The new-for-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback joins the multiple award-winning Lancer family, bringing additional versatility and performance to the model line.
The Sportback is available in two exciting, five-door trim levels; a sporty GTS and a high performance Ralliart. The front-wheel-drive GTS version is powered by a 2.4-liter MIVEC four-cylinder engine and is available with a five-speed manual or six-speed CVT transmission, combining its sporty demeanor with enhanced five-door utility. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart adapts the powertrain and all-wheel technology from the Lancer Evolution series for serious performance. The Lancer Sportback Ralliart is available with a standard six-speed Twin Clutch-Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST). The result is a unique model with enhanced utility that is optimized for exhilarating yet balanced overall road performance.
The Sportback features many of the premium options that can be found in the Lancer line, including 60:40-split rear seats, aggressive styling and an available 710-watt Rockford-Fosgate Premium Sound System, in-dash CD changer with MP3 capability, plus Sirius Satellite Radio with 3-month subscription.
Efficient And Reliable Performance
The Lancer Sportback GTS is powered by a 2.4-liter MIVEC four-cylinder engine, blending performance with efficiency. 168 hp and 167 lb.-ft. of torque are available, mated to either a five-speed manual or a six-speed CVT automatic transmission. Counter-balance shafts, a system patented by Mitsubishi over 30 years ago to reduce engine vibration and noise, help give the Lancer Sportback GTS smooth performance. The Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-timing Electronic Control (MIVEC) system is also onboard to control valve timing on both the intake and exhaust camshafts, optimizing performance and efficiency at all engine speeds.
Lancer Evolution Inspired
The performance-inspired Sportback Ralliart gets the same version of the Lancer Ralliart 4B11 T/C turbocharged/intercooled 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 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. The Sportback Ralliart is available only in all-wheel drive for greater driver control during all conditions.
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 Sportback Ralliart engine produces 237 hp at 6,000 RPM and 253 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 3,000 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 Sportback 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 foundation for the Lancer's agile handling is the performance-engineered global platform that also forms the basis for the Lancer Evolution chassis and underpins the Mitsubishi Outlander crossover.
Refined Driver Control
The Lancer Sportback Ralliart's All-Wheel Control (AWC) system is based on a competition-derived, computer-controlled Active Center Differential (ACD) unit that distributes drive torque between the front and rear wheels in response to driving conditions. The driver can set system response parameters using a "Tarmac, Gravel, Snow" selector. A helical limited-slip front differential and a mechanical limited-slip rear differential help optimize side-to-side torque distribution.
A Ralliart-tuned suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45R18 Yokohama ADVAN summer tires complement the high traction afforded by the full-time active all-wheel drive. Standard Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL) also contribute to safe handling.
The Lancer Sportback also formed the basis for Mitsubishi's 2009 Dakar Rally effort earlier this year. The Dakar is the most grueling rally race in the world and Mitsubishi vehicles have won the event 12 times since their first attempt in 1983.
As an important test bed for future technology, the Racing Lancers used at the Dakar reflected Mitsubishi's ongoing efforts to minimize the automobile's environmental footprint with such features as clean diesel power, bio-fuel capability and plant-based "green plastic" body components.
Aggressive And Sporty Styling
Mitsubishi designers created an aggressive and distinct new shape for the Sportback that is instantly recognizable as a Lancer from the front, with its signature jet fighter grille, while being completely fresh when viewed from the rear. The key element is a sleekly sloping rear door with integrated "roof wing" that creates a visually distinctive shape while making the Lancer significantly more versatile. The door extends down to the rear bumper to make loading cumbersome objects like surfboards, camping gear, and bicycles as easy as possible.
Drawing on styling cues from the Lancer sedan series, the Lancer Sportback Ralliart sports an aggressively styled front bumper, rear bumper cover, and dual-outlet exhaust. A lightweight aluminum, ducted hood borrowed from the Evolution sedan delivers cooling air to the turbocharger and vents engine heat. The Sportback Ralliart interior shares much of its design and content with the Lancer GTS and Lancer Evolution, such as the GTS sport bucket seats.
Everyday Versatility
With its spacious five-door design and 60:40-split rear seats, the Lancer Sportback is designed for everyday versatility. The Sportback's overall length is just slightly longer than the Lancer four-door sedan, yet it gains substantial cargo-carrying flexibility, especially when the 60:40-split rear seats are folded completely flat. One-touch auto-folding rear seats also help make the newfound space almost effortless to configure. To add still more volume, the rear cargo-area floor of the GTS version can be cleverly lowered three inches, yielding 52.7 cubic ft. maximum cargo space. The roof will also conveniently accommodate an optional plug-in Thule® Sport Rack for additional flexibility.
Packed With Premium Options
Showcasing Mitsubishi's dedication to value, Lancer Sportback is fit with many premium options that enhance the everyday driving experience. Lancer Sportback borrows the Lancer Evolution leather-wrapped sport steering wheel with audio and cruise control switches. Like the Lancer Evolution, the Sportback Ralliart can be equipped with RECARO® sport bucket front seats. Standard user technology includes the FAST Key hands-free entry system, a Bluetooth® HFP system with voice recognition for hands-free calling and an auxiliary / MP3 input jack. Mitsubishi's J.D. Power & Associates' award winning 40-GB. HDD navigation system with music server and a 710-Watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio (with 3-month pre-paid subscription) are also available.
Standard safety features in all Lancer models include 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.
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.
# # #
