Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Mitsubishi
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer revealed
UPDATE: Press release posted after the jump. Full specs included.
Edmunds' Straightline just went on a late night assault, revealing pictures of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The debut is well ahead of the car's official unveiling next month in Detroit, although the website provided a fair amount of details about the underpinnings of Mitsubishi's newest sedan.
The vehicle is shorter overall, but noticeably wider, when sized up next to the outgoing model and is build off of the same platform that underpins the Outlander SUV. The base model will be powered by a 152 HP, 2-liter, inline four, mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT that will allow drivers to choose from six, pre-selected ratios, controlled by a set of magnesium shift paddles.
Sales will begin sometime in early 2007 and will be available in DE, ES or GTS trim.
More pics after the jump and more information to follow. Watch this space.
[Source: Edmunds' Insideline]
CYPRESS, Calif., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will introduce, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007.
The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation Mitsubishi compact sport sedan, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. A "shark-nosed" front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the Lancer's exciting new design.
The 2008 Lancer is based on a new performance-engineered 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. All Lancer models are powered by an all-new 2.0-liter 152 hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (143 hp PZEV in Calif.) teamed to a 5-speed manual transmission. The new Lancer is the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). When equipped with the CVT, the Lancer GTS exclusively features a 6-step Sportronic(R) mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer will be available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS.
Key Specifications
Wheelbase: 103.7 in.
Length: 180.0 in.
Height: 58.7 in.
Width: 69.4 in.
Curb weight range: 2,922 lbs. (DE w/ 5-speed) to 3,109 lbs. (GTS w/ CVT)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing and research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, a mid-size pickup truck and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 520 dealers.
Edmunds' Straightline just went on a late night assault, revealing pictures of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. The debut is well ahead of the car's official unveiling next month in Detroit, although the website provided a fair amount of details about the underpinnings of Mitsubishi's newest sedan.
The vehicle is shorter overall, but noticeably wider, when sized up next to the outgoing model and is build off of the same platform that underpins the Outlander SUV. The base model will be powered by a 152 HP, 2-liter, inline four, mated to either a five-speed manual or a CVT that will allow drivers to choose from six, pre-selected ratios, controlled by a set of magnesium shift paddles.
Sales will begin sometime in early 2007 and will be available in DE, ES or GTS trim.
More pics after the jump and more information to follow. Watch this space.
[Source: Edmunds' Insideline]
CYPRESS, Calif., Dec. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will introduce, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007.
The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation Mitsubishi compact sport sedan, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. A "shark-nosed" front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the Lancer's exciting new design.
The 2008 Lancer is based on a new performance-engineered 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. All Lancer models are powered by an all-new 2.0-liter 152 hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (143 hp PZEV in Calif.) teamed to a 5-speed manual transmission. The new Lancer is the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). When equipped with the CVT, the Lancer GTS exclusively features a 6-step Sportronic(R) mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer will be available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS.
Key Specifications
Wheelbase: 103.7 in.
Length: 180.0 in.
Height: 58.7 in.
Width: 69.4 in.
Curb weight range: 2,922 lbs. (DE w/ 5-speed) to 3,109 lbs. (GTS w/ CVT)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing and research and development operations of the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, a mid-size pickup truck and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 520 dealers.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
John 1:43AM (12/11/2006)
Is it me or does it have a Lexus IS look from behind and an Acura TL look from the side?
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Mike 1:44AM (12/11/2006)
I love the design! looks like a cross between a Mazda and a Volvo. I can't wait to see the Evo!!
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DearS 1:45AM (12/11/2006)
A company that is coming back from such a lower place. I love it. The car looks aggresive, makes sense. An Evo 10 might find its way into my future garage.
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Aardappel 1:46AM (12/11/2006)
the back looks like an alfa romeo (156?) crossed with the new lexus IS :)
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fsfishnchips 1:46AM (12/11/2006)
much better than the new Nissan sentra!
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Jamal N. 1:50AM (12/11/2006)
For some reason the tailight cluster seems outdated to me...
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SilverAero 1:50AM (12/11/2006)
Not bad, not bad. Not great. I think it could have looked better if it were longer, but i'll have to wait till i see it.
