Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is revving up its sporty Lancer compact sedan line for 2010, offering four levels of performance that start at 152 hp and reach 237 hp in the Lancer Evolution-inspired Ralliart model. The Mitsubishi Lancer for 2010 delivers thrilling performance, "class-up" value, advanced safety, and cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The Lancer brings sporty and bold styling to the showroom, with a shark-nosed front end, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines. Lancer is available as the value-minded DE, the well-equipped ES, the sport-tuned GTS and the turbocharged Ralliart.

Showcasing the Lancer line's combination of driver control and value-packed performance, Active Stability Control (ASC) is now standard across the line and the DE now receives standard Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). The exterior styling on the Lancer line has been updated for 2010, adding larger side air dams, a short pole antenna and rear combination tail lamps with black extensions on the DE, ES and GTS models.

A new Touring Package for the Lancer GTS model brings premium leather seating surfaces with heated front seats and soundproof windshield glass.

Lancer Leaves the Pack Behind

The Lancer delivers "class-up" dynamics, excellent value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. Lancer conveys the unmistakable Mitsubishi brand identity through its "shark-nosed" front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines. The 2010 Lancer is based on the performance-engineered global platform that also forms the foundation of the Mitsubishi Outlander SUV.

The 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC four-cylinder that powers the Lancer DE and ES models is among the most powerful standard engines in its segment, with 152 hp at 6,000 rpm (Federal Tier 2, Bin 5 emissions) and 146 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,250 rpm. (For California, Lancer is PZEV-certified and offers 143 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 143 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,250 rpm). The DE and ES models are available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or available continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The Lancer GTS model's 2.4-liter DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine, which is based on the same architecture as the 2.0-liter, produces 168 hp and 167 lb.-ft. of peak torque. The Lancer GTS model is available with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an available Sportronic® CVT transmission. When equipped with the CVT, the Lancer GTS exclusively features a 6-step Sportronic® mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters. Counter-balance shafts, a system patented by Mitsubishi over 30 years ago to reduce engine vibration and noise, help give the Lancer GTS smooth performance.

The performance-oriented Lancer Ralliart model receives a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 hp and 253 lb.-ft. of torque. Derived from the Lancer Evolution, the 4B11T engine is paired with a standard 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Shift Transmission (TC-SST). 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.

Inspired By The Lancer Evolution Legend

The performance-inspired Lancer Ralliart gets the turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 4B11T engine that is derived from the Lancer Evolution, and is teamed with the Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST) from the Lancer Evolution MR model. For greater driver control during all conditions, the Ralliart is available only with Full-time All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Active Center Differential (ACD), front helical limited-slip differential, rear mechanical limited-slip differential and Hill Start Assist (HSA). Three ACD modes are selectable by the driver with a push of a button, Tarmac, Gravel, and Snow.

Starting with a Lancer Evolution long block assembly, the turbocharger, intercooler and valve timing are modified for impressive street-oriented performance in the Ralliart application. The Lancer Ralliart engine produces 237 hp at 6,000 RPM and 253 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 2,500 ~ 4,750 RPM. The driver can manually shift using the console shifter or the Sportronic® steering column-mounted magnesium-alloy paddle shifters, or can select fully automatic operation. The Lancer Ralliart's TC-SST unit features Normal and Sport shifting modes. Numerically lower 5th and 6th gear ratios help enhance fuel economy in the Ralliart.

The Lancer Ralliart shows its clear kinship to the Evolution model with its aggressively styled front bumper and rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger.

Athletic from Birth

The foundation for the Lancer's inherently sporty responsiveness - and for sports car handling in the Ralliart model - 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.

Front suspension employs strut tower bars that enhance lateral rigidity for precise steering response. The sophisticated multi-link rear suspension is a major factor in providing ride and handling characteristics that might be expected from a more expensive vehicle. Lancer DE and ES
models feature standard 16-in. wheels (steel on DE, alloy on ES) with 205/60 R16 tires.

Exclusive sport-tuned suspension for the Lancer GTS employs different stabilizer bars and spring/shock damping rates than on the other models. Standard 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels with 215/45R18 tires help make the GTS a confident twisty-road tamer.

Displaying its performance-enhanced roots, the Ralliart uses a thicker front stabilizer bar and 215/45R18 Yokohama ADVAN summer tires. Both the GTS and Ralliart use the same brakes as the larger, heavier Outlander SUV, featuring 11.6-in. (294 mm) vented discs in front and 11.9-in. (302 mm) solid discs for the rear wheels.

Optional CVT is a Smooth Operator

The new-generation Lancer was the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT) in all naturally aspirated models. In contrast to a conventional automatic transmission that uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT operates on a pulley system that allows infinite variability between highest and lowest available ratios with no discrete steps or shifts. A CVT smoothly adapts to changing vehicle speeds, helping to improve fuel economy. When equipped with the CVT, the Lancer GTS exclusively features a 6-step Sportronic® mode that allows the driver to manually control transmission operation using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters - a first in the segment.

Comprehensive Safety Package

The 2010 Lancer is built around Mitsubishi's next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design. The RISE body structure disperses energy loads during side and rear crashes and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and also helping to protect the fuel system during a rear impact. The Lancer's safety package is one of the most comprehensive in the segment. It includes an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver's knee air bag.

For 2010, the entire Lancer line is now equipped as standard with Active Stability Control (ASC) and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). All Lancer models feature a tire pressure monitoring system. The Lancer Ralliart is equipped exclusively with standard Hill Start Assist (HSA).

Premium In-Car Technology

The GTS and Ralliart feature a new-for-2010 high-contrast full color LCD Multi-Information Display (MID) and standard Bluetooth® wireless technology cell phone interface system with voice recognition for hands-free calling (available for the ES). The GTS is exclusively available with the optional navigation system that includes a 40-gigabyte hard drive navigation system with music server and Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System.

For 2010, the FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) entry system is standard on Ralliart and included in the optional Sun and Sound Package available for the ES and GTS. FAST Key allows the driver to unlock the vehicle simply by having the remote in a pocket or purse and grasping the handle on either of the front doors. The package also includes a 710-Watt (max.), Rockford-Fosgate Punch® Premium Audio system plus a power glass sunroof and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with 3-month pre-paid subscription.

Optional on the Ralliart as well, the audiophile-quality Rockford-Fosgate system is custom-tuned for the Lancer's interior acoustics to reproduce all types of music with remarkable clarity and power. The system includes a 6-CD in-dash head unit with MP3 playback capability and plays through nine speakers in seven positions, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer.

The available HDD Navigation Package combines a 40-gigabyte hard drive navigation system with digital music server function; a 7-inch touch panel; the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System and Mitsubishi Diamond Lane Guidance™ system. (The hard drive navigation system with digital music server function is available as a dealer-installed accessory for cars that do not come equipped with the factory-installed system.)

Outstanding Warranty

Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Outlander vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty; along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The high-performance Lancer Evolution and Ralliart models are covered by a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty; along with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty.

All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 430 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.