2008 Lancer Sportback Ralliart 2.0 MIVEC Turbo 6AT (240 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mitsubishi’s motorsports division Ralliart worked on the hatchback version of the Lancer’s ninth generation, offering a well-balanced package between a sports car and a family vehicle.

The Japanese automaker introduced the hatchback for the Lancer as a family-oriented vehicle, but the car’s design didn’t impress too much. In addition, the world financial crisis cut deep holes into the manufacturer’s pockets, and Mitsubishi had to come up with something and survive the collapsing automotive market.

The car’s front fascia was similar to the one provided by the Evolution X, but there were some differences between them. At the front, the Ralliart version featured a small red badge on the broad black grille. Unlike its X-sibling, it didn’t feature a silver horizontal slat on the bumper area. The car’s profile, with its raked-forward windscreen, abruptly ended the vehicle, not in the most elegant way. Yet, the Ralliart version managed to save things a little by adding a massive roof spoiler on top of the tailgate.

Inside, the cabin was designed mostly for comfortable yet sporty rides. There were no sports seats on the Ralliart, but the high-bolstered ones did provide adequate side support. In addition, the center console hosted the automatic transmission lever instead of the six-speed manual stick. Last but not least, the carmaker added paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Like its non-Ralliart sibling of the Lancer Sportback, this sportier version also featured a split-folding rear bench.

Under the hood, Mitsubishi’s motorsports department installed the same inline-four, turbocharged gasoline engine featured on the Evo X, but with fewer ponies. It was paired with a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch) gearbox that sent the power in all corners. Yet, the transmission was not as evolved as the one provided for the Evolution X. However, it still featured a rear limited-slip differential and an adaptive center diff.