‘08 NAIAS: 2009 Mitsubishi’s Lancer Ralliart is Evo’s Next-of-Kin

If you’re not a die-hard race fan, the phrase “Lancer Ralliart” likely conjures up a ho-hum economy sedan sporting O.Z. alloy wheels and a spoiler. On the other hand, if you’ve followed rally racing for any part of the last decade, the name may invoke hallucinations surrounding one of the greatest rally weapons ever to come from Japan. Thankfully, Mitsubishi’s 2009 Lancer Ralliart - introduced at the 2008 Detroit auto show - follows the latter example.

There’s no pretending that the Lancer Evolution represents the utmost level of performance one can purchase in a factory-stock Lancer, but the Ralliart allows many features that made the Evo famous to be offered at a lower price point. Lurking under the hood is a de-tuned version of the Evolution’s 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC turbocharged I-4. Although the motor manages 235 horsepower in Ralliart form (a whole 56 ponies fewer than a base Evo), that’s still 67 more than the Lancer 2.4 GTS.

(Click through for a Ralliart gallery, as well as more on the car, including a release from Mitsubishi)

Also carried over from the Evo is the full-time all-wheel-drive system (including an active center differential, helical front diff and a locking rear unit) and the six-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission. Evo parts adorn even the exterior; the car’s front fascia is a near clone of it’s big brother; the aluminum hood with air extractors is actually shared between the two models.

Mitsubishi plans to keep the price on the Ralliart down by not only reducing the standard performance parts, but also standard amenities. Features like high-intensity-discharge headlamps, Recaro seats and a Rockford-Fosgate stereo - all standard equipment on certain forms of the Evo - are optional equipment.

That said, it certainly looks like a strong foundation for a budget performance sedan. What say you - would you spring for the Ralliart, or break the piggy bank for a full-fledged Evolution? Sound off in the comments section.

MITSUBISHI RELEASE

The new Lancer Ralliart reinforces the sporty identity of the Lancer lineup (Lancer, Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution) with aggressive styling and driving performance that creates a unique product between the Lancer GTS 2.4 and the Lancer Evolution models. The Lancer Ralliart makes effective use of the Lancer’s rigid unibody and four-wheel independent suspension by mating this capable chassis to a turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive.

Mechanical
Lancer Ralliart is powered by the new 4B11 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC intercooled and turbocharged engine (also used in the Lancer Evolution) that develops an estimated 235 horsepower. The engine is mated to Mitsubishi’s efficient Twin Clutch-SST gearbox that helps enhance the sporty nature of the vehicle by allowing the driver to execute lightning-quick, silky-smooth, paddle-actuated shifts. The TC-SST transmission also operates in fully automatic modes for Normal and Sport driving conditions.
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 front helical limited slip differential and a rear differential mechanical limited slip differential.

Design
Elaborating on the basic sporty design and proportions of the Lancer, 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, Bluetooth® 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-gigabyte hard drive navigation system with digital music server.

 
Lancer Ralliart specifications
Overall length (mm) 180 inches (4,570 mm)
Overall width (mm) 69.3 inches (1,760 mm)
Overall height (mm) 58.7 inches (1,490 mm)
Wheelbase (mm) 103.7 inches (2,635 mm)
F/R track (mm) 60. 2 inches (1,530 mm)
Occupants 5
Engine 2.0L DOHC MIVEC with intercooler/turbocharger
Max. output Est. 235 hp (177 kW)
Max torque. Est. 310 ft. lbs. (35 kg-m)
Driveline Full-time 4WD (with ACD)
Transmission Twin Clutch SST
Tires 215/45R18