2006 Mitsubishi lancer and lancer ralliart technical highlights

Engine

The 2006 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 OZ(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 five-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 four-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(R) Rally, Ralliart features several adjustments to the front and rear suspension setups. Front and rear shock damping is greater to improve body roll rate and limit weight transfer. An increased front spring rate offsets the increased engine weight, while the increased front sway bar rate helps to reduce body roll. Pillow ball bushings in both upper and lower control arms of the rear suspension ensure the most accurate suspension geometry.

As a Ralliart-exclusive structural reinforcement, diagonal braces connect 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 OZ(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 are 2.36 inches. This large caliper piston area along with an increase in brake booster capacity help to keep pedal effort low and improve the overall braking feel.

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.

P205/50R16 all-season performance tires are standard on the Lancer Ralliart, while standard 16-inch Euro-flange alloy wheels give the vehicle added substance and style. The Lancer ES and OZ(R) Rally models are standard-equipped with P195/60R15 tires.

Safety

Using the latest advances in computer-aided design, all models feature energy-absorbing front and rear crumple zones, a reinforced passenger safety cage, sophisticated side structures and a fortified chassis to enhance protection for passengers.

Additional standard safety features include three-point safety belts for all occupants, front seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, and advanced front air bags with passenger occupant sensors. Front seat-mounted, side-impact air bags are standard on the Ralliart and available on the ES and OZ(R) Rally model.

Front head restraints are angled close to the head, and the padded interior roof pillars have crushable ribs that help provide additional head protection in the event of a crash. Impact-absorbing foam blocks in all four doors aid in absorbing side impact energy. In case the doors are ever deformed by an impact, cables instead of rods activate the door latch releases. A window lock switch and rear door child safety locks are a few of the safety features for Lancer's driver and passengers.

Warranty and Manufacturing

Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles 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 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 the Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in the United States. Mitsubishi Motors sells coupes, convertibles, sedans and sport utility vehicles through a network of approximately 570 dealers. 

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