2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart and Sportback 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 rally racing and elevated the science of performance tuning to an art form. Witness the extensive list of modifications to the Ralliart versions of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer sedan and Lancer Sportback. The exterior appearances of both vehicles have been enhanced with front and side air dams and unique fog lights, and the Lancer Ralliart features a sporty new 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 is more than just an appearance enhancement: the Lancer Ralliart and Sportback Ralliart are affordable performance sedans and wagons with full factory warranties. The Ralliarts are rolling showcases for affordable performance, stocked with a high-tech 2.4-liter Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control (MIVEC) engine, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), a sport-tuned suspension, free-flowing sport exhaust, and 16-inch alloy wheels.

ENGINE

The Lancer Ralliart and Sportback Ralliart both come equipped with a smooth and powerful 2.4-liter, SOHC, 16-valve inline four-cylinder MIVEC 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.

TRANSMISSION

The Sportback Ralliart features a four-speed automatic transmission that adjusts itself to the driver's individual style. This transmission features an aggressive 4.212 final drive ratio that helps fully exploit the engine's available power.

SUSPENSION

Handling improvements are the result of several adjustments to the front and rear suspension setups. Compared to the base Lander sedan, 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 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 versions feature increased steering stiffness for a sportier feel. The power-assisted rack-and-pinion systems were 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, LS and O?Z" and Lancer Sportback LS), 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. 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 piston area along with an increase in brake booster capacity helps to keep pedal effort low and improve the overall braking feel.

Another enhancement to the Ralliarts' brake system includes antilock 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 Ralliart trim lines, the standard 195/65R15 tires were replaced with 205/50R16 all-season performance tires. Standard 16-inch Euro-flange alloy wheels give both Ralliart versions added substance and style.

SAFETY

The Lancer and the Lancer Sportback are equipped with driver and front passenger Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags. The Ralliart Sportback features standard front side-impact airbags.

WARRANTY

The Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Sportback Ralliart are backed by a comprehensive New Vehicle Limited warranty from Mitsubishi Motors that covers the vehicle from bumper-to-bumper for three years or 36,000 miles. In addition, the powertrain is covered by a five-year or 60,000 mile limited warranty, while body panels have a seven-year or 100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty.

The warranty service also includes 24-hour emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty-related repairs for three years or 36,000 miles. Mitsubishi will also aid with making hotel and rental car arrangements and contacting family members.

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