• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Preview

2007 is a turning point for Mitsubishi. For the first time in years, thecompany was able to break out of the red, returning to profitability. So far, it's had great success with its rear-engined i citycar in Asia and Europe, not to mention the introduction of the new Outlander which was met with positive response. The new year represents one of the biggest product launches yet, the all-new ninth generation Lancer. A lot is riding on the success of this vehicle; Mitsubishi's

The shark-nosed Lancer is a looker! (Photo: Mitsubishi)

decision to take it global means that it will be competing in one of the biggest vehicle sectors in the world. It's the big leagues and in order for Mitsubishi to experience success,

GTS gets LED-style taillights and a decklid spoiler. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

it's vital that it does not pull a repeat of previous cars.

The big story about the Lancer is that it rides on the GS platform(also known as Project Global), which was developed in collaboration with DaimlerChrysler before the two firms parted ways. GS also underpins

Major leap forward in style and technology. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

the Outlander as well as an assortment of DaimlerChrysler products including the Dodge Caliber, Jeep Compass, Patriot and a modified version of which underpins the Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Avenger. With much larger bones forming its skeleton, the Lancer has grown in all directions. It's 1.3-inch longer, 2.6-inch wider, 2.4-inch taller and has 1.4 more inches between

New gauges are far more interesting to look at than the old ones. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

its front wheels, putting its overall dimensions at 179.9 / 69.9 / 58.7 / 103.7 inches respectively. That makes it marginally longer and wider than the Dodge Caliber, but nowhere near as tall. Overall, the new Lancer very much fits the profile of modern tall compact cars like the new Nissan Sentra. One trait that all cars that ride on the GS platform share is an extremely high structural rigidity due to a strong design and the use of high-tensile steel. Mitsubishi

The GTS' technology package includes a nav system, which is a rarity in the compact class. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

claims that the new Lancer is some 56-percent more rigid than the outgoing car, which actually exceeds the Lancer Evolution IX. Add that to front, side, curtain and knee airbags, and this should give the Lancer a good shot at earning a five-star crash test rating in IIHS, NHTSA and EuroNCAP crash tests.

Meanwhile, the Lancer has maintained a suspension layout that featuresstruts up front and a multi-link suspension in back. This setup, combined with a track that's 2.3 inches wider in front and in back gives the Lancer a better hold on the

18-inch wheels come standard on the GTS model. Impressive! (Photo: Mitsubishi)

road. All models, including the base, receive meaty 205/60R16 wheels and tires, with the range-topping GTS model riding on performance 215/45R18s. The GTS also receives specially tuned springs and dampers, plus thicker stabilizer bars. To give the Lancer additional stopping power, the GTS model gets upgraded brakes that are borrowed from the Outlander. ABS brakes are standard on ES and higher and include electronic brakeforce distribution.

Unlike the Caliber, that once again the Lancer shares its general architecture with, Mitsubishi will only be offering one engine, the middle member in the World Engine family that it developed with DCX and Hyundai. The

Even the plainer versions of the Lancer look sharp. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

2.0-liter four-cylinder is down in horsepower compared to its American counterpart, making 152 horsepower as opposed to 158, but more torque at 146 lb-ft compared to 140 lb-ft. Nevertheless, it's still more power than what the majority of its competitors are offering from Ford, Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen, etc. Two gearboxes will be made available to buyers, including a five-speed manual and a CVT, which is a North American first for the brand. On the performance GTS model, the CVT gearbox gains Sportronic manual mode that includes a pair of steering wheel mounted paddles made from lightweight (and costly) magnesium. Performance figures have yet to be released for the new Lancer, but one thing is certain, cars equipped with the manual transmission will be the quickest.

Page:  1

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo