CYPRESS, CA | Now in it’s 25th year of business in America, the company whose name is defined as the “three diamonds” has made the necessary adjustments to a key line and in so doing, may have saved it.
The new-for-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is based on the Lancer GTS platform, adopting powertrain and four-wheel-drive technology from the Lancer Evolution. The result is a unique model optimized for exhilarating yet balanced overall road performance. The Lancer Ralliart gets a modified version of the Lancer Evolution 4B11 T/C turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC engine, teamed with the Twin Clutch-Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST) from the Evolution MR model.
Starting with a Lancer Evolution long block assembly, the turbocharger, intercooler and valve timing are modified for impressive street-oriented performance in the Ralliart application. The Lancer Ralliart engine produces 237 hp at 6,000 RPM and 253 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,000 RPM. (Evolution: 291 hp and 300 lb.-ft.) The driver can manually shift using the console shifter or the Sportronic steering column-mounted magnesium-alloy paddle shifters, or can select fully automatic operation. The Lancer Ralliart’s TC-SST unit features Normal and Sport shifting modes (but not the ultra-performance S-Sport mode featured in the Evolution MR.) Higher fifth- and sixth-gear ratios help enhance fuel economy in the Lancer Ralliart.
The foundation for the Lancer’s agile handling is the performance-engineered global platform that also underpins the Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicle. (The Lancer Evolution models are built on a specially reinforced, wide-body version of this platform with forged aluminum chassis components and Brembo brakes.)
The Lancer Ralliart’s All-Wheel Control (AWC) system is based on a competition-derived, computer-controlled Active Center Differential (ACD) unit that distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels in response to driving conditions. The driver can set system response parameters using a “Tarmac, Gravel, Snow” selector. A helical limited-slip front differential and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential help optimize side-to-side torque distribution.
Ralliart-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 Yokohama ADVAN summer tires complement the high grip afforded by the full-time active four-wheel drive. Standard Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL) contributes to safe handling.
Showing a clear kinship to the Lancer Evolution, the Lancer Ralliart sports its own aggressively styled front bumper and rear bumper cover and dual outlet exhaust. The lightweight aluminum, ducted hood delivers cooling air to the turbocharger and vents engine heat.
The Lancer Ralliart interior shares much of its design and content with the Lancer GTS and Lancer Evolution, such as the GTS sport bucket seats. Lancer Ralliart borrows the Lancer Evolution leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches. Like the Lancer Evolution, the Lancer Ralliart can be equipped with Recaro sport bucket front seats. Standard user technology includes the FAST Key hands-free entry system, a Bluetooth HFP system with voice recognition for hands-free calling and an auxiliary/MP3 input jack. A 40-gigabyte HDD navigation system with music server and a 650-Watt (max.), Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system and Sirius Satellite Radio (with six-month prepaid subscription) are available.
Standard safety features in all Lancer models include 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.
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