 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine (maximum output: 102kW[139PS]/6,000rpm; maximum torque: 172Nm [17.5kgfm] / 4,200rpm) with a paddle shift INVECS-III sport mode 6-speed CVT. Low (Japanese 10-15 mode) fuel consumption at the best level in its class of 15.2km/L for 2WD and 15.0km/L for 4WD models, achieved from a regenerative braking system (high efficiency electric power generation control), electric power steering, reduced friction engine and other fuel efficiency technologies combined with improved aerodynamic performance, resulting in a 75% reduction from the Japanese FY 2005 emissions gas standards (☆☆☆☆) and exceeding the Japanese FY 2010 fuel efficiency requirements by 15%. All models qualify for the Japanese eco-car tax reduction (50% tax reduction to promote the popularization of environmentally-friendly cars).

Mitsubishi aims to slash i-MiEV price by 2012

Mitsubishi is aiming to cut the price of its electric i-MiEV model to just 2 million yen (equivalent to just £14,820) by 2012, Japanese publication Nikkei reports today.

The electric car model has been criticised for its very high price tag of £38,699 including VAT-this compares to just £28,350 for its main rival- the Nissan Leaf.

While both models will benefit from price-reducing grants and incentives in countries including the UK, US and Japan, the i-MiEV remains nonetheless much more expensive than its larger, more family-friendly rival.

But today, the Japanese firm hit back, claiming that it expects the price can be cut by nearly half within the nest two years as the scales of economy tip in its favour. Price cuts will come to make the model more competitive with hybrids while mass production of lithium ion batteries, the most expensive component of an electric vehicle, will help lower costs sharply.

An unnamed source at Mitsubishi told Nikkei that the electric model, originally priced at 4.59 million yen when it was unveiled last July, will effectively sell for 2 million yen after factoring in government subsidies.

Likewise, in the UK the i-MiEV is expected to benefit from Government grants of £5,000 to reduce its price to just under £34,000.

Mitsubishi ASX car review

Priced from £14,999 to £22,049 it’s competitively positioned, and being a Mitsubishi the level of equipment available is good, even with the entry-level ASX 2 trim level.

The Mitsubishi ASX is available with a 115bhp 1.6-litre petrol or 147bhp 1.8-litre DiD turbodiesel engine, the latter getting two- or four-wheel drive. Of the two, it’s the diesel engine which offers the best performance and most advanced technology.

Mitsubishi-developed diesel

It’s the world’s first diesel car fitted with variable valve timing, a technology pioneered in petrol engines. The result is a 1.8-litre motor with the power of a bigger engine. And it performs as well in the real world as it does on paper, with a quiet and smooth power delivery and willingness to rev.

In fourth gear in particular the 1.8-litre DiD ASX has a surprising turn of speed, making overtakes quick and safe. It reaches 62mph from a standstill in 9.7 seconds (10 for the 4×4) and has a top speed of 124mph.

It also manages 51.4mpg (49.6 for the four-wheel drive) and emits 145g/km of CO2 (or 150g/km). The petrol engine can achieve 47.1mpg while emitting 138g/km of CO2.

Mitsubishi has worked hard on improving economy and the ASX is fitted with stop and start technology, regenerative braking, low-consumption lights, low rolling-resistance tyres, electric power steering and uses low viscosity engine oil. And, while it might not look it, it’s also one of the most aerodynamic small SUVs on the market.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

New for the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT is a three-mode (Tarmac, Snow and Lock), adjustable all-wheel-drive (S-AWC in Mitsu-speak) system derived from the Lancer Evolution. This uses a first-in-class active front differential and an electronic center diff to swap power fore, aft, port and starboard to offer unparalleled &mash; at least in the crossover segment — traction and stability. The Outlander still has magnesium shift paddles and aluminum pedals. It's still got a strong 3.0-liter V6, keyless entry and ignition, and a totally bitchin' (if awkwardly named) Flap-Folding Tailgate for our cameramen to shoot from.

The new stuff for 2010 includes a revised, full-color multi-information display that replaces the red dot-matrix display that cursed the old car. The stereo has also been bolstered by the addition of a USB input with iPod connectivity via a hands-free system that also handles Bluetooth calling. (Don't worry, though; the yellow/white/red plugs are still available.) The Rockford Fosgate stereo has also been turned up to 11 now, pumping out an additional 60 watts of boom for a total of 710 watts through eight speakers and a 10-inch subwoofer. And while our 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander had a 30GB music storage system, Mitsubishi's now added some extra there for the 2010 Outlander, so we've got 40GB.

