Maverick86

I have searched for a while and came to the conclusion that there weren't any threads on the new Ralliart Lancer so I thought I would start one and if I haven't, then well, you can flame me and a moderator can close this thread.

Ever since the EvoX is set to start at $34000, I am very interested in seeing how the Ralliart will be priced because it supposedly uses the same engine and although, according to Autoblog (http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/19/m...ncer-ralliart/), the power output is supposed to be around 236hp, have similar available options as the EvoX (IE the 6speed Twin-Clutch SST transmission, "uper-All Wheel Control all-wheel-drive system used by the EVO X, as well Active Yaw Control and ActiveCenter Differential. Other notable features include an aluminum hood, Recaro front seats, a sports steering wheel with paddle shifters and a special Ralliart radiator grille.") and also supposedly includes a detuned version of the EvoX engine.

Now this has me wondering, would this be a good idea for Mitsubishi because:
a) If it indeed does have the same engine, wouldn't people buy it for less and tune it to be the same as an EvoX if not better? (Would it cost more than just getting the EvoX if it could?)
b) Wouldn't it cannibalize sales of the EvoX?
c) Or would this just be an entirely great idea?

Also, it makes me curious about its engine and its internals because if they are indeed the same...and based on what I have read, this thing should handle boost just as well as the EvoX, so making it output similar numbers to the EvoX shouldn't be too difficult. I am not too sure, but was this a similar case with the WRX and the STI?

I also am curious how this car will stack up against the WRX. I hear the "new" WRX handles just the same, but it rides a bit softer and has more body roll.

What are your thoughts on the new Ralliart version of the Lancer?

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

It's a Fugly Box

delhi

well it worked for Subaru with the wrx/STi models....

Ike

I will be shocked if the Ralliart comes with AYC and the same AWD system as the Evo. Even some versions of the Evo weren't available with AYC in any market, and HIDs were an option on later cars. There's really nothing more than the same speculation that has been swirling around for over a year in that blurb from autoblog. But I'll tell you one thing, there's no way in hell the Ralliart will have all those features and still be a reasonably priced car.

The WRX, while quite tunable, is a VERY different car from the STI. The Ralliart, if it happens, will also be very different from the Evo and at the very least you'll probably need a better fuel system, larger turbo kit, and intercooler to think about reaching the levels of performance the an Evo with a couple boltons will provide. Then there are things like the brakes, and I guarantee you there will be some key things that make the Evo handle well left off from the Ralliart version.

Nick R

Knowing Mitsu like I do (I've owned several including the previous Lancer RA). I believe the car is going to be great for someone who wants a practical sporty ride. My sources say it will be turbo and it will be awd, but most likely will have the awd system out of the new Outlander. Don't expect the fancy auto tranny either. If and when it does come out it'll be comparable to a WRX but a definite step up in performance from the previous RA which was a great car in its own right. I personally am really looking forward to this car and can't wait to get behind the wheel of one as my new DD.

saturn

Up close at the Detroit Auto Show: http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/13/d...art-were-sold/

No mention of the AYC system so it's doubtful it will be included. I'd be interested to see the price, weight, and what the after market can do with this car. The Evo X MR may have priced itself out of the market, but there's still hope for this version.

Steiner

+1 on what the curb weight will be

longfury

I am very excited to see what the car can do. With Evo pricing so high and the STI being quite homely and the WRX neutered, I hope this car can actually perform.

termigni

I like this car already

Mech_head

In a nutshell, the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is to the Lancer Evolution as the Subaru Impreza WRX is to the Impreza WRX STI. If, however, that last sentence isn’t totally clear to you, allow us to explain.

The new Ralliart is an intermediate step between the 168-horsepower Lancer GTS and the 295-horsepower Lancer Evolution. The aluminum hood, with its two vents and hood scoop, is taken straight from the Evolution, and the engine underneath is the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. A single-scroll turbocharger, new camshaft, and different engine programming result in 235 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque, numbers that place it right in the middle of the Lancer lineup as well as in direct competition with the Subaru Impreza WRX.

Besides the engine, the Ralliart has two other hand-me-downs from the Evolution: a six-speed, twin-clutch automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive with Mitsubishi’s Active Center Differential, which allows the driver to choose between tarmac, gravel, and snow settings for the front-to-rear power management. At the rear axle, however, the Ralliart makes do with a mechanical limited-slip differential instead of the Evolution’s amazing Super All-Wheel Control, which actively splits torque between the left and right rear wheels. That system compromises the trunk space in the Evo, though, so at least the Ralliart comes with more cargo space.

The rest of the Ralliart is closer to the Lancer GTS, so the roof and suspension components are steel instead of aluminum, and the fender blisters on the Evolution are noticeably absent. Still, those sacrifices come with a cut in price from the Evolution. When it goes on sale this summer, the Lancer Ralliart will cost about $25,000, and if Mitsubishi decides to offer a conventional manual transmission the price could drop even lower. That makes the Ralliart a certified performance bargain, and it places it right in the market with other affordable sports cars like the Madzaspeed 3, Volkswagen GTI, and Dodge Caliber SRT4.





I think this will be a great car but it will not be an Evo. I am surprised that the twin-clutch automated manual transmission made it. But it will not have the trick AWD systems, or the big breaks, or the aluminum bits, or the wide tires. I do think that this car will kick the WRX up and down the street.

the stig

to me before the evo become evo, which means a regular lancer, its POS and the end

Steiner

Frankenstein? Is that you?

the stig

lol i don't get it but no im not Frankenstein, im the stig from tibet

the stig

the reason why wrx works with the sti model is because they are still brothers. but lancer and evo is one boy one girl.

the most important thing about it is the AWD for both wrx and sti, and they both get a 2.5 turbo engine. wrx has less power, but still alot.

now look at the lancer and evo. the engine, and the tranny its in totally different world. them two can not be compared

Steiner

BTW...The Impreza is sold as a FWD car in certain international markets.

the stig

impreza is different from wrx if that is what you trying to say.


impreza are non turbo and wrx is turbo.

but i would still pick the impreza RS over the lancer rally art. wouldn't you?

Ike

The new Ralliart is AWD and Turbo, so what the hell is your point? And no, I wouldn't pick a RS over the new Ralliart. I probably wouldn't even pick it over the new WRX which has lost all of its soul.

NotAPreppie

I thought that the existing Lancers (ES/LS/GTS) all had the same 150HP engine.

Maverick86

Seeing how heavy the EvoX is and how it is compared to the new STI and the fact that the STI outperforms the EvoX on the basis of weight...it's a little difficult to say that the ralliart will outperform the WRX. But, I could be entirely wrong because of the possible weight factor of the AYC, power difference, etc.

I like this car, this could very well be my next car. Especially after seeing the 2009 rx8 pictures....