Say goodbye to the sweet whining of the turbocharger in the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. According to sources, the next-generation Lancer Evo XI will be a plug-in hybrid sedan that uses an electric-motor instead of a turbocharger that it uses right now.

The system will use the same platform as the Concept PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid concept from last year’s Tokyo Motor Show – meaning, that the Evo XI’s 2.0L gasoline engine will be naturally aspirated and will get a boost from an electric-motor that runs on lithium-ion batteries. The electric-motor will power the front wheels, while the engine will power the rear wheels.

Sources say that the car will give drivers the option of driving in electric-only mode for short journeys, helping them improve fuel-efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions (because that’s what every Mitsubishi Lancer Evo driver is worried about).

Insiders say that the Evo XI will also get E-AYC, which regulates torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Source: eGMCarTech

Love the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution but looking for a little more refinement and class? Until now, Mitsubishi offered only two variants of the Lancer Evolution sedan including the GSR and MR. Well, meet the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring, the range topping Evo with a $40,990 price-tag that moves the hot Mitsubishi sedan into luxury car territory.

The two biggest differences you’ll notice between the GSR, MR and the MR Touring trim-levels are the MR Touring’s standard power glass sunroof and the standard lip spoiler. Power still comes from the 2.0L DOHC MIVEC turbocharged engine making 291-hp with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft. All that is sent to the wheels through a 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission with magnesium steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring also gets heated leather RECARO front sports seats and heated side mirrors.

Add a $1,999 navigation system package and other accessories (see the list after the jump) and your fully-loaded 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring can hit a whopping price-tag of $52,728.

Soruce: eGMCarTech

The 300-hp 2.5L 5-cylinder Duratec engine under the hood of the 2009 Ford Focus RS definitely gives it an edge over many of its rivals. The folks at Fifth Gear think that the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X can definitely give the Focus RS some strong competition so they decided to put the two cars head-to-head in a series of tests on a track.



Source: eGMCarTech

Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 of its 2008-'09 Lancer and Outlander vehicles because "insufficient initial braking assist may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The problem involves vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission or continuously variable transmission. Manual-transmission-equipped vehicles are not included in the recall, said NHTSA.

"Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off," said NHTSA in its recall summary of the problem. "When the vehicle is restarted and put into motion, under certain driving conditions (very slow vehicle maneuvers), there may be insufficient initial braking assist."

Mitsubishi dealers will replace the brake booster check valve for free. The recall is expected to begin in April. Owners can contact Mitsubishi at (800) 222-0037.

Source: Inside Line

You should probably get used to seeing posts like this – we’re sure more are coming. Like the Saturn Astra, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will take a breather for 2009. According to Mitsubishi spokeswomen Christine Jew, there were no changes planned for a 2009 Evo, and there was enough inventory to last until the 2010 model is released later this year. Cars.com’s listings show 887 Lancer Evolutions from the 2008 model year still available.

While Mitsubishi doesn’t break down sales by model, we concur with the automaker that its supply of Evos should suffice; at $30,000-$40,000 the Evo is Mitsubishi’s most expensive offering. Don’t think this means the Evo is a sales laggard, however; sales were up 50.9% for 2008, Mitsubishi says. When the 2010 Lancer Evolution goes on sale, there will be a few minor changes, Jew said.

Source: Kicking Tires

Following the release of a teaser sketch in July, Mitsubishi revealed the first official photos of its latest cross-country rally car, the turbo-diesel “Racing Lancer” that has been developed for the 2009 Dakar Rally that will take place in South America after the cancelation of this year's race in North Africa due to Islamic terror threats. The AWD Racing Lancer is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 turbocharged diesel that develops over than 260Hp and 650Nm or 479-lb/ft of torque.

After the vehicle’s first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in the beginning of October the Racing Lancer will makes its official racing debut in round six of the 2008 FIA Cross-Country Rally World Cup that takes place in Portugal from October30 to November 2. The car will be in the hands of Team Repsol Mitsubishi Ralliart driver and 9-times Dakar winner Stéphane Peterhansel.

Source: CarScoop

If you find the base Mitsubishi Lancer ($13,990) a little too poky and the Lancer Evolution ($32,990) too pricey, your ship has come in. Actually, two ships have come in: a Lancer GTS ($17,990) with a larger engine for 2009, and a turbocharged 2009 Lancer Ralliart (under $27,000, estimated ) to bridge the gap between the more pedestrian Lancer and the fire-breathing Evo. Mitsubishi characterizes the Ralliart as more of a tuned-up Lancer than a detuned Evolution.

That's a sensible description, because the Evolution has a wider track and different suspension components than the Ralliart — but then again, the drivetrain is very much a detuned version of the Evo's — basically the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a smaller, single-scroll turbocharger, smaller intercooler and smaller-diameter plumbing. The standard all-wheel drive, which isn't offered on lesser Lancers, is likewise nearly identical to the Evo's. I spent about an hour driving this Frankenstein's monster and found it to be a compelling compromise that should make any Subaru WRX shopper think twice.

