2005 Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Ralliart Technical Highlights

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.'s (MMNA) dedication to creating high performance is as familiar to rally enthusiasts as the red-and-orange striped Ralliart logo. As its very name conveys, Mitsubishi's strong motorsports arm has taken the lessons taught by rallying and elevated the science of performance tuning to an art form. Witness the extensive list of modifications that highlight the Ralliart versions of the Mitsubishi Lancer. The exterior appearance is enhanced with front and side air dams and unique fog lights, and a sporty rear spoiler. Inside, driver and passenger are held in place with front sport bucket seats sourced from the Japanese-market Evolution GT-A.

But the Ralliart label signifies more than appearance: the Lancer Ralliart is an affordable performance sedan with a full factory warranty. The Ralliart is a rolling showcase for affordable performance, stocked with a high-tech engine shared with the Galant, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), sport-tuned suspension, free-flowing sport exhaust, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

ENGINE

The Lancer Ralliart comes equipped with a smooth, powerful 2.4-liter, SOHC, 16-valve inline four-cylinder MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control) engine. This powerplant develops 162 horsepower at 5750 rpm and 162 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Part of the additional power is the result of a freer-flowing exhaust system, which features a larger diameter exhaust pipe and large volume catalytic converter and muffler. These changes helped to decrease backpressure on the engine and increase performance.

Lancer ES and O-Z(R) Rally editions are powered by a reliable, 2.0-liter, SOHC, 16-valve engine that is tuned for outstanding low-end torque and mid-range pulling power. With an emphasis on smooth operation and outstanding fuel economy, Lancer's 2.0L engine is an excellent powerplant for a small, sophisticated sedan.

TRANSMISSION

Lancer's 5-speed manual transmission is engineered for smooth engagement with robust synchronizers and a low-effort clutch system. To handle the increased load from the Lancer Ralliart's more powerful 2.4-liter MIVEC engine, gear ratios were set to take advantage of the engine's wide torque band. The Lancer Ralliart's five-speed manual transmission was strengthened and a triple synchro was added to second gear. To improve the feel, the shifter - taken directly from the Lancer Evolution - features 12-percent shorter throws.

All trim lines offer an optional 4-speed automatic that features the latest in computer controls for smooth shifting and individual driver-adaptive response. The automatic transmission of the Lancer Ralliart has gear ratios formulated specifically for the 2.4L torque band.

SUSPENSION

Compared to the Lancer ES and OZ, Ralliart features several adjustments to the front and rear suspension setups. Front shock damping was increased 150 percent and rear shock damping was increased 85 percent to improve body roll rate and limit weight transfer. The front spring rate was increased 20 percent to offset the increased engine weight, and the front sway bar rate was increased 17 percent - which also helps to reduce body roll. Pillow ball bushings were added to both upper and lower control arms of the rear suspension to ensure the most accurate suspension geometry.

As a Ralliart-exclusive structural reinforcement, diagonal braces were added from the outer front strut towers to the cowl at the A pillars. A red-painted tubular three-point front strut-tower brace not only looks good spanning the engine bay, it also helps reinforce body rigidity. The result is a sportier, more rigid chassis that's capable of negotiating apexes at higher speeds.

STEERING

By increasing the diameter of the steering rack, the Ralliart features increased steering stiffness for a sportier feel. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion system was further modified with the removal of the steering shimmy damper, which helps eliminate flex and transfers more road feedback to the steering wheel, also resulting in better feel. Requiring only 2.86 turns lock-to-lock (3.19 for the Lancer ES and O-Z(R) Rally), the quick response and reassuring feel of this system provide constant input about the road surface and the car's directional dynamics.

BRAKES, WHEELS & TIRES

While additional horsepower helps to add speed, better braking power helps to reduce it. The Ralliart's larger four-wheel disc brakes (10.9-inch fronts, 10.3-inch rears) provide confident stopping power. The brake calipers' piston diameters were increased from 2.13 inches to 2.36 inches. This increase in caliper piston area along with an increase in brake booster capacity help to keep pedal effort low and improve the overall braking feel.

Another enhancement to the Lancer Ralliart brake system includes anti-lock brakes (ABS) to help enhance steering control during emergency maneuvers. Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) further aids braking by monitoring traction conditions and proportioning hydraulic force applied to the front and rear wheel brakes where it will do the most good.
For the Lancer Ralliart, the standard 195/65R15 tires are upgraded to 205/50R16 all-season performance tires. Standard 16-inch Euro-flange alloy wheels give the Ralliart added substance and style.

SAFETY

All Lancers are equipped with driver and front passenger air bag Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS). The Lancer Ralliart and O-Z(R) Rally also features optional front seat-mounted side impact air bags. Three point seat belts at all positions, window lock switch and rear door child safety locks are a few of the features which help to increase safety for Lancer's driver and passengers.

WARRANTY AND MANUFACTURING

As part of Mitsubishi Motors "Best-Backed Car" program, all models are backed by a comprehensive new vehicle limited warranty that covers the vehicle from bumper-to-bumper for five-years/60,000 miles. In addition, the powertrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000 mile limited warranty, while body panels have a seven-year/100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. The "Best-Backed Car" program also includes 24-hour emergency roadside
assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty-related repairs for five years/unlimited miles.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States and Canada. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 650 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.