2008 Mitsubishi Lancer EX GLX / GLS / MX / GT / GTA [ARCHIVED]

[parakitoJDM]

[SIZE="6"]Road Test: First Drive Test [/SIZE]
[SIZE="5"]First Drive: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer[/SIZE]
[SIZE="4"]Less raucous, more robust[/SIZE]


By Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief, Edmunds.com
Date posted: 01-23-2007



The all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer makes you wonder what's happened to the market for economy cars. Whether you're tickling the magnesium shift paddles of the Lancer's continuously variable transmission (CVT) or twisting the meaty rim of the steering wheel or reveling in the composure of the chassis in the corners, it's clear the term "economy sedan" doesn't mean what it used to. The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is a robust and satisfying people mover that will further elevate buyer expectations in this ever-elevating segment.

[SIZE="5"]Rebuilding the brand[/SIZE]
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer arrives at a time when Mitsubishi is struggling to redefine itself. The Lancer is part of the company's overall effort to upgrade its reputation for quality and reestablish its credibility with mainstream American drivers.

The Lancer's all-new chassis is a stoutly engineered effort, derived from the Dodge Caliber and upgraded sufficiently to serve as the basis for the forthcoming all-wheel-drive Lancer Evolution X. In fact, this new Lancer's structure starts out stiffer than that of the current Evolution IX before any structural enhancements are added.

Compared to the previous-generation Lancer, the new car's wheelbase has been stretched 1.4 inches and the track has been widened 2.3 inches. Torsional rigidity has been increased an amazing 56 percent, while bending resistance has been improved 50 percent. Every detail of body structure, from the steering system's mounting points to basic structural design, was reviewed during development in an effort to maximize chassis integrity. For instance, the new Lancer repositioned the exhaust system to permit chassis cross members that are straight and strong.

[SIZE="5"]Heavily updated[/SIZE]
As might be expected, this increase in the strength of the Lancer's chassis adds to the car's curb weight. Depending on trim level, the new car is approximately 200 pounds heavier than the previous-generation Lancer.

Aside from the weight of a car that's physically larger than before (although actually a half inch shorter), there's also a system of no fewer than seven airbags: front-seat airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, curtain-type head protection airbags and the first standard driver's knee-protection airbag in this market segment.

Once you add the powerful four-wheel-disc brake system from the Outlander, as well as 18-inch wheels (both standard on top-line GTS models), it's easy to see where the 200 pounds comes from.

Some weight has actually been saved in the drivetrain, as the former iron-block 2.0-liter four-cylinder has been replaced by a 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC four-cylinder that uses an aluminum block that represents a savings of 59.5 pounds. This engine puts out 152 horsepower (143 hp in PZEV form for California) and 146 pound-feet of torque. Variable valve timing for both the intake and exhaust camshafts helps broaden the power band.

No 2.4-liter engine has yet been officially announced for the Lancer, but we'd expect to see this power plant return to the Lancer lineup when the Ralliart version becomes available in the coming year. Meanwhile, the 2.0-liter mates to either a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional CVT automatic. On top-trim GTS models the CVT includes a six-step "Sportronic" shift mode that's controlled via the titanium shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel.

[SIZE="5"]Worth the weight[/SIZE]
While added weight can hurt anyone, it actually gives the new Lancer a substantial, almost Teutonic sense of over-the-road confidence. The steering requires more effort than before, but it's not heavy and doesn't make the car feel cumbersome. This weightiness similarly describes the car's ride quality and chassis reactions, but in a good way. In particular, the Lancer GTS charges through corners with pronounced certainty, even when the pavement is bumpy and broken.

You can't quite fling the Lancer into corners as if it were a Mazda 3 or Honda Civic, but that's partially because the chassis is begging for more power. It's clear all the hard parts are properly bolted together and capable of much greater demands than this 2.0-liter four-cylinder can generate. We expect buyers who are unwilling to wait for the Lancer Ralliart with its 2.4-liter engine to go to the aftermarket for a turbocharging system, and we expect these more powerful Lancers will be a hoot to drive.

[SIZE="5"]Flavors and options[/SIZE]
Three trim levels of the Lancer will be offered when the car goes on sale in March. Entry-level DE models will come with 16-inch steel wheels, front disc brakes and a 140-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capability. DE buyers can opt for antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution as part of the A/C & Power Package, which also includes air-conditioning, power door locks and a one-touch driver's power window.

Midgrade Lancer ES models are upgraded to 16-inch cast-alloy wheels, plus four-wheel disc brakes and ABS, air-conditioning, a 60/40-folding rear seat, power door locks with keyless entry and Bluetooth cell phone connectivity.