More after the jump!

The Ralliart also becomes the new price of entry for Mitsubishi's impressive dual-clutch automated-manual transmission that made its first appearance in the Evolution MR, which just hit dealerships. Comparable to VW's better-known Direct Shift Gearbox, the Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission uses a separate clutch for even and odd gears, enabling lightning-fast shifts. I'll give more details in my upcoming Evolution review, but suffice it to say this is probably my favorite of the new breed of dual-clutch auto-manuals. Some drivers would rather have a stick, which isn't available in the Ralliart, and I might be one of them. But if I were forced to take an automatic, the TC-SST would be on my short list. It's a far better option than the CVT offered on the regular Lancers, including the GTS.

Apart from its higher overall power, what I like most about the Ralliart's engine is its torque delivery, starting with a healthy amount of grunt at low rpm. The peak 253 pounds-feet of torque comes at 3,000 rpm, but my experience reflects Mitsubishi's power curves, which show a solid 250 pounds-feet from 2,500 to 4,700 rpm. Even though the power is modest up to 2,500 rpm, the transmission's lower-gear ratios keep the Ralliart from being too sluggish from a standing start. It might even be better than the Evolution GSR and its five-speed manual; at least it feels that way. Above 4,750 rpm, the torque tapers down more gradually as horsepower continues to rise to its 237 hp peak at 6,000 rpm. The redline is at 6,500 rpm.

Overall, the lineup offers a nice spread of output: The base Lancer has 152 hp/146 pounds-feet, the Lancer GTS is 168/167, the Ralliart is 237/253 and the Evolution rates 291/300.

The all-wheel drive uses mechanical front, rear and computer-controlled center differentials from the ninth-generation Evolution to route power to the appropriate wheel. It has Tarmac, Gravel and Snow settings and a standard electronic stability system, so all it really lacks is the 10th-generation Evo's ability to sense yaw motions and direct rear torque accordingly. The Ralliart would be a good choice for harsh winters, but the standard summer performance tires would have to be replaced with optional all-seasons.

The quick-reacting transmission seems to find the right gear most of the time, and you can always select the Sport mode to raise the upshift points by about 1,000 rpm. Unlike the Evolution, the Ralliart doesn't include the super-aggressive Super Sport mode intended for track use. If you prefer to shift for yourself, you can use the gear selector lever or magnesium shift paddles, which are mounted on the steering column where they belong. To improve fuel economy, the Ralliart's 5th and 6th gears are higher than those in the Evolution, for an EPA rating of 17/25 mpg city/highway.

The chassis is a similar story: different tunings for the entire lineup. The GTS has a firmer suspension than the base Lancer, and the Ralliart goes firmer still with a larger front stabilizer bar. The Ralliart's ride quality is more than livable, even compared to the Evolution, which itself has been tamed for better day-to-day comfort. My Ralliart had the optional low-riding Recaro front seats from the Evolution, which aren't my favorite. Buyers will find greater comfort and much-appreciated height adjustment in the standard driver's seat.

The Ralliart even boasts a brake upgrade, from single-piston to dual-piston front calipers, and larger-diameter single pistons in the rear. They might not look as good as the Evolution's Brembo hardware, but they are a performance upgrade. This is a Ralliart that never leaves you wondering what you get for the extra money and name. This wasn't the case in the past, where the difference was mostly cosmetic.

The look hasn't been forsaken in the process. The Ralliart has a larger mouth than the Lancer but a less radical style than the Evo, though it shares the Evo's vented aluminum hood with functional air vents. The rear treatment, including the taillights and bumper, is also unique among Lancer models. The dual exhaust also is borrowed, effectively unchanged, from the Evolution. Standard is a rear spoiler that is the smaller of two sizes — by no means subtle, but not as large as the one on the Evolution MR.

The opposite can be said of its trunk. The Lancer offers 12.3 cubic feet of cargo volume, and the Evolution has a paltry 6.9 cubic feet and loses the folding backseat to structural reinforcements. The Ralliart keeps the folding seats and grants 10.0 cubic feet. Pretty much across the board, the Ralliart is a smart compromise between the regular Lancer and the Evolution. Looks like Mitsubishi did this one right.

Source: KickingTires

Even though I'm a bigger fan of the prior generation Evo, these shots are definitely flattering to the new body style. Definitely makes me want to practice on taking photos after seeing shots like these - they look frickin' amazing.

An odd comparison when you first considerate but it really makes sense. Both cars are aimed at a similar demographic, produce around that 300 horsepower mark, and are closely priced. See which car Motor Trend prefers in this video.

