All-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is the safe, intelligent choice

The engineering that went in to making the all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer a driver's choice in its segment also makes it a smart choice, with a compelling combination of safety, quality and value. From its standard seven air bags - including a segment-first driver's knee air bag - to low operating costs, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, the 2008 Lancer is designed to reward the driver in all facets of ownership.

Safety First
The 2008 Lancer performed well in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) crash tests. The new Lancer achieved 5-star ratings for the driver and 4-star ratings for the front and rear passengers in frontal and side-impact crash tests. In offset-front crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2008 Lancer achieved the highest rating, "Good."

Lancer has one of the most extensive occupant protection packages in the segment. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard on GTS and ES models and available for the DE. The system incorporates Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Standard safety features for all Lancer models also include a tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights (DRL).

The Lancer's solid, confident driving feel is rooted in a body structure engineered with greater inherent strength than its predecessor's. The higher strength benefits driving dynamics and ride quality and enhances occupant protection.

RISE Body Structure
The 2008 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 protecting the fuel system during a rear impact. The highly rigid structure makes extensive use of high-tension steel, a material that was not used in the previous-generation Lancer.

Straight front side members with an octagonal cross-section and a three-leg support structure, as well as increased application both high-strength (590Mpa) and ultra-high strength (980Mpa) steel, are designed to help Lancer meet the highest crash test standards.

The side pillars, roof joints and cross-car structure - combined with the standard front seat-mounted side air bags, driver's knee air bag and standard front and rear curtain side air bags - give the new Lancer a higher degree of collision protection.

In addition to the RISE body structure, other new measures contribute to better impact energy management, including a collapsible front chassis crossmember and a device to help prevent brake-pedal retraction during a collision. The new Lancer is also optimized for pedestrian impact protection, with new shock-absorbing hood, cowl and fender structures and shock-absorbing hood hinges.

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) with Seven Air Bags
All Lancer models for 2008 come equipped with an advanced Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) that includes front seat belts are equipped with pretensioners and force limiters to help control occupant motion during a collision. The standard seven air bags include dual-stage front air bags (FMVSS208 Advanced Air Bag) with front passenger occupant sensors; front seat-mounted, side-impact air bags; curtain side air bags, and a driver's knee air bag - the first ever on a Mitsubishi.

To control the dual-stage front air bags, the driver's seat uses a sensor on the seat track to determine the driver's distance from the steering wheel, and thus the appropriate air bag inflation power. If less than approximately 66 lbs. is detected in the front passenger seat, the passenger-side front air bag is turned "off" and will not deploy.

The front seat-mounted side air bags provide lower back and chest protection, taking into consideration impacts by passenger cars and SUVs. Side-impact curtain air bags offer head protection during side impacts. The knee airbag is designed to help control and stabilize the driver's lower body motion, thereby helping to stabilize upper body motion and potentially making the seat belt and driver's front air bag more effective. Whiplash-reducing active front seats are designed to limit the movement of the head and the neck angle to potentially reduce whiplash injuries that might occur in a rear collision.

Economical, Reliable Operation

The 2008 Lancer is designed to provide the excellent balance of performance and economical operation that today's customer seeks in a premium compact sedan. Its 152-hp 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine is among the most powerful standard engines in the segment, yet it uses regular-grade fuel (87 AKI). A number of engine features were chosen to enhance reliability and long-term economical operation:

• Using a timing chain instead of a belt - as many engines in the segment use - allows for a more compact design, helps ensure reliability and eliminates the need for belt replacement.
• Iridium-tip spark plugs contribute to lower emissions and help extend major service intervals.
• All accessories are driven with a single serpentine belt, simplifying the replacement process, and the addition of an auto-tensioner eliminates the need to adjust belt tension.
• A detachable plug is used for the cranking service hole on the side cover to keep out water, a source of belt noise, and facilitate serviceability.

Offering a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as the optional automatic transmission for the 2008 Lancer pays dividends in both cost of operation and comfort - and therefore customer satisfaction. At the same time, the CVT's smooth, seamless operation - and the 6-step Sportronic® mode in the GTS model - enhances driving enjoyment.

Focus on Serviceability
A service reminder - part of the Multi-Information Display that is standard on every Lancer model - alerts the driver to required periodic maintenance, including oil, air filter and brakes. Additional examples of attention paid to easier serviceability can be found throughout the new 2008 Lancer include:

• Locating the engine ECU in the engine compartment makes inspection easier.
• Replaceable crush boxes used on the front side members can help reduce the repair costs for a light collision.

The parking brake lever can be adjusted without removing the entire console - just the side panel, and without tools.
Ease of replacing a fog lamp bulb, which can be accessed by removing the bezel.

The Controller Area Network (CAN) joined-connector layout is optimized to provide easy access for inspection and maintenance - one connector is accessed through a panel on top of the instrument panel, the other through a panel under the driver seat.

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.