Detroit Auto Show: Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart - WRX beware

Well the Evo sure has a strong following, but not all of us are in the market for a $33k-$40k Evo or its WRX STi competitor. But what else are your choices at a Mitsu dealer? The Lancer GTS? Well Mitsubishi finally saw the light and is offering the 2009 Lancer Ralliart, now a bonafide WRX competitor. The new Ralliart is motivated by a detuned Evolution 2.0 turbo four cylinder putting out 235-hp.

The Ralliart forgoes a proper manual transmission and instead makes use of the Twin Clutch-SST gearbox also found in the Evo. We can only hope that Mitsu will offer us a three pedal setup as well. The all-wheel drive is the real deal, with an active center differential, helical front limited slip differential and a standard rear mechanical limited slip differential.

Expect to find a host of options including, 650-watt sound system, navigation with a 30-gig harddrive, sunroof, HID headlights and bluetooth among others. There’ll be more than a few WRX drivers looking nervously in the rear view mirror or looking up trade-in values, we imagine.

Click through for live images from the Detroit Auto Show
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Htay7500 - 1/14/2008 2:10:50 PM

+1 Boost

finally! but I think the WRXs' are pretty nimble and agile due to their hatch form.

pacotacolol - 1/14/2008 3:48:47 PM

+1 Boost

soso

M35MT - 1/14/2008 3:59:37 PM

+2 Boost

FINALLY

BMW995 - 1/14/2008 5:02:36 PM

0 Boost

Well, I would consider buying this car as a relatively low-cost, fun to drive sports sedan. I'm sure it's a blast to drive. However, some of the styling touches leave me a little cold. I don't like to draw attention to myself.
My changes: paint the bar in the middle of the grill the body color, and remove or replace the rear wing with a much smaller one close to the body of the trunk.
Does anyone have a guess what this car would cost?

Shredmo - 1/14/2008 5:29:28 PM

+1 Boost

IMO, it is not the cost of this car, it is the cost to insure it compared to other vehicles with similar performance. My guess is $27k base price, US dollars

M35MT - 1/15/2008 8:45:44 AM

+1 Boost

I'd say cheaper than that. You can get the Mazdaspeed3 for 22k (sport) and loaded up w/ nav at 26k. Mitsu needs to price this competetively.

M35MT - 1/15/2008 8:46:54 AM

+1 Boost

holy crap! I missed the whole AWD part! (idiot). Your price does seem reasonable now...

EvoAudi - 1/14/2008 7:03:24 PM

+3 Boost

I like it.

S4cabriofoxone - 1/14/2008 7:56:15 PM

+5 Boost

It looks great. The new Lancers are blowing the Imprezas out of the water.

BMW995 - 1/14/2008 10:18:40 PM

+1 Boost

Thanks Shredmo, I'll check with my insurance agent before I place an order on this car.

M35MT - 1/15/2008 8:52:10 AM

+1 Boost

Give me a loaded one in black, chop off the spoiler and put some mean black wheels on it. Great car in the high 20k range.