All-new Mitsubishi Lancer Sports
With its sharp handling, crisp design and 35 year Lancer sporting credentials, the Lancer sports sedan will be a fresh alternative in Europe for customers of desirable, heritage-proud, non-mainstream, right-brained brands in the C-segment. In other words: not premium, but different and legitimate…
All-new from the wheels up
To be launched in Europe from the fourth quarter of 2007, the all-new Lancer sports sedan family will progressively expand to offer a complete line-up. Split into 4 powertrain levels (entry, mid-range, upper-range and supercar), it will propose 5 different engines, including the VAG-supplied 140 ps – 2.0 l Pump Jet Diesel already fitted to Grandis Di-D and Outlander Di-D and to made available from launch.
In North America, the new-generation Lancer is powered by a new 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine, with 152 hp at 6,000 rpm (Federal Tier 2, Bin 5 emissions) and 146 lb.-ft. / 197.9 Nm of peak torque at 4,250 rpm. (For states that require it, the PZEV-certified Lancer offers 143 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 143 lb.-ft. / 193.9 Nm of peak torque at 4,250 rpm.)
Across the Atlantic, the 2008 Lancer is available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS. The Lancer ES model projects a refined appearance with 5-spoke 16-in. alloy wheels, color-keyed door handles and mirrors and a chrome grille surround. Styling is even more stand-out on the GTS styling than on other Lancer models, with 10-spoke 18-in. alloy wheels, front and side air dams, standard fog lights, a rear spoiler and a chrome tailpipe tip.
First Mitsubishi in North America with a CVT
The new-generation Lancer is the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) in place of a conventional automatic transmission. When equipped with the CVT, the Lancer GTS exclusively features a 6-step Sportronic mode that allows the driver to manually control transmission operation using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters – a first in the segment.
In Europe, this CVT will be one of the different transmissions available according to the variants, next to a 5-speed manual, a 6-speed manual, or a 4-speed automatic gearbox for instance.
International Driving Character
This 10th generation Lancer since 1973 is built on a longer wheelbase and wider track – but with a slightly shorter overall length than the previous model.
A 60 mm increase in both the front and rear track dimensions – now 1530 mm – sets the stage for the new Lancer’s solid, stable handling capability. Wheelbase was lengthened to 2635 mm (from 2600 mm) and overall width is increased to 1760 mm (from 1695 mm). Overall length, however, has been reduced by 15 mm giving the new Lancer sports sedan a more road-hugging attitude that is especially evident with the GTS model’s standard 18-in. wheels.
Lancer’s highly rigid structure, which makes extensive use of high-strength steel, allows for sport-oriented suspension tuning while also providing a smooth, compliant ride. Compared to the previous-generation Lancer, torsional rigidity has been increased by 56 %, and bending rigidity is up by 50 % – increases that exceed body stiffness measurements of even the previous Lancer Evolution IX.
Mitsubishi Motors refined the new Lancer’s suspension calibration to deliver an “international” driving character more commonly found in expensive European sport sedans. Front suspension employs strut tower bars that enhance lateral rigidity for precise steering response. The sophisticated new multi-link rear suspension is another major factor in providing ride and handling characteristics that might be expected from a more expensive vehicle. Lancer DE and ES models feature standard 16-in. wheels (steel on DE, alloy on ES) with 205/60 R16 tires.
In North America, the 2008 Lancer GTS – with the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional CVT – combines a sport-tuned suspension – including different stabilizer bars and spring/shock damping rates – with 18-inch wheels and 215/45 R18 tires to make this model a tenacious twisty-road tamer. The GTS’s brakes are the same as used on the larger, heavier Outlander SUV, featuring 294 mm vented discs in front and 302 mm solid discs in rear.
Comprehensive Safety Package
The 2008 Lancer sports sedan is built around Mitsubishi’s next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design.
As a reminder, the RISE body structure disperses energy loads during side and rear crashes and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and also helping to protect the fuel system during a rear impact.
The 2008 Lancer’s safety package is one of the most comprehensive in the segment and includes an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver’s knee air bag.
The Lancer ES and GTS models include as standard an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which is available as an option for the DE model. All Lancer models feature a tire pressure monitoring system.
International-Inspired Interior
As with the exterior, the Lancer’s interior is characterized by clean and crisp surfaces, free of gimmicks and using high-quality materials with careful attention to detail.
The overall instrument panel shape and design contribute to a more spacious interior feeling than seen in some competitors. The roomy feeling is no illusion, as the new Lancer provides much real-life passenger space.
Precision-designed detailing on all controls lends a “high-touch,” high-tech feel. The short-stroke switches also impart a feeling of quality and solidity, and audio switches are finished in piano black for an upscale appearance. Metallic-like trim highlights the shifter bezel, and also the steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls switches in the ES and GTS models. In addition, each trim line is distinguished by its own distinct seating materials and interior trim.
Premium In-Car Technology
All Lancer models for 2008 come pre-wired for accessory SIRIUS Satellite Radio. This in-demand feature is also included in the optional Sun and Sound Package that is available for the ES and GTS models, where it is combined with a power glass sunroof, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with 6-month pre-paid subscription and a 650-watt (max.), Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system – the most powerful factory-installed audio system in the segment.
Similar to the option offered for the new-generation 2007 Outlander SUV, the audiophile-quality Rockford-Fosgate system has been custom-tuned for the Lancer’s interior acoustics to reproduce all types of music with remarkable clarity and power. The system includes a 6-CD in-dash head unit with MP3 playback capability and features an audio input jack to connect an iPod or similar media player. The Lancer’s Rockford-Fosgate system plays through nine speakers in seven positions, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer.
The sport-tuned GTS is also the technology leader of the 2008 Lancer line, featuring a standard Bluetooth wireless technology cell phone interface system with voice recognition microphone for hands-free calling (available for the ES model). The GTS model for 2008 is exclusively available with the optional Navigation and Technology Package, which combines a 30-gigabyte hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system with digital music server function, the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System and the FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) entry system. FAST Key allows the driver to unlock the vehicle simply by having the remote in a pocket or purse and grasping the handle on either of the front doors or the trunk.
Lancer: The Intelligent Choice
Mitsubishi Motors designed the new-generation Lancer with a focus on reduced operating costs and increased reliability and durability.
For example, replaceable crush boxes used on the front side members can help reduce the repair costs for a light collision. Using a timing chain instead of a belt – as many engines in the segment use – allows for a more compact design, helps ensure reliability and eliminates the need for belt replacement. Iridium-tip spark plugs contribute to lower emissions and help extend major service intervals.