Mitsubishi's 3.0-liter V6 with variable valve timing has been upgraded as well. The engine now makes 230 hp at 6,250 rpm and 215 pound-feet of torque at 3,750 rpm. Thanks to the 2010 Outlander's incorporation of Mitsubishi's new auto-neutral feature that disengages the transmission when the computers feel that freewheeling is more fuel-efficient, the new SUV's EPA ratings have improved, but only by 1 mpg across the board — 18 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.

But as much as we appreciate any bump in power, we have to keep in mind for the duration of this test that the Toyota RAV4 can be equipped with a 269-hp V6. It's one thing to look fast and point out one's rally heritage, but it's another thing altogether to get smoked off the line by Sam Soccer-dad in a Toyota. Is the existence of the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT justified on looks and handling alone?

Mitsubishi to cut prices of its i-MiEV electric car

Mitsubishi i-MiEV

In order to capitalize on the growing popularity of lower priced cars, Mitsubishi is aiming to lower the price of its electric vehicles to $21,890 by 2012; that is 30% below current prices. The main contributing component to the price of the cars is the Li batteries, of which mass production is expected to lower the costs significantly.

Mitsubishi has a plant coming online in April of 2012, which will produce 70,000 units per year, cutting battery costs to less than 1 million yen per vehicle, from 2.5 million yen. A spokesman for the company has said that Mitsubishi aims to reduce the price of its i-MiEV electric car by lowering output costs, but a time frame has not yet been set.

Mitsubishi has announced a starting price for the car in Germany of about 48,000 euros, or $59,390. The company is also set however, to build versions of the car for its partner PSA/Peugeot-Citroen, which has said that the vehicles will retail for about 35,000 euros before incentives, and less than 30,000 after incentives.

Mitsubishi to slash electric-car price: report

Japanese auto maker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (JP:7211 118.00, +2.00, +1.72%) /quotes/comstock/11i!mmtof (MMTOF 1.23, -0.05, -3.91%) will cut the cost of its electric car to about 2 million yen ($22,000) by 2012, according to a report Friday. Mitsubishi Motors will use savings from high-volume production of the batteries for its i-MiEV car to lower the vehicle's price by some 30% when government subsidies are included, the Nikkei business daily said in an unsourced report. The savings will be available once a new battery plant comes on line in April 2012, the report said.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S First look

The 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S AWC has just gotten better and by better we mean in the looks department for one.

Mitsubishi has given the 2010 Outlander the same aggressive front nose featured on the Lancer. At first glance one may think it is a jacked up Lancer on steroids. One may also question the power plant under the hood? Could the folks at Mitsubishi gone mad and placed the Lancer Evolution engine under the hood? Not quite but one can still dream at this point.

More specifically the Outlander GT S AWC we tested has a smooth and powerful V-6 under the hood, which is good for 230 hp at 6,250 rpm. Some other publications have tested the car 0-60 and revealed a time in the low 7’s, which means this Outlander GT-S, is no slouch.

Back to the thoughts on it’s brother car the Lancer Evolution: the Outlander GT S AWC also shares the same Super All Wheel Control System (S-AWC) found in the Lancer Evolution which means that this sporty crossover is more than capable of taking a few corners.

Mitsubishi i-Miev pioneers

Drive one of Mitsubishi's i-Miev electric cars from San Francisco to Sacramento. But there were two things wrong. No. 1, the i-Miev is based on Mitsubishi's i model, a Japanese Kei-class car designed for cities and not the length of high-speed freeway we would drive into California's Central Valley. No 2, it is 85 miles from San Francisco to Sacramento and Mitsubishi puts the i-Miev's best range at 80 miles.

We can solve one of these problems with a stop at a new Eaton rapid charger in Vacaville, about 55 miles outside of San Francisco. That charger should bring the i-Miev's batteries to an 80 percent charge in 25 minutes, reminding us that "rapid" is a relative term. Mitsubishi scheduled a lunch during the recharge stop, as five i-Mievs would need to take turns at the single charging station.

We were presented with a small number of i-Mievs, various test cars that had been brought over to California from Japan, all with right-hand drive. Our first lesson in right-hand drive is that you turn on the windshield wipers to signal a turn.

2011 Mitsubishi i-Miev EV Test Drive

2011 Mitsubishi i-Miev EV
Alternative fuels are still stuck inside the chicken-and-the-egg dilemma. No one wants to commit to building an alternate fueling infrastructure (the egg) before there’s a critical mass of vehicles (the chicken) out there to use it. And vice versa. Frustrating as that logic loop is to be caught in, there are indications that there are ways out of it. One ray of sunshine (literally) is the quick charger station for electric vehicles in Vacaville, Calif.

