Next-generation 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer offers advanced user technology in tune with today's customer
The all-new, next-generation Mitsubishi Lancer for 2008 carries its high-performance engineering inside, with powerful audio and advanced user-technology options designed to exceed customers' expectations.
The Lancer GTS comes standard with a Bluetooth® wireless technology cell phone interface system with voice recognition microphone for hands-free calling (also available for the ES model). Both the mid-line ES and top-line GTS models offer navigation, high-power audio and the FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) entry system. FAST Key allows passive vehicle unlocking and engine start/stop simply by carrying the remote control.
All Lancer models for 2008 come pre-wired for accessory SIRIUS® Satellite Radio. This in-demand feature is included in the new Technology and Appearance Package for the Lancer ES model, which also features several items that had been introduced first for the GTS model, including: the FAST Key entry system; a Bluetooth® wireless technology cell phone interface system with voice recognition microphone for hands-free calling; enhanced audio performance with the upgraded 6-speaker system, and MP3/auxiliary audio inputs. All Lancer option packages that include SIRIUS Satellite Radio provide a six-month pre-paid subscription to this service.
Both the Lancer ES and GTS models offer the optional Sun and Sound Package that combines a power glass sunroof and a 650-watt (max.), Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system - the most powerful factory-installed audio system in the segment.
FAST-Key Entry
All 2008 Lancer models come standard with an anti-theft engine immobilizer. The ES and GTS models also feature a standard keyless remote entry system, and both offer the FAST-Key system. 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. FAST-Key provides both convenience and security, since the driver does not need to search for a key or remote control while carrying packages, or when in a poorly lit area, for example. The system operates when the driver (carrying the remote unit) is within 27 inches of the front doors or the trunk. While walking into that range, the system verifies the user i.d. Bioelectrical sensors are built into the door handles, and when the person carrying the remote grasps one of the handles, the door unlocks. Grasping the driver's door handled unlocks only that door; grasping the front passenger door handle will unlock all four doors. (The customer can set system preferences so that grasping the driver's door handle will unlock all vehicle doors.)
With FAST Key, instead using a key to start the engine, the driver simply presses the ignition knob on the steering column to release the lock, and then twists it to start the engine. Turning the knob rearward turns off the engine. The FAST Key system comes with two remote units, and up to four can be registered and programmed for the system. Each remote houses an emergency key that can unlock and start the vehicle if the unit's battery runs down.
Satellite Navigation System - Plus
A satellite navigation system is available for the 2008 Lancer ES and GTS models and also includes AM/FM/CD/MP3/WMA music file playback, DVD video capability (when the car is not moving) and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a 6-month pre-paid SIRIUS subscription. Navigation maps and directions are displayed on a crisp touch-panel, 7-inch LCD screen.
The navigation system stores map data for the contiguous United States and Canada on a 30-gigabyte hard drive. Using a hard drive for map storage - rather than DVDs, as many other navigation systems do - gives the Lancer's navigation system ultra-fast search and access to the map data.
A key benefit to this hard drive-based navigation system is a music server function that reserves about 6 gigabytes of its capacity for digital music file storage and playback through the audio system. The navigation system's main operating controls are hard switches, with the touch screen accessing the search and destination-entry functions, among others.
The 2008 Lancer's navigation system also integrates the Mitsubishi Multi-Communication System, an extensive information display, including an onboard computer. The Lancer's system offers much of the functionality of similar systems seen in luxury vehicles but is easier and more intuitive to use. The driving computer provides displays for outside temperature, average fuel economy, current fuel economy, distance to empty and driving time.
Another display option brings up a screen with outside temperature and barometer, along with an altimeter, and another displays a vehicle maintenance reminder (oil, brakes, interior air filter) and calendar. Controls for the audio, including the SIRIUS® Satellite Radio and available 650-watt (max.) Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio, can be accessed through the navigation screen. Adding another high-tech touch unexpected in the segment, the navigation system includes an interface that allows owners to customize many of the vehicle's interior electronic system functions, such as central locking and lighting choices.
