What is it?
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
What's special about it?
With the current Lancer fading into obscurity among the hotly contested compact segment, Mitsubishi unveiled its all-new entry-level player during the Detroit show. Looking much like the Concept X first seen at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi's 2008 Lancer will spring from the same platform as the new-for-2007 Outlander. With 56-percent greater torsional resistance and 50-percent higher bending resistance compared to the outgoing model, the base car's platform is already stiffer than the reinforced chassis sitting under the current Evolution IX. A wheelbase stretch of 1.4 inches, along with a 2.3-inch-wider track, should improve both interior space and handling dynamics. But as the Lancer grows up it also grows heavier, gaining approximately 200 pounds in curb weight.
The redesigned car retains its four-wheel-independent suspension, with updated MacPherson struts in front and a multilink design out back. Steering is rack-and-pinion, and all ES and GTS models feature four-wheel disc brakes with antilock braking and electronic brakeforce distribution (the base DE uses rear drums, but ABS is offered as an option).
Available with either a six-speed CVT automatic or a traditional five-speed manual transmission, all Lancer models feature an aluminum-block 2.0-liter 152-horsepower engine with MIVEC variable valve timing. The base DE and midgrade ES models utilize 16-inch wheels with tire-pressure monitoring, an AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capability and a knee airbag for the driver (along with standard side and head airbags). Top-line GTS models come with 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels; automatic climate control; Bluetooth cellular phone connectivity; sport suspension tuning; a rear spoiler; and — on automatic versions — steering-wheel-mounted magnesium paddle shifters.
Each trim level features a unique cabin design, with distinctive dash, door panel and seat materials. An A/C & Power Package updates the DE with air-conditioning, antilock brakes, power door locks and a one-touch driver window. A Sun & Sound Package for ES and GTS models adds a sunroof, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system and Sirius Satellite Radio with six-month subscription. For Lancers in GTS trim a Navigation & Technology Package provides keyless start, a hard disk with 30 gigabytes of storage and a GPS navigation system with a 7.5-inch touch panel.
The Lancer will be one of the first vehicles to use the new EPA fuel ratings, so expect mileage figures to drop when they are released. Pricing has yet to be announced, but figure that base Lancers will start around $15,000 with loaded GTS models to come in around $21,000.
What's Edmunds' take?
This car uses the same platform as the 2007 Outlander, a model that far exceeded the vehicle it replaced. Let's hope the same can be said for Mitsubishi's all-new 2008 Lancer when it goes on sale this spring. — Karl Brauer
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
What's special about it?
With the current Lancer fading into obscurity among the hotly contested compact segment, Mitsubishi unveiled its all-new entry-level player during the Detroit show. Looking much like the Concept X first seen at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi's 2008 Lancer will spring from the same platform as the new-for-2007 Outlander. With 56-percent greater torsional resistance and 50-percent higher bending resistance compared to the outgoing model, the base car's platform is already stiffer than the reinforced chassis sitting under the current Evolution IX. A wheelbase stretch of 1.4 inches, along with a 2.3-inch-wider track, should improve both interior space and handling dynamics. But as the Lancer grows up it also grows heavier, gaining approximately 200 pounds in curb weight.
The redesigned car retains its four-wheel-independent suspension, with updated MacPherson struts in front and a multilink design out back. Steering is rack-and-pinion, and all ES and GTS models feature four-wheel disc brakes with antilock braking and electronic brakeforce distribution (the base DE uses rear drums, but ABS is offered as an option).
Available with either a six-speed CVT automatic or a traditional five-speed manual transmission, all Lancer models feature an aluminum-block 2.0-liter 152-horsepower engine with MIVEC variable valve timing. The base DE and midgrade ES models utilize 16-inch wheels with tire-pressure monitoring, an AM/FM/CD audio system with MP3 capability and a knee airbag for the driver (along with standard side and head airbags). Top-line GTS models come with 18-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels; automatic climate control; Bluetooth cellular phone connectivity; sport suspension tuning; a rear spoiler; and — on automatic versions — steering-wheel-mounted magnesium paddle shifters.
Each trim level features a unique cabin design, with distinctive dash, door panel and seat materials. An A/C & Power Package updates the DE with air-conditioning, antilock brakes, power door locks and a one-touch driver window. A Sun & Sound Package for ES and GTS models adds a sunroof, 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate audio system and Sirius Satellite Radio with six-month subscription. For Lancers in GTS trim a Navigation & Technology Package provides keyless start, a hard disk with 30 gigabytes of storage and a GPS navigation system with a 7.5-inch touch panel.
The Lancer will be one of the first vehicles to use the new EPA fuel ratings, so expect mileage figures to drop when they are released. Pricing has yet to be announced, but figure that base Lancers will start around $15,000 with loaded GTS models to come in around $21,000.
What's Edmunds' take?
This car uses the same platform as the 2007 Outlander, a model that far exceeded the vehicle it replaced. Let's hope the same can be said for Mitsubishi's all-new 2008 Lancer when it goes on sale this spring. — Karl Brauer
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