2009 Lancer Ralliart: Remember Me Too? You Know, The WRX-Killer?

[YSSMAN]

A few months back I talked about how I thought Mitsubishi needed a model to slide in between the pretty-decent GTS and the low-level EVO X GSR. My origional suggestion was just to do a light-boost turbo, good for 200 BHP, and maybe to keep costs down, do it with FWD, and equip it only with a stick. Well, Mitsubishi did me one-better:

According to poster jmk2888 at the EvolutionM.net forums, the car you see here is indeed the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart. The poster, who indicates that he works for Mitsubishi in California, says that the car was in the lot briefly but is now "on the way to an auto show." Funny, we happen to be going to an auto show next week, so let's assume the Lancer Ralliart's on its way to Detroit for its official unveiling.

According to the jmk2888, here are the pertinent stats. To be safe, treat everything as speculation for now until we get official info from Mitsubishi:

* 230 - 240 turbocharged horsepower
* AWD
* 5-speed manual gearbox or Twin Clutch SST available
* Recaro front seats
* Gunmetal-finish Lancer GTS wheels
* GTS rear wing
* Nav system available

In front, the Ralliart gets a unique fascia dominated by a large (but not Evo X-large), chrome-rimmed grille opening. At the top right section of the grille itself, you can see the telltale Ralliart badge. According to the poster, the car in the photo is painted in the orangey-red "Sunset Pearlescent" finish that's currently available on the Eclipse. He also states that there's Ralliart branding on the rear of the car, and some other posters have noted that this car appears to be equipped with the same HID headlamps as the Evo X. Assuming it's going to be in Detroit, expect complete details and many photos of Mitsu's new Subaru WRX competitor early next week.

I love it when I'm right. This is what they need, this is what people want to buy. They still could have done it with less power and FWD and it still would have sold decent I'd bet...

 

[Jim Prower]

It's a DIRECT competitor for the WRX. I don't think that's ever been done before: Mitsu's Evo models always went up against the STi versions.

I think I'd like one.

 

[95GTIVR6]

Think they will combat the WRX with a 5-Door version as well? That is also something a Lancer has yet to have, maybe even something like the Malibu MAXX.

I think im trying to find ways to like this car; either that or my experiences with hatchbacks is taking a toll. Its a good move on Mitsubishis part though because just look as all the STI fanboys that cant afford the real thing and opt for the base WRX instead. This is a great opportunity for Mitsubishi to cash in on the EVO fanbase.

Now all we have to wait for are the Americans to start stepping in with AWD turbo 4-bangers... (Ford, please refocus the Focus)

 

[Philly]

I'm not so sure about a FWD car that is supposed to be "rally inspired" but this car is pretty cool. Were they thinking of dropping the Ralliart with the last generation of Lancer? I'm sure this is a much better car than the old Ralliart though.👍

EDIT:

Think they will combat the WRX with a 5-Door version as well? That is also something a Lancer has yet to have, maybe even something like the Malibu MAXX.

I think a wagon would be really cool, but I don't see a hatch coming.

Its a good move on Mitsubishis part though because just look as all the STI fanboys that cant afford the real thing and opt for the base WRX instead. This is a great opportunity for Mitsubishi to cash in on the EVO fanbase.

I don't think any STI fanboys would be caught dead in any Lancer. It is great for Mitsu to offer something like the WRX (quite a cool car) for their fans.

Now all we have to wait for are the Americans to start stepping in with AWD turbo 4-bangers... (Ford, please refocus the Focus)

A new SVT focus with that new 2.0T would be awesome:tup:. Maybe GM would follow that with a special-er Astra?

 

[ND4SPD]

Thats pretty damn cool. I'd pick this over the WRX if I were in the market for something like this.

 

[McLaren]

Not bad. Kind of wish the model had its own unique set of rims, but hey, it's cool. Any word on price? I'm guessing under $30K.

 

[YSSMAN]

I'm not so sure about a FWD car that is supposed to be "rally inspired" but this car is pretty cool. Were they thinking of dropping the Ralliart with the last generation of Lancer? I'm sure this is a much better car than the old Ralliart though.👍

Its AWD, with a decent amount of BHP, and the twin-clutch transmission. Why they dropped the Ralliart before? That was only a generational thing. I believe they carried it right up until the end. That MIVEC 170-ish BHP engine is a champ...

I think a wagon would be really cool, but I don't see a hatch coming.

A wagon would be more likely, maybe, but that didn't go over too well before...

A new SVT focus with that new 2.0T would be awesome:tup:. Maybe GM would follow that with a special-er Astra?

