Mitsubishi Motors Unveil Lancer Sportback

anthony_fontanelle@yahoo.com (Anthony Fontanelle) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 20:58:56 GMT

by Anthony Fontanelle
Tuesday, June 17, 2008

At the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the Lancer Sportback will unveil by the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation for the first time at an international motor show, at the Le Mondial de l'Automobile 2008 being held in Halls 1-8 of the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from October 2 through October 19 and on October 4 for the general public.

The company will also be displaying the Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart models that are based on the Lancer*1 sports sedan and Lancer Sportback. These models are powered by a turbocharged engine mated to Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST a Sport Shift Transmission and delivering power to all four wheels through an Active Center Differential. The Lancer Sportback will have its European launch this fall with a phased introduction into the various countries in the region.

The sporty Lancer Sportback is a 5-door sport hatchback, with its inverted-slant nose truck parts and trapezoidal grille that defines the Mitsubishi Motors design identity, a body type that is very popular in Europe.

Power for the Lancer Sportback comes from a variety of engine choices including a 1.5L engine producing 108-hp, a 1.8L engine producing 141-hp and a 2.0L turbo diesel producing 138-hp. Mitsubishi's new diesel engine will join the lineup in spring of 2009. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces a total of 237-hp with a peak torque of 253 lb-ft.

Power is transferred to the wheels via Mitsubishi's Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential. The Lancer Sportback offers truck parts that are an auto-folding function which enhances luggage compartment convenience through adjustable rear floor height and rear seatbacks that can be tipped forward via a lever located in the luggage compartment. The series is due to be joined by a model powered by Mitsubishi Motors' new diesel engine in spring of 2009.

The Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart models use a new turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder DOHC MIVEC*2 engine with the maximum output of 177 kW (240PS), and the maximum torque is 343 Nm (35 kgm).

For extremely responsive steering and traction through tailoring the amount of torque fed to each wheel to optimally suit driving conditions, this is mated to Mitsubishi's high-efficiency Twin Clutch SST transmission with an Active Center Differential. Also helping to significantly raise the basic performance attributes of these cars over the Lancer base model are 2-pot caliper front brakes and a larger brake master cylinder.

About the Author

Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

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