Mitsubishi, which is planning to send a version of its i-Miev electric car here next year, seized upon the Vacaville charging station as a solid excuse for a press event touting both its vehicle and the potential infrastructure represented by the quick charger.

The plan was straightforward: A group of journalists would travel in five Japanese-market i-Mievs from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge and then northeast up I-80 to Vacaville. That’s a total of just about 54 miles; within the i-Miev’s range as long as the air conditioning wasn’t turned on and the drivers were careful.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV Electric Vehicle Showcased at NSW Parliament House

Mitsubishi electric car i-Miev to be part of a NSW Government trial by the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water (DECCW). Mitsubishi’s innovative i-MiEV electric vehicle has today been showcased at NSW Parliament House as part of a NSW Government Trial.

The vehicle, one of only two in the country, is being trialled this week by staff at the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water (DECCW) to test its performance as part of a working fleet. During an official inspection NSW Environment and Climate Change Minister Frank Sartor met with Mitsubishi's Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Paul Unerkov, received a brief presentation on Mitsubishi’s benchmark electric vehicle technology, and enjoyed a drive in the snappy city commuter.

Mr Sartor is enthusiastic about the potential of electric vehicles in NSW. “Our fleet has about 25,000 vehicles so the potential for electric cars to help us make savings in carbon emissions is huge," he said.

Mr Sartor said the NSW Government has formed an Electric Vehicle Taskforce to look at the technology, infrastructure, policy, and legislation that would ensure motorists could gain early access to electric vehicles.

Mr Unerkov said “The team at Mitsubishi Motors is proud to be at the forefront of the evolution of environmentally sound motoring in Australia and is looking forward to working with the government on creating a sustainable future”.

Mitsubishi Confirms ASX Crossover Vehicle for Australia

Mitsubishi ASX Compact Crossover

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has confirmed its new sub-compact all-wheel drive vehicle will be known as the ASX when it arrives in Australia in August.

According to MMAL’s president and CEO, Masahiko Takahashi, the ASX nameplate is based on the concept of an “Active Smart Crossover.”

“The ASX is primarily a city car - very stylish and manoeuvrable around town - and the adoption of the European brand name reflects this.

“But ASX is more than just a pretty face. It also has the added benefit of being very smart, especially in terms of the technology that drives its engineering, design and all-wheel drive ability,” Takahashi said.

The ASX is closely based on the Concept-cX show car, first unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The vehicle is available in Europe and Japan with a variety of power plants, and the choice of either two or four-wheel drive configurations.

While MMAL has not yet revealed full specifications for the ASX range, the company has confirmed that the Australian line-up will include both diesel and petrol engines and will be available for sale in Australia in August.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

The Outlander 2010 is further enhanced with a theft protection device, alloy brakes and clutch control.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander GT

The refurbished beige leather interiors enhance the stylishness of the vehicle, along with warm and cool upper glove box, leather-wrapped door trims and instrument panels, the AC control panel knob with chrome ring and high-contract meter combination. The Outlander 2010 is also equipped with technologically advanced 650W Premium Rockford Fosgate sound systems, with 9 speakers in 7 positions.

The Outlander's lifestyle quotient is further enhanced with other features like a new Adaptive Front Lighting System, a new grille with chrome accents, new front bumpers, redesigned front fenders, mirror mounted turn indicators, new door and dash trims, USB port, AUX-IN port, aluminum pedals, leather covered instrument panel, roof rails, new combination meter and auto-folding Outside Rear View Mirrors.

The Outlander 2010 is priced at Rs. 19.95 lacs, (ex-showroom), all-India, and is available in an exciting range of new colors, including Catwalk Silver, Haute Red, Chic Black, Cool Aqua Metallic, Vogue White, Shimmering Ash, Runway Grey, Primavera Purple and Glitterati Green.

The unveiling of the vehicle was followed by the launch of Rohit Bal's Outlander Signature Collection, including a stunning new line of garments that reflect the spirit of the Outlander 2010. Comprising a stunning new line that embodies power, grace and elegance, the collection reflects the spirit of the Outlander 2010. The sharp and slick look of the new line also underscores the perfect blend of luxury and style that the vehicle symbolises.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport meaning 15 inches shorter than the Outlander S.U.V., the Outlander Sport is an appeal to members of Generation Y who dream of racing, but need a more practical vehicle. Mitsubishi calls it an entry-level compact crossover. Mitsubishi is betting on it. Shinichi Kurihara, the company’s president and chief executive, said Mitsubishi was counting on the Sport to “become our volume leader” and “outpace sales of all Outlanders combined.”