Giving the customer more flexibility, 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. (When ordered as an accessory, the system does not include the audio and video input jacks.)
Lancer Entertainment Options
The 2008 Lancer comes equipped to provide high-quality sound, with a standard total 140-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 player including 4 speakers and digital signal processor. The system automatically compensates volume and sound equalization in response to vehicle speed. The Lancer GTS model upgrades to a 6-speaker system, which is also included in the ES model's optional Technology and Appearance package.
The optional Sun and Sound package available for the 2008 Lancer ES and GTS includes a power glass sunroof and the most powerful audio system in its segment: the Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio System with PUNCH® control. Rockford-Fosgate is one of the most respected brands for mobile audio speakers. The Rockford-Fosgate system is custom-tuned for the Lancer's interior acoustics. For example, Mitsubishi and Rockford-Fosgate engineers tuned the doors to function as speaker cabinets, extending response, increasing clarity and reducing coloration.
Similar to the option offered for the new-generation Outlander SUV, this audiophile-quality system is designed to reproduce all types of music with stunning clarity and power. It includes a 6-CD in-dash head unit with MP3 playback capability. In addition, an audio input jack enables connection of an iPod® or other media player. The Sun and Sound option package also includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with a six-month pre-paid subscription.
Lancer's Rockford-Fosgate system uses an 8-channel amplifier to produce up to 650 watts maximum output, playing through nine speakers in seven positions: 1.4-in. soft-dome tweeters mounted in the door mirror deltas provide an accurate soundstage; front door-mounted 6.5-in. midbass drivers; rear door-mounted 6.5-in. coaxial two-way speakers using a bridge-mounted tweeter, and a 10-in. subwoofer in its own sealed enclosure located in the left rear of the trunk. The subwoofer provides extremely high-power bass performance, but that doesn't make the Lancer's Rockford-Fosgate system just a "boombox on wheels." The system will please the ears of any discerning music listener, because it is designed to provide crystal clear, low-distortion fidelity to make any type of music come alive.
Digital signal processing allows the listener to customize the Rockford-Fosgate system's performance for five types of music - normal, pop, rock, hip-hop and country - and four soundfields - normal, stage, live and hall. In addition, a "time alignment" feature makes it possible to adjust the ideal listening point to suit the driver. The Rockford-Fosgate system automatically compensates volume for vehicle speed as well as equalization for road and wind noise.
Steering Wheel Controls
Steering wheel-mounted controls for the cruise control system and audio controls are standard for Lancer ES and GTS models. The steering wheel audio controls can operate whichever factory audio system the customer chooses, including the optional Rockford-Fosgate Premium Audio system and SIRIUS® Satellite Radio when so equipped. The basic controls include volume, station seek for the radio (including SIRIUS Satellite), category selection (SIRIUS Satellite) and track selection and fast-forward/fast-reverse for the CD player (including MP3 CDs).
When the Lancer is equipped with the optional navigation system, the steering wheel buttons also provide control for the digital music server.
Hands-Free Calling
A hands-free Bluetooth™ cellular phone interface system (standard on GTS and available for ES) with voice recognition allows hands-free calling from compatible phones, which can help to reduce driver distraction. When using a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone, the driver can use the steering wheel controls to initiate calls, answer incoming calls and hang up. With voice recognition, the user can speak a phone number to dial it, or speak the name of a person in the stored phone book. Voice recognition understands commands in English, American Spanish or Canadian French. The microphone is located near the map light.
The audio system display (or navigation screen, if equipped) provides a status display, including Bluetooth connection, roaming, phone battery level and signal strength, plus the number being dialed or the number for the incoming call.
Premium 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 is 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. Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper to bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components.
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 500 dealers. For more information, contact the Mitsubishi Motors News Bureau at (888) 560-6672 or visit media.mitsubishicars.com.
