It's here! The ninth generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer is redesigned and ready for 2008. Who said a compact sedan has to be boring? That's where Mitsubishi stands when it comes to the Lancer GTS.
Compared to the earlier Lancer model, the new one is going to be more visually appealing and more fun to drive. For starters, the new wheelbase is 1.3 inches longer and 2.6 inches wider that its previous platform. The body resembles that of a European-designed car with the stance of the vehicle already looking aggressive when stock.
The new Lancer is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four which is an all-aluminum block (the older Lancers came with an iron engine block) with MIVEC variable valve timing on the intake and exhaust cams rated at 152 horsepower. A California's PZEV version has 143, still a respectable number.
Standard transmission is a five-speed manual and the automatic uses something called a continuously variable transmission (CVT) which is geared for enhancing performance and mileage over a conventional autobox. The Sportronic transmission includes a set of steering-column-mounted aluminum shifter paddles. Manual mode, which has six speeds, allows responses instantly when you shift just like in racing video game. This combination is now capable of going 0-60 in 7.7 seconds.
Being an import enthusiast for years and having plenty of experience in the previous Lancer, I can already tell that this is definitely an entirely different animal and is going to be a great car for the price. A lot of options available for this car were once only available in more expensive brands like Lexus or Mercedes. But, as we see the vehicle industry and technology evolve as quick as it has been, it will be no time before we begin to see more affordable cars that have just as many bells and whistles as most high-dollar super cars.