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-X for a June 2010 launch

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo-X

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (Evo X) Car

Sometime ago, we brought you news about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X coming to India on the May 1st, 2010. Now, the date of the launch has been once again advanced to sometime in June and this is what Rediff Business reported a few days ago.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo’s launch has become more of a damp squib now as Lancer enthusiasts across the country have been tired of waiting for the Evo’s launch since ages.

Hindustan Motors never really woke up from it’s slumber so far and this new development is a something that might bring some cheer to the hordes waiting for the 300Bhp legend’s launch in India. Here’s what the marketing head of Hindustan-Mitsubishi Motors, Pritam Saikia, had to say about the Misubishi Lancer Evo’s launch.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 15 inches shorter than the Outlander S.U.V., the Outlander Sport is an appeal to members of Generation Y who dream of racing, but need a more practical vehicle. Mitsubishi calls it an entry-level compact crossover.

Mitsubishi is betting on it. Shinichi Kurihara, the company’s president and chief executive, said Mitsubishi was counting on the Sport to “become our volume leader” and “outpace sales of all Outlanders combined.”

Mitsubishi Outlander makes a move in crossover class

Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander GT doesn't exactly leap to mind when discussing the crossover category of vehicles.

But auto reviewer Scott Wasser says the Outlander stands out in several ways in a crowded class.

Styling is one reason. The Outlander, which has been around in its current form since 2006, is offered in four different trim levels, and all of them received a noticeable facelift for 2010.

"The Outlander was comfortable and relatively quiet on the interstate and fun to drive around town," Wasser says in his latest review. "It seemed more enthusiastic than most competitors about taking on twisting back roads, perhaps a tribute to Mitsubishi's road rally heritage."

Starting prices range from $20,840 for a front-wheel drive ES to $29,250 for an all-wheel drive GT like the vehicle tested. While Wasser liked the Outlander's styling and performance, he notes the price on the vehicle he tested was as much as some luxurious midsize crossovers.

The vehicle, he says, is well suited for consumers who want a sporty and versatile compact crossover and would rather stand out from the crowd than blend into it.

2010 Mitsubishi ASX

2010 Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) will premiere its ASX all-new compact crossover from Tuesday March 2, 2010 to Sunday March 14, 2010 at the 80th Geneva International Motor Show held at the Geneva Palexpo in Switzerland.

The ASX is the European-spec version of the Japanese RVR, which is slated to go on sale in Japan from February 2010. MMC's new compact crossover will seat 5 and will be sequentially introduced in European countries from late spring 2010, aimed at expanding MMC's passenger car footprint in the region, following in the footsteps of the larger and recently redesigned Outlander mid-size crossover.

Amongst other available powertrains, the European-spec version will be fitted with an all-new Euro 5-compliant 1.8L turbocharged direct-injection diesel engine jointly developed by MMC and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and will feature "Automatic Stop & Go" technology. Together with a 6-speed manual transmission, this combination will provide high environmental efficiency.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander RX Special Edition

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander RX Special Edition

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the release of an Outlander RX special edition model. With unique interior and exterior specifications, the Outlander RX is a stylish new vehicle offering exceptional value for money.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander RX Special Edition

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced the release of an Outlander RX special edition model. With unique interior and exterior specifications, the Outlander RX is a stylish new vehicle offering exceptional value for money.

Mitsubishi recalls 2004 Endeavor, 2010 Galant

Mitsubishi is recalling both the 2004 Endeavor SUV and 2010 Galant sedan over possible corrosion issues that could cause flammable fluids to leak. The safety recall affects approximately 56,113 Endeavors and 2,307 Galants across the United States.

The Endeavors in question are those that were originally sold or currently registered in states where road salt is used to clear away snow and ice in the winter. According to NHTSA, road salt, mixed with other debris, can become trapped between the Endeavor's fuel filler pipe and a reinforcing bracket, which can cause corrosion and potentially a fuel leak. As for the Galant, the automatic transmission oil cooler pipe on some vehicles may have insufficient corrosion-preventing plating. If so, this pipe can develop a hole, meaning transmission fluid can potentially seep out.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring

Base Price: $41,710

As-Tested Price: $41,710

Drivetrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4; AWD, six-speed sequential manual

Output: 291 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,594 lb

Fuel Economy: (EPA/AW) 19/16.0 mpg

Options: None

Mitsubishi Ralliart dies

Mitsubishi’s Ralliart motorsport arm is no more.