Step up to the GTS trim and the most obvious enhancement comes in the form of 10-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 215/45R18 tires. GTS Lancers also get a six-speaker audio system, automatic climate control, some aerodynamic bodywork trim, foglights, a rear spoiler, bucket seats and a sport-tuned suspension with a strut-tower brace.

Both ES and GTS customers can add the Sun & Sound Package to add both a power sunroof and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate audio system with six-disc changer, auxiliary input and six months of prepaid Sirius Satellite Radio. A Navigation & Technology Package, offered only on GTS versions, gives the Lancer Lexus-like features that range from keyless start to a 30-gigabyte digital music server to a GPS navigation system, all accessed via a 7-inch LCD touchscreen.

We expect the new Lancer to accomplish two goals when it arrives in March. First, it will convince economy-sedan buyers that Mitsubishi is once again a serious player in this segment. Second, it will convince hard-core enthusiasts that all the hype surrounding the Lancer Evolution X is fully justified. These are critical steps on the road to recovery for Mitsubishi. Fortunately, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer appears to be robust enough to stand up to just this kind of pressure.

Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.

[pajerokid]

guys check out www.lancerproject.com

damn beautiful car. Looks wise, i'd take this over the Mazda3 or Civic.

Conservative-Agressive.

[BlueBimmer]

lets hope resale value wont bring the lancer down..

[pajerokid]

I just hope the marketing blokes at MMC bring us the lancer in its fullest. sayang naman kung watered down yung specs and features...

Anyways, From somewhere.... a short review of the Lancer GTS.



The confetti from the 2007 New Year’s celebrations was barely swept up when Mitsubishi led the Auto industry into Model Year 2008. By St. Patrick’s Day, we’ll probably see the first 2009s, and so it looks like we won’t have to wait very long at all to see what we’ll all be driving in 2050.

But I digress.

What Mitsubishi presented is the all-new 2008 Lancer. For those who aren’t Mitsubishi historians, “Lancer” has been to this company what “Civic” and “Corolla” are to other manufacturers. Mitsubishi has been making the Lancer in one form or another since the 1970s, and it’s their bread and butter small sedan.

The last several years, you’ve been able to get a Lancer in a variety of trim levels, from basic econo-box to the breathtaking all wheel drive Lancer Evolution MR supercar. That’s the one that outran and outhandled the Lamborghini on “Top Gear” in the UK.

The 2008 Lancer family maintains the top-to-bottom product line, but just about everything else is new. The first thing you notice is a completely new body. The new Lancer uses styling from Mitsubishi’s 2005 Concept-X. The new body includes a “shark-nosed” front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes and crisp, taut lines overall. The message is clear – this is a sporty car, even in the basic model.

The new Lancer shares its platform with the Outlander SUV, and the next-generation Lancer Evolution model will also be built on the same chassis. This is important because the new chassis is about 50% stiffer than the last generation, which will be crucial when the Evo lays down the power.

The new Lancer comes standard with an all-new aluminum 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine. The basic 49-state “Federal” plant produces 152 HP at 6,000 RPM and 146 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 RPM. For California, the new Lancer is PZEV-certified and offers 143 HP at 6,000 RPM and 143 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 RPM. Obviously, when the Evo version arrives later this year, we can expect a power bump there, too. Most interesting about the engine selection is that Mitsubishi is already putting a 3.0-liter V6 with AWD into this chassis for the Outlander, so a V6 AWD Lancer should not be out of the question for the future.

The new Lancer is available in three trim levels: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS. The DE is the basic car – expected to hit the market at about $14,000. The Lancer ES model gets you 5-spoke 16-in. alloy wheels, a rear sway bar, rear disc brakes, color-keyed door handles and mirrors, and a chrome grille surround.

The Lancer you want (if for some reason passing understanding you don’t want the Evo) is the GTS. With this model you get a sport-tuned suspension – including bigger sway bars and spring/shock damping rates. The GTS’s brakes are the same as used on the larger, heavier Outlander SUV, featuring 11.6-in. (294 mm) vented discs in front and 11.9-in. (302 mm) solid discs in rear. To make sure people know you bought up, the GTS features 10-spoke 18-in. alloy wheels, front and side air dams, fog lights, a rear spoiler and a chrome tailpipe tip. It looks good.

The GTS also features a standard Bluetooth wireless technology cell phone interface system with voice recognition microphone for hands-free calling. This is also available as an option on the ES model. The GTS model has an optional Navigation and Technology Package, which combines a 30-gigabyte hard drive navigation system with digital music server function, the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System and the FAST Key entry system. FAST Key is a radio-fob that stays in your pocket or purse and allows you to unlock your car by pulling the handle on either of the front doors or the trunk, and allows you to start the car and drive. Just like a Benz or BMW.