Source: MotorTrend

Most of Japan’s tuners are focused on the arduous task of cracking Nissan’s Fort Knox of an ECU in its GT-R supercar but that doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten about one of the country’s other tuning favorites, Mitsubishi’s new Lancer Evolution X. Turbo performance experts HKS has now revealed its full specs for the Mitsubishi including a 376hp version of the car’s 2.0L mill. More after the jump!

The engine pack consists of a higher power turbo, an upgraded intake manifold and a modded ECU. All these goodies push output to a license-threatening 376hp while torque gets an additional boost of 40 Newtons, now delivering a meaty 480Nm.

To make the most of the extra performance, HKS also upgraded the chassis and installed a new suspension set-up. Not only is handling improved but the car also gets a lower ride height, 19in alloys and a full carbon fiber bodykit.

If you only know HKS from the ‘Fast and the Furious’ movies, rest assured the Japanese tuner certainly knows what it’s doing. The tuner has been in the business of modifying cars for over 35 years now - during which it’s produced a number D1, Super Lap Battle, and other race series winning cars.

Source: Motor Authority

The first official images of the Mitsubishi Lancer Prototype-S have been leaked into the internet ahead of the car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month. More of a pre-production version than a concept, the Lancer Prototype-S previews the shape of the forthcoming Lancer Sportback (5door hatch) that’s expected to be introduced in the European market this summer.

In particular, the Prototype-S previews the Lancer Sportback Ralliart that will compete head on with the Subaru Impreza WRX. Like the Lancer Sedan Ralliart that we saw in the Detroit Show, the Prototype-S is equipped with a detuned version of the EVO X’s 2.0-liter Turbo engine (delivering 240 PS and 343 Nm of torque) combined with a Twin Clutch SST gearbox and a full-time 4WD drivetrain featuring Mitsubishi Motors’ Active Center Differential.

Source: CarScoop

Mitsubishi can only hope that this new Lancer platform will be as much of a success as the prior model. With updating both the interior and exterior, they hope that rally fans across the globe will take a bite of the new one has to offer.

The Ralliart is practically a toned down version of the new EVO X. Not only is it powered by the same new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine (detuned however to develop 240 HP), but it is also matted to the EVO X’s Twin Clutch SST automated manual transmission and it features a full-time 4WD driveline with Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). Design-wise, the Lancer Ralliart is distinguished by the new front bumper design, rear air dam, dual mufflers and an intake in the lightweight aluminum engine hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger.


Official Press Release
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 240 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

Also on display, the Galant GTO R73-X show car, the Lancer EX2000 Turbo and the all-new 2008 Lancer Evolution complement the full-line up of Mitsubishi vehicles for North America.

Lancer Ralliart specifications:
Overall length (mm) - 4,570
Overall width (mm) - 1,760
Overall height (mm) - 1,490
Wheelbase (mm) - 2,635
F/R track (mm) - 1,530 / 1,530
Occupants - 5
Engine - 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC with intercooler/turbocharger
Max. output - 177 kW (240 PS)
Max torque. - 343 Nm (35 kg-m)
Driveline - Full-time 4WD (with ACD)
Transmission - Twin Clutch SST
Tires - 215/45R18

The estimated price for the base-level, five-speed manual-transmission-equipped Evo GSR is $34,000, says Mitsubishi. The MR model outfitted with Mitsubishi's new six-speed dual-clutch transmission identified as the Twin Clutch-Sequential Sportshift Transmission (TC-SST), starts at $39,000.

Mitsubishi officials say this is a conservative estimate, and hope that final pricing will come in approximately $1,000 less for each model including delivery fees. The previous Lancer Evo IX sedan started at $28,679 for the base car, and $35,189 for the MR trim.

Mitsubishi says the Lancer Evo GSR will go on sale next month, but isn't as specific regarding the Evo MR's timeline, only saying the car would be available in the spring of 2008. The vagueness seems to be connected to delays in the advanced MR's tuning.

As for gas mileage, the GSR earned 16/22 mpg for city/highway, while the paddle-shifting MR did slightly better with 17/22 mpg.

Coming soon to the Frankfurt Auto Show in September later this year, Mitsubishi has released a few photos of its new Lancer Evolution X for fans to drool over. Set on kill, this thing should definitely give a lot of the new muscle cars a run for their money.

An improved torque distribution and braking management system have been added to this all-wheel drive beast to allow even more power and precision on both the straights and the curves. A new lightweight version of the venerable 2.0L turbo mill with MIVEC3 valve control plus an aluminum cylinder block have been added to shave off additional weight to lower the overall curb weight of this Evo. Also added to this model is a brand new six-speed automated manual transmission which promises faster gear changes and better fuel economy.

Those wanting this domestic killer can expect it to arrive state-side in the first quarter of 2008. A price tag has not been announced but I'm sure it'll be mentioned in the near future.