Mitsubishi Reveals New Lancer

Mitsubishi today revealed the 2008 Lancer sedan, which will be on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2007. Gallery after the jump.

OneShift Editorial Team

13 Dec 2006

Faithful to the previously released sketch, Lancer will bring the dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X and Concept-Sportback to the showroom. Both unveiled in 2005, they hinted not only at the next generation Mitsubishi compact sports sedans, but also at the next evolution of its design language.

This is readily apparent in Lancer’s front face. Whilst concepts (CZ2, Tarmac Spyder, Pajero* Evolution, etc,…) or production cars (Colt, current Lancer, Grandis, new Outlander etc,…) have clearly established the triangle-shaped 3-Diamond logo as the focal point, the recent US-only Eclipse and Raider brought a first evolution with a larger inverted gaping grille inspired by jet fighters´ air intake. Split into two separate elements (chrome-ringed for the upper part) this Lancer sports sedan grille goes one step further, staging Mitsubishi’s logo at the centre of a new and very iconic front face, highlighted by Concept-X and Concept-Sportback’s trademark shark nose and deep set “eyes”.

The 2008 Lancer is based on a new global platform that also forms the foundation of the new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. It has a longer wheelbase and wider track, but slightly shorter overall length than the previous model. It weighs 3,109 lbs.

The new Lancer sports sedan uses a larger body than the current model, with an overall length of 4570 mm (35 mm longer), overall width of 1760 mm (65 mm wider), overall height of 1490 mm (60 mm taller) and wheelbase of 2635 mm (35 mm longer) is based on MMC’s “Project Global” platform, a new flexible architecture that also forms the foundation of the new Outlander.

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20061213193234613.jpg[/IMG]

The Lancer is planned for a European launch (4th Qtr 2007) with models powered by an all-new 2.0-liter 152 hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine teamed to a 5-speed manual transmission. The Lancer model is also expected to evolve, split into 4 powertrain levels (entry, mid-range, upper-range and supercar), it will propose 5 different engines, likely yo include a 1.6L as en entry model.

[IMG]http://www.oneshift.com/showroom/uploadimages/resized-20061213193357542.jpg[/IMG]

Credits: triggerpuff