The Astra Red Line is a possibility (with the 260 BHP DIG I4), but GM hasn't confirmed it. The plant that builds them recently went on strike, and furthermore, the Astra will only be with us in its current form for two model years before switching to the Delta II chassis and moving some production to the United States (Illinois and Indiana being considered).

 

[Formula1Driver]

That is a pretty cool looking car, I would definately go for one. I don't see it coming with a hatchback though, well I don't think it would look as good with a hatch.

 

[Philly]

A wagon would be more likely, maybe, but that didn't go over too well before...

America seems more wagon/hatch friendly now so I wouldn't doubt it. GM is bringing the G8 estate over and the Impreza went hatch so it seems something is up.

The Astra Red Line is a possibility (with the 260 BHP DIG I4), but GM hasn't confirmed it. The plant that builds them recently went on strike, and furthermore, the Astra will only be with us in its current form for two model years before switching to the Delta II chassis and moving some production to the United States (Illinois and Indiana being considered).

Would that be FWD too? I was talking more about an AWD Astra with 300+ hp but that's probably dreaming a little too unrealistically.

 

[Turbo Lag]

Cant wait to see it out on the roads 👍 I like it.

 

[YSSMAN]

Would that be FWD too? I was talking more about an AWD Astra with 300+ hp but that's probably dreaming a little too unrealistically.

Using the current Astra, a FWD model with 260 BHP seems the most-feasible. Next-gen, I'd bet that AWD could show up (they've got to make Saab's X-drive cheaper), but as for power, I don't think we'd be looking at a massive increase anytime soon.

 

[95GTIVR6]

I don't think any STI fanboys would be caught dead in any Lancer. It is great for Mitsu to offer something like the WRX (quite a cool car) for their fans.

Of course not!! I meant it is the equivalent to the WRX at keeping their fanbase in-tact.

Also, now that I think about it more, I dont know if a wagon Lancer would work after all. Having 4+ versions of the same car is entering GM territory.

 

[Philly]

Using the current Astra, a FWD model with 260 BHP seems the most-feasible. Next-gen, I'd bet that AWD could show up (they've got to make Saab's X-drive cheaper), but as for power, I don't think we'd be looking at a massive increase anytime soon.

GM might want a decent AWD system in the near future. Maybe they would buy it from somebody if the X-drive didn't work out?

Of course not!! I meant it is the equivalent to the WRX at keeping their fanbase in-tact.

Glad I misunderstood that.

Also, now that I think about it more, I dont know if a wagon Lancer would work after all. Having 4+ versions of the same car is entering GM territory.

Meh. A lot of people are doing it. Subaru has quite a few Imprezas. And you don't start entering GM territory until you make 4 different (more of less) cars from the same car and then offer 4 versions of each.

 

[slidesquad#1]

There is an Evo 9 wagon, so it's not too unrealistic to think of a wagon version of this. But good to see Mitsi bring back a proper reincarnation of the old 4G93T GSR.

 

[Gashlycrumb]

It's a DIRECT competitor for the WRX. I don't think that's ever been done before: Mitsu's Evo models always went up against the STi versions.

I think I'd like one.

Previously (from 92-98ish) there was the Mitsubishi Lancer GSR which was a WRX Competitor. It was 4WD, but had a 1.8l turbo rather than the EVOs 2 litre engine. It also used the standard Lancer body shell doing without the EVO addenda.

This is a 96 version:

They are actually pretty capable little cars. The gearboxes tend to be pretty weak, but apart from that they were good value for money.

 

[YSSMAN]

Its nearly a spiritual successor to the origional Mitsubishi Eclipse AWD Turbo models, which were cheap and rather quick. Lets hope they can keep the prices in check on this one...

 

[Jim Prower]

or those Lancer GSRs. hm, good to know, sad that GT never had those cheaper Lancers.

I dont' know about them being successors to to the Eclipse GSX, though, since, as I see it, that was the closest thing America Got to the Evo. But, since outputs are similar, I suppose you could say that in a way.

In fact, with this, the Eclipse could find itsself erased from the lineup. I'd think it a much better sporting vehicle in the same price neighborhood.

 

[Tornado]

America seems more wagon/hatch friendly now so I wouldn't doubt it. GM is bringing the G8 estate over and the Impreza went hatch so it seems something is up.

Dodge would disagree. And whether or not the Impreza actually "went hatch," it isn't as if someone couldn't buy an Impreza wagon before.

 

[slidesquad#1]

They are actually pretty capable little cars. The gearboxes tend to be pretty weak, but apart from that they were good value for money.