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mojojojo 1:58AM (12/11/2006)
It is a good looking car, but I was hoping It would look even better... IMO It doesn't really live up to all the hype about it. I don't really like its stance, it seems a little too tall and narrow. I'm sure the EVO version will look great though, especially with some aftermarket mods.
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Alfa Nut 2:00AM (12/11/2006)
Is *everybody* copying Alfa Romeo??? First Subaru takes the Alfa grill, inverts it, and makes the Tribeca. Now Mitsubishi takes the 156/159 and makes the Lancer. Looks like original thought/design is still missing from Japanese manufacturers.
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Bigfatguy 2:26AM (12/11/2006)
No one cares about economy cars. Where's the Evo? I need a bucket o chicken FAST.
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Bob 2:39AM (12/11/2006)
It looks a bit awkward, but it's such an enormous improvement over the current Lancer (and it's not a bulbous nightmare like the Eclipse) that I think this could sell really well for Mitsbusihi.
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Jeff 2:40AM (12/11/2006)
it looks like.... PEOPLE SHOULD STOP PLAYING THE BLOODY "IT LOOKS LIKE" GAME! Sheesh! Every time something new comes out, Autoblog comment readers have to sift through a page of multi-car hybrid comparisons. STOP IT!! Car designs follow popular trends, there's bound to be a lot of overlap, not every car can be a revolutionary break into new design territory! From now on, new autoblog.com comment section rule: no more comparisons unless its something along the lines of Kia Amanti/Jag S-type, 300C/Bentley Arnage, or just about any Chinese car/all the other cars in the world. If its a blatant rip off targeting one car in particular, that's cool. But I don't wanna hear any comparison involving a mix of two or more cars... none of these multi brand orgy offspring... GOT IT?
Now that that's settled.... I really like the looks of this one. I always found the last generation looked a little cheap for some reason. This one is nice and modern, good and solid looking. I love the indent in the doors below the shoulder line, gives it a slight hourglass shape but with nice broad shoulders.
Jamal, i see what you mean about the dated taillights, but its cool how they really mimic the headlights.
and uh... sorry 'bout the rant, i'm a little stressed out right now.
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just kidding jeff 2:52AM (12/11/2006)
It looks like a cross between a mazda6 and a Lexus IS
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Ben 2:58AM (12/11/2006)
It is a complete and utter DUD !! Why would anyone buy a Mitsh. ???
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flareak 3:03AM (12/11/2006)
the nose is ugly, and so is the top part of the trunk. huge improvement though.
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EquinsuOcha 3:25AM (12/11/2006)
I'm curious as to what the specs on the GTS version are. The 152HP is just for the DE / ES traditionally, and with only a 2.0 MIVEC engine, that means the 2.4 is probably in the 200HP range. I can't wait to see this in January. Then again, I REALLY hope they bring out the SportBack. If they do, I'm the first in line for that.
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Cheezedog 3:26AM (12/11/2006)
I want to like it, but my past experince with Mitsubishi's reliablity, the fact its tied in with Chrysler, (who has a terrible track record for reliablity,) and the lack of information on its upper trim levels, makes me want to bite my tongue for now.
What I will say is I don't mind the look terribly.... But it's almost too agressive for the common economy car, but thats because its suppose to be a pallet for a international supercar. And the tail lights bother me despite me knowing they are done that way to tie in with the front.
Yea... thats all im going to say till I hear more about the powertrain options.
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Mitsufan 3:42AM (12/11/2006)
Personally I want this -- maybe if they bring out a Ralliart version or something -- more than the Evo. I mean obviously Evo is the dragonslayer of sedans, but frankly I don't need all that power. I'd have to buy it with an extra ten grand in the bank for speeding tickets.
I'll take the Lancer, drop it down a few inches, tighten the suspension, maybe tweak the engine a bit -- that's just perfect for me.
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John 4:08AM (12/11/2006)
Hotness.
I wonder if the CVT will be more like the Caliber, or More like the Sentra? I hope it has a manual mode.
Nissan (82%) and Mitsubishi (18%) co-own Jatco, which makes CVTs for Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Chrysler, Suzuki, Subaru, etc.
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Hondafan 6:21AM (12/11/2006)
I wonder when the big rebates will start on this. Say about 6 months into the model release?
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