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Mitsubishi released official news on the 2008 Lancer which is scheduled to debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show next month in Detroit.
The Lancer is based on Mitsubishi’s new Outlander SUV. Interestingly, it’s shorter than the outgoing model though has a longer wheelbase (distance between the centers of the front and rear wheels) and track (distance between tires on one axis). The all-new 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine produces 152 horsepower is the sole powerplant at this time. Standard transmission is a 5-speed manual though a continuous variable transmission (CVT), the first for Mitsubishi, will be available as well. Exterior-wise, the Lancer borrows heavily from the Concept-X. The new front, especially, shows a new direction in design for the automaker. The Lancer will be available for sale to the public sometime in the first or second quarter of 2007. Pricing information will be released at that time. Our take? Mazda had better watch its rear.
Cypress, Calif. (December, 2006) 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® 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)
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