2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Pictures, Specifications, Information

Mitsubishi Motors North America is unleashed a third performance-driven model in its Lancer series for 2009, the turbocharged, 237-hp 4-wheel drive Lancer Ralliart. Building on the basic architecture of the Lancer GTS model, Mitsubishi engineers adapted modified powertrain and driveline technology from the ultra-high-performance Lancer Evolution to create the Lancer Ralliart.

The 2009 Lancer Ralliart is a unique new model designed for driving enthusiasts who value exhilarating yet balanced overall road performance. The name is inspired by Ralliart, the performance and motorsports division of Mitsubishi, which has claimed World Rally Championships in addition to dominating the Dakar Rally. With the 2009 Lancer Ralliart, the Ralliart name is fomented as the performance brand for Mitsubishi Motors.

The 2009 Lancer Ralliart is powered by a modified version of the Lancer Evolution's turbocharged / intercooled 2.0-liter MIVEC engine, but tuned for strong low-end and mid-range torque. The standard Active Center Differential (ACD) full-time 4-wheel drive system is essentially the same as used in the previous-generation U.S.-spec Lancer Evolution models.

One transmission is offered for the 2009 Lancer Ralliart: a new version of the Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (Twin Clutch-SST) used in the new Lancer Evolution MR model. In the Lancer Ralliart, this new-generation automated manual transmission provides the same lightning-quick shift responses in manual or automatic modes. (Ralliart features the Normal and Sport modes, but not the ultra-performance-optimized S-Sport setting exclusively featured in the Lancer Evolution MR.)

The Lancer Ralliart also is equipped as standard with Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL), which contributes to safe, secure handling in all types of conditions. Specially tuned sport suspension and standard 18-inch alloy wheels complement the high grip afforded by the full-time active 4WD to give the Lancer Ralliart sports car responses.

There is no mistaking Lancer Ralliart's distinct Mitsubishi design language highlighted by the wedge profile, sloping hood and shark-like front air intake. Showing a clear kinship to the Lancer Evolution, the Lancer Ralliart model sports its own aggressively styled front bumper and rear bumper cover and dual outlet exhaust. The lightweight aluminum ducted hood delivers cooling air to the turbocharger and vents engine heat.

Mission: Street Performance

The 2009 Lancer Ralliart inherits not only key technology from the Lancer Evolution, but also the core values that have made that model synonymous with thrilling performance. The key difference between the models lies in their purpose: Lancer Ralliart is optimized for exhilarating everyday driving while the Lancer Evolution is the brand's ultimate handing machine.

"For most enthusiasts, the Ralliart strikes an ideal balance of exciting turbocharged 4-wheel drive performance and everyday drivability," said Dan Kuhnert, vice president for marketing and sales, Mitsubishi Motors North America. "The Ralliart is a sophisticated, highly capable sports sedan, but with performance that is easily enjoyed in everyday driving."

Unique Model, Unique Powertrain

The 2009 Lancer Ralliart adopts a modified version of the 4B11 T/C turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter MIVEC DOHC engine teamed to the Twin Clutch-SST gearbox from the Evolution MR model. The Ralliart engine employs a smaller, single-scroll turbocharger compared to the twin-scroll turbo used in the Evolution engine. The intake tract and airbox are unique to the Ralliart, as is the smaller intercooler.

The Lancer Ralliart engine produces 237 hp at 6,000 RPM (Evolution: 291 @ 6,500 RPM) and 253 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,000 RPM (Evolution: 300 lb.-ft. @ 4,400 RPM). With nearly 250 lb.-ft. of torque available from 2,500 RPM to about 4,700 RPM, the Lancer Ralliart engine provides a "sweet spot" that translates into highly accessible everyday performance. The Ralliart engine's red line is 6,500 RPM compared to 7,000 RPM for the Evolution. As in all Lancer engines, the Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system controls valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts to optimize performance at all engine speeds.

The TC-SST allows the driver to manually shift using the console shifter or the Sportronic steering wheel magnesium-alloy paddle shifters, or select fully automatic operation. As mentioned, there are two operational modes, Normal and Sport. The 5th and 6th gear ratios are slightly higher in the Lancer Ralliart than the Evolution MR to reduce highway-driving engine speed and to help enhance fuel economy (17 MPG city / 25 MPG highway).