They boxes weren't nearly as bad as the old Wrx/Sti or Familia GTX ones were they?

Did they use the Evo boxes? Or something similarish? Because as far as turbo 4wd gearboxes go, wasn't the Evo one about as strong as they got?

 

[Gashlycrumb]

I don't think anything is weaker than a Familia GTX box

The GSR used a different box to the EVO. You can easily swap in an EVO box, but then you have to strengthen the rest of the drivetrain. By the time you have done that you might as well plump for an EVO.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

To Subaru-> Game Over.

 

[JCE]

Mmmm sexy. 230-ish bhp? AWD? Twin-clutch? SOLD

 

[Jim Prower]

To Subaru-> Game Over.

Wait, did one of the WRX stalwarts just say what I think he said?

Now, let's see if we can get this equipment in the Caliber SRT-4...

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

Wait, did one of the WRX stalwarts just say what I think he said?

Now, let's see if we can get this equipment in the Caliber SRT-4...

^ Yes, I just said what I just said. My car company totally sucks now, they re-fortify the WRX with extra Camry, and the LGT with a dash of Aztek. And so far I haven't seen a WRX in town, they're all in the dealership waiting for the end. They're only last hope now are the new Forester and the less-ugly STI. The (B9) Tribecca was a waste of time.

-> Caliber SRT-4? That car is already busy fighting against the MS3, Golf/Rabbit GTI 5-door, and the HHR SS for the FF-Turbo hatch class.

 

[niky]

I don't think anything is weaker than a Familia GTX box

The GSR used a different box to the EVO. You can easily swap in an EVO box, but then you have to strengthen the rest of the drivetrain. By the time you have done that you might as well plump for an EVO.

The SR20 five speed! eats third gear for breakfast, even before you break the 200 hp barrier.... or the 150 hp barrier, for that matter...

Personally, I would like to see a 200-240 hp FWD Lancer Ralliart... less complication, less weight... and, obviously, less money down than for an AWD sub-Evo. Heck, without AWD, they could pump it up to 250-260 hp and it still wouldn't cut into the Evo's market space, even if they sell it for just 2/3rds the price.

The only competition a 260 hp Ralliart would have would be the Mazdaspeed3 and the WRX. Give it some sticky rubber and a trick differential, and those two drive wheels it gives up to the WRX won't matter as much.

 

[Jim Prower]

-> Caliber SRT-4? That car is already busy fighting against the MS3, Golf/Rabbit GTI 5-door, and the HHR SS for the FF-Turbo hatch class.

But, let's face it, the damn thing has more torque steer than an early Saab turbo. It could use a price hike and 4WD. or a 1-way locker, at least.

 

[YSSMAN]

Its Chrysler... They're talking about killing the Viper because they're out of money. They won't do it even if Moses comes off the mountain and says "God told me to tell you..."

 

[Philly]

^ Yes, I just said what I just said. My car company totally sucks now, they re-fortify the WRX with extra Camry, and the LGT with a dash of Aztek. And so far I haven't seen a WRX in town, they're all in the dealership waiting for the end. They're only last hope now are the new Forester and the less-ugly STI. The (B9) Tribecca was a waste of time.

Don't they still have the Legacy line? Those seem like pretty good cars. And they are selling pretty well back at home, although that is Subaru country. I know they are cars I would consider if I was looking for a car like that.

Its Chrysler... They're talking about killing the Viper because they're out of money. They won't do it even if Moses comes off the mountain and says "God told me to tell you..."

And weren't they going to put it to replacing the, what, 2 year old Sebring? Looks like they know they utterly failed on that one; maybe the next car will be a step forward:tup:.

 

[slidesquad#1]

The SR20 five speed! eats third gear for breakfast, even before you break the 200 hp barrier.... or the 150 hp barrier, for that matter...

See, I'm doubting this. The 4wd GTX 'boxes are prone to breaking if you look at them angrily, let alone start to modify them.
Put it this way, a guy I knew had a fairly potent GTX. He'd blown every single gear except reverse. Multiple times. He got so tired of the reliability issues with the gearbox he bought an FD RX7. He bought a turbo RX7 because of it's reliability compared to the GTX box.

 

[harrytuttle]

I don't think any STI fanboys would be caught dead in any Lancer.

*I* would. Well, you'd be hard-pressed to get me out of my 2005 STI, but any 2007+ model...well, an Evo fan I'd have to be. Comparing current cars, the Evo -- including the Ralliart -- beats every Impreza in terms of fun. Hands down. And this coming from a long-time STI "fanboy".

To Subaru-> Game Over.

Seconded. 👍 Subaru lost me at "Toyota".