It’s headline news due to Ralliart’s involvement in a plethora of Mitsubishi performance cars. Lancer Evolutions have worn the Ralliart name, while it’s also the tag attached to current Colt and Lancer hot hatchbacks.

However, the closure of Ralliart in this instance is simply the sunset for Mitsubishi’s motorsport involvement. The days of WRC glory are a thing of the past while the firm ceased competition in the Dakar rally last year, too. The lack of racing activity has drawn a sensible line under the company’s Ralliart arm.

Development of performance metal, such as the current Mitsubishi Evo X, has been in-house with Mitsubishi for a while, so we’ve been promised no noticeable change as a result of Ralliart’s announcement. Bring on the XI, then…

Mitsubishi RVR Crossover Going Global

Mitsubishi is expanding its plans to make its RVR compact crossover into a true global model. The RVR is now on sale in Tokyo — and will come to the U.S. badged as the Outlander Sport.

Mitsubishi will confirm details of the U.S. launch in April at the 2010 New York Auto Show. The CUV is expected in the U.S. this fall, most likely as a 2011 model. Mitsubishi has already confirmed its plans to sell the model in Europe with the ASX nameplate and will present it at the upcoming 2010 Geneva Auto Show. The new CUV will also go to China, where it will make its premiere at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show in late April.

Along with the name change, Mitsubishi will also be changing specifications. While the Japan-market RVR comes with a 1.8-liter engine and continuously variable transmission, plus the choice of front-wheel drive or full-time 4WD, models for Europe will be offered with 1.6-liter gasoline and 1.8-liter diesel options, plus a manual transmission.

For North America, however, Mitsubishi is on line to upgrade the CUV to a punchier, Lancer-derived 2.0-liter four. Whether the all-wheel-drive option and stick shift make it across the Pacific remains to be seen.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Will Include Hybrid Drivetrain

A new Motor Trends report indicates that the next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will go plug-in hybrid. We saw a glimpse of what a hybrid Evolution might offer when the PX-MiEV concept made its way to Tokyo. The production version will be based on the concept’s platform.

The Lancer Evolution XI will feature a 2.0-liter MIVEC turbo four-cylinder engine worth an estimated 320 hp paired with an electric motor from the i Miev. The motor will power the front wheels under most standard driving conditions and, when needed, the engine will kick in some rear-wheel assistance.

The result will be a combination of power and efficiency, boosting mileage through a several-mile electric-only range while delivering a solid 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Here at Super Street, we've never really marched to the beat of our own drums when it comes to building project cars. Through the years our staff has taken on most of the Honda and Acura makes, turned out a S-chassis Nissan or two, and oddly enough, had a Skyline and Super GT Supra. OEMs have turned to us many times, too, for our input and for 2010, we're partnering up with Mitsubishi to see if we can turn out their new Lancer Sportback Ralliart in pure SS form.

You might be thinking, "Why not a Evo X GSR?" - well, we asked ourselves that, too. Despite a more powerful engine configuration and tuned suspension/brake package, the GSR already has plenty of aftermarket support for it; the Ralliart - and more specifically the Sportback version - is newer and since it's one step down from the Evo means it needs a little help, especially if it wants become the type of car its older brother is. All is not lost, however, because the Ralliart is still a performer. Using a different induction configuration and single scroll turbo on this 4B11, it puts out very well at 237hp (about 50hp less than the GSR) with 253lb-ft, and essentially uses the same drivetrain found in the Evo 9 - not to mention it's blessed with a Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST), similar to the style (not the exact unit) the current Evo X MR has. That means you can drive it like an "auto" or use the paddle shifters for manual operation; we love both. TC-SST also gives us two different driving modes - Normal and Sport - and can even be adjusted for three driving surfaces: Tarmac, Snow and Gravel.

So what's the game plan? Quite simple. We're going to max-out performance for the stock engine configuration first - maybe a new hardpipe kit, air filter, downpipe, exhaust and ECU re-flash; then we'll see if the rumors of trading out to a GSR manifold/turbo and re-flash for 300hp is true. We want this to be a primo street car that can handle light track time, so we'll be setting it up with coilover dampers and stiffer sway bars as product development draws near. One area that will seriously be addressed is the brakes; the Ralliart suffers from not having the same Brembo calipers the GSR and MR models have and we've been told by Mitsubishi that they're not compatible, so we're exploring performance upgrades from larger caliper kits to new rotors, pads and lines. And since this is a Sportback, we'll be looking towards European wagon styling to see how we can set this Lancer apart. Ralliart Japan, anyone? Slammed? Phat ass wheels? You know this! The options really are open and endless at this stage, and you can bet that we'll be working with key manufacturers and tuners to do this car right.