All 2008 Lancers come pre-wired for SIRIUS Satellite Radio. ES and GTS models have an available “Sun and Sound Package” that includes a power glass sunroof, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with 6 month pre-paid subscription, and a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system. The audio system includes a 6-CD in-dash head unit with MP3 playback capability and features an audio input jack to connect an iPod or similar media player.

THE BIG NEWS

All Lancer models come with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. This box is good, as expected with a modern Japanese car. But the real news is the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission ) Mitsubishi has developed to replace their conventional automatic. Instead of fixed gear ratios, a CVT operates on a pulley system that allows an infinite variability between highest and lowest ratios with no discrete steps or shifts. On the GTS, you can use the CVT in standard automatic operation mode, or in a 6-step “Sportronic” mode that allows you to manually control the transmission with ***y little magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters.

OK – listen up now, because this is important. Most “Paddle Shifter” automatics are a fraud. They’re just using the paddles to send the same old signals to the same old slushbox. They don’t really do anything, and you can tell because you hit the paddle and the car takes way too much time before it actually shifts for you. The Lancer CVT is not like that.

Like the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti and the Volkswagen EOS, when you whack the paddle on the Lancer, it shifts Right Now. Up or down. The CVT has 6 preset “gears” for you, and when you’re paddle-shifting, the car will hold the ratio for you all the way to redline. Take the Lancer CVT out to the drag strip and plant your foot in first gear – when you hit redline, start whacking the paddle. The engine speed drops just to the bottom of the power band and then heads back to redline. You can flat-shift this car like the Ferrari. It’s nothing short of amazing, and I hope they offer this box (or one like it) on the Evo.

That being said, the Lancer is still not a tremendously fast car, but the transmission choices Mitsubishi has made fit the 152 HP 4-banger very nicely. In side by side tests, the stick would still be faster, but this CVT just plain works right. This is the first two-pedal box that I just generally liked better than the stick.

The Lancer’s interior is clean and generally well made for a car that will sell between $14,000 and $18,000. (Final pricing isn’t set, but that’s about where it’ll be.) The bottom line is that the Lancer is going to continue to be a great car for the entry-level sports sedan segment, and I have extremely high hopes for the 2008 Lancer Evolution X. Given the outstanding job Mitsubishi has done on the Lancer and the Outlander, I don’t expect to be disappointed.

[ssaloon]

all new lancer spotted near mitsu head office:

[eggman]

all new lancer spotted near mitsu head office:

Langhya ang lupit nyan ha...Mukhang ilalabas nila yan sa darating na motorshow sa August ha..Grabe ang bilis naman ng MMPC ha..

[oldblue]

all new lancer spotted near mitsu head office:

is this the design that they can think of sa back ng lancer
parang nag-photoshop ka lang ng rectangle tail lights, tapos use the tilt function

it's bad enough that the lancer designer got too overworked sa work bec. he somehow thought his/her sleepy co-worker was a good source of front concept for the all new lancer. tignan nyo harap, antok na antok ang itsura

[ssaloon]

word is that they will retain all the goodies found in the top of the line variant in other markets, e.g. HID, dvd, lvd monitor, etc.

[boybi]

Mukhang nagbago na ang Mitsubishi Phils. They've been introducing new models here at the same time with the rest of the world. Sana Nissan would do the same.

[BlueBimmer]

nagimprove na talaga mitsu dto, from the all new models of strada, pajero, outlander, fuzion and now the lancer, that's why pasok mitsu when i was considering my next suv

[drey]

More pics for the new ***y baby...

The Mobile Karaoke

[drey]

[BlueBimmer]

oy ok yung blue ah

[kyle618]

all new lancer spotted near mitsu head office:

nice! ang bilis ... gud move mitsu... talagang comeback ang mitsu this year from the outlander to the fuzion to the brand spankin new lancer.

[eggman]

Mukhang nagbago na ang Mitsubishi Phils. They've been introducing new models here at the same time with the rest of the world. Sana Nissan would do the same.

Nagbago na nga sila(nabasa yata nila yung mga rants sa kanila about slow product releases nila last year)...Mukhang yan either galing sa U.S,Japan or Thailand yang bagong Lancer nayan....

[mazdamazda]

Oh sh*t... that looks pretty darned hot. Heck, it looks even more aggressive than the new WRX. Now imagine how the Evo X would look like... :drool:

[a4Tech]

So when is this coming out? Thanks.

[boybi]

Iba talaga dumawa ng designs ang Mitsubishi, nakakatulo laway. Sana lang na-correct na rin nila yung mga kalampag weaknesses nila.

[ssaloon]

parang nakakahinayang kabitan ng plaka sa harap!

[drey]

lets make a shout thread kaya dedicated for Mitsu?