2009 Mitsubishi: What's New for 2009

You won't find many changes in the 2009 Mitsubishi lineup, except on the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer. Only a year after Mitsu gave its compact sedan a full redesign, the company has dropped a new engine into the Lancer GTS and launched the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart to bridge the gap between the everyman's Lancer and the more fortunate man's Lancer Evolution X. Elsewhere in the family, you'll see a slightly different face on the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse and Eclipse Spyder, and some new equipment on the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander and Galant, including a back-up camera.

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse: A revised gaping maw of a front fascia on the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse coupe makes it look like a distant relative of the Evolution X — never a bad thing.

However, the Eclipse is still front-wheel drive and the GT still has a 3.8-liter V6 weighing down its front end. A new dual-outlet exhaust system changes the sound of the V6 slightly while liberating a couple extra horsepower — now up to 265. In addition, high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlights and stability control are standard on the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT.

The high-line SE models are discontinued for 2009, and all remaining Eclipses get new standard seat cloth. If you add the Sun and Sound package to the '09 Eclipse GS, you'll get aluminum-trimmed pedals. New paint choices include Maizen Blue, Quick Silver and Solar (yellow).

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder: You'll see the same cosmetic changes that are on the Eclipse coupe applied to the 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. The Eclipse Spyder GT also gets the upgraded exhaust system, so its V6 is also rated at 265 hp this year.

Stability control and xenons are now standard fare on the GT. Both the GS and the GT get new standard seat cloth, and the optional Deluxe Leather package for the GS now provides aluminum-trimmed pedals.

2009 Mitsubishi Endeavor: Expect only minor changes on the 2009 Mitsubishi Endeavor, which goes on sale in February 2009. Notably, this midsize SUV's front fascia is revised.

2009 Mitsubishi Galant: Bluetooth and a back-up camera are new features on the 2009 Mitsubishi Galant. The former is standard on top-of-the-line Galant Ralliart models and a package option on all other Galants — it's part of the aptly named Sun, Sound, Leather & Blue package. This option group also includes 18-inch wheels if your Galant is a Sport Edition or Sport V6.

The rearview camera is available only on 2009 Mitsubishi Galant Ralliarts equipped with a navigation system. The nav package also includes an auto-dimming rearview mirror. On the accessories side, all 2009 Galants can be equipped with remote start.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer: The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart is the biggest news in the Lancer line. Unlike the previous Ralliart-badged Lancer, this one is the real deal and starts with the same 2.0-liter engine that's in the Evolution X — camshaft profiles and all — fitted with a single-scroll turbocharger instead of the Evo's twin-scroll unit. The result is a healthy 237 hp and 253 pound-feet of torque.

In an odd move, Mitsubishi has decided not to offer a traditional five-speed manual transmission on the 2009 Lancer Ralliart. Instead, you get the company's Twin-Clutch Sequential Sportshift Transmission (TC-SST), which is an automated manual gearbox, and it drives all four wheels through the Evo IX's all-wheel-drive system. Front and rear limited-slip differentials are standard, but you don't get the current Evo's active yaw control. In addition, the transmission does without the Super Sportshift mode on the Evolution MR. The tires are P215/45R18 Yokohama Advans, but don't expect them to stick like genuine Evo rubber.

Fortunately, the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart also costs more than $6,000 less than a Lancer Evolution GSR. And you can still option it with a set of the GSR's ultra-supportive Recaro seats.

For those of you seeking a more sensible 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, the new 2.4-liter engine in the high-line GTS model is very good news. Rated at 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque, this engine is much stronger than the 2.0-liter engine in last year's Lancer GTS and the difference in fuel economy is negligible.

Smaller changes on the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer include taller gearing for the five-speed manual transmission offered on DE and ES models. In addition, an auxiliary audio jack is now standard on all trim levels, except the base DE. The optional keyless ignition system is now part of the Sun and Sound package. A new sport package for the midlevel ES offers GTS-style cosmetic upgrades, including the big spoiler, extended front airdam and polished exhaust tip. It also provides a leather-wrapped steering wheel. New exterior colors include Octane Blue and Rotor Glow.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Since the Evolution X just showed up for '08, don't look for many changes on the 2009 model. A touring package with a spoiler-delete option is a possibility, but otherwise the 2009 Lancer Evo is a carryover.

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander: Changes are minor on the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. The LS trim level is discontinued, leaving the top-of-the-line XLS as the only version of the Outlander with a V6 engine. Most models get additional chrome-finish interior trim for 2009, and the audio display is recalibrated to improve daytime visibility. The XLS picks up the SE's cloth/leather sport seats as standard equipment.

On the options side, Outlander SE models can now be equipped with a third-row seat. If your 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS has the navigation package, it will have a bigger 40GB hard drive (up from 30GB) and a back-up camera. The Luxury package for XLS models now includes automatic headlights and flat-blade wipers with a rain-sensing feature.

2009 Mitsubishi Raider: Manual-shift extended cabs finally get a tilt-adjustable steering wheel this year, and curiously, an auxiliary audio input jack is no longer available.