Born Athlete with Advanced All-Wheel Control

The Lancer Ralliart All-Wheel Control (AWC) system is based on the competition-derived Active Center Differential (ACD). Using an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch, ACD distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels in response to driving conditions. The system is controlled by the AWC computer, which takes input from a variety of engine and wheel speed sensors G-force sensors and steering angle sensor information. The AWC computer uses a proprietary Mitsubishi algorithm to calculate action of the ACD unit in response to road conditions.

The ACD provides an excellent balance between steering response and traction characteristics and allows the driver to set system response parameters using a "Tarmac, Gravel, Snow" selector. A helical limited-slip front differential and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential help keep traction applied during hard acceleration and through cornering maneuvers by controlling side-to-side torque distribution.

The foundation for the Lancer's inherently sporty responsiveness - and for sports car handling in the Evolution and Ralliart models - is the performance-engineered global platform that also underpins the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. Lancer's highly rigid unibody structure, which makes extensive use of high-strength steel, allows for sport-oriented suspension tuning while also providing a compliant ride.

The 2009 Ralliart shares the body structure with the GTS model but features its own unique chassis tuning. Front MacPherson strut suspension employs strut tower bars that enhance lateral rigidity for precise steering response. The sophisticated multi-link rear suspension contributes to precise handling response and the compliant ride quality.

Ralliart-tuned suspension employs unique rear suspension trailing arms and different stabilizer bars and spring/shock damping rates than on the other Lancer models. Standard 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 Yokohama ADVAN summer tires help make the Lancer Ralliart a twisty-road tamer (the GTS features same-size all-season tires). The Ralliart and GTS models use the same brakes as the larger, heavier Mitsubishi Outlander SUV, featuring 11.6-in. (294 mm) vented discs in front and 11.9-in. (302 mm) solid discs for the rear wheels. The Ralliart employs dual-piston front calipers vs. single-piston on the GTS.

(By comparison, the Lancer Evolution GSR and MR models are constructed with a specially reinforced "wide body" platform, inverted front struts (Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks on MR), unique forged aluminum chassis components, and Brembo® brakes with Sport ABS. Most notably, the Lancer Evolution models are exclusively equipped with the Super All-Wheel Control system featuring both ACD 4WD and the Active Yaw Control (AYC) torque-vectoring rear differential.)

Premium Interior and In-Car Technology

The Lancer Ralliart interior shares much of its design and content with the Evolution models, including a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel (with audio and cruise control switches), aluminum foot pedals, leather-wrapped TC-SST shift knob, plus upgraded cloth upholstery. The 2009 Ralliart features its own sport-design gauges, distinct from the GTS and Evolution models.

Because the Lancer Ralliart is based on the Lancer GTS body structure, it includes a 60/40 fold-down rear seat. This feature is not offered on the Lancer Evolution models, due to their special structural bracing that enhances body rigidity for an even higher level of handling performance.

The Lancer Ralliart features some of today's most in-demand user technology. The standard FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) entry system allows the driver to unlock the vehicle simply by carrying the remote in a pocket or purse and grasping the handle on either of the front doors. A standard Bluetooth® HFP system features a voice-recognition microphone for making hands-free phone calls (when using a compatible phone).

The standard 140-Watt CD/MP3 audio system features six speakers, digital signal processing and speed-compensated volume and equalization control. The system includes a standard MP3/auxiliary stereo input jack.

The RECARO® Sport Package adds the RECARO® front bucket seats along with a 650-Watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System with PUNCH® control, 10-in. subwoofer, plus a 6-disc in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a six-month service subscription. Xenon HID headlamps are also included in this package.

Available as a port-installed option or as a dealer accessory is a 40-gigabyte hard disc drive (HDD) navigation system that features a 7.5-inch LCD display and integrates a digital music server. Mitsubishi-exclusive Diamond Lane Guidance™ provides route guidance information on high-occupancy vehicle and carpool lanes.