|
IN
previous years, the Mitsubishi Lancer has generally been
viewed as an alternative in an arena where boy-racer
styling and performance dominate. With the recent launch
of its eighth-generation Lancer at the Subic
International Raceway, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines
Corp. (MMPC) served notice that it wants it to become
the compact-car choice.
The Lancer’s all-new chassis is a
stoutly engineered effort, derived from the Dodge
Caliber and upgraded big time to serve as the basis for
the much-awaited Lancer Evolution X. Torsional rigidity
was increased 56 percent, while bending resistance
improved 50 percent. An example is the repositioning of
the exhaust system to allow for cross members that are
straight and strong.
The chassis strength increase adds
weight, but gives it a substantial, almost Teutonic
sense of tarmac confidence. Steering requires more
effort during overtaking and fast entry on apex, but
it’s not heavy and doesn’t make the car feel cumbersome.
This weightiness similarly describes its ride quality
and chassis reactions, but in a good way. When equipped
with 10-spoke, 18-inch rims and Yokohama Advan 215/45
series tires (such as the GT-A and GT versions), the
Lancer charges through turns with pronounced certainty.
Surprisingly, the same exterior and
interior design will also be the same platform for the
Evolution X. A nose similar to the 1999 to 2003
“shark-nose” Galant, a steep front windshield incline,
subtle fender bulges and a rear spoiler contribute
heavily to the car’s sporty character. Interior-wise,
the biggest highlight is the GT-A version, since it
totes sport bucket seats, a dashboard-spanning
carbon-fiber accent, audio controls on the three-spoke
steering wheel, a 60:40 folding rear backrest (to
swallow long cargo) and a 650-watt Rockford Fosgate
audio-entertainment system with 10-inch subwoofer and
auxiliary MP3 player port. Complementing the GT-A’s
features are magnesium paddle shifters behind the
steering wheel for the Invecs-III six-speed CVT
Sportronic mode and a simple four-gauge dashboard
cluster with large fonts and a red amber menu screen
between the rev counter and speedometer.
The Lancer also steps up in the engine
and transmission areas. The 152-hp/199-Nm 4B11 engine
has an all-aluminum block and composite valve cover (27
kg less than its predecessor), with Mivec (Mitsubishi
Innovative Valve timing Electronic Control)
 camshaft
timing and Euro 2 compliance. The GT-A’s aforementioned
six-speed CVT and paddle shifters are also present in
the MX version, which is great in traffic (since you
only use your right foot to go forward or back) or on
the highway (for spirited driving). For those looking
for a strictly manual feel, the GT variant offers a
five-speed M/T with a light clutch take-up and smooth,
short throws.
Another big upgrade is safety, as a
four-wheel, 16-inch disc system derived from the
Mitsubishi Outlander, driver’s knee airbags for the GT-A
and GT variants, high-intensity discharge headlights,
Adaptive Front Lighting and a class-leading five-meter
turning radius are the biggest highlights. Also, the GT-A
will have auto headlight and rain-sensing wipers, plus
seven (including side and curtain) airbags.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer hopes to
accomplish two goals: 1) convince compact-car buyers
that Mitsubishi is once again a serious player; and 2)
convince hard-core enthusiasts that all the hype
surrounding the Evolution X is fully justified.
Fortunately, it’s robust enough to stand up to just this
kind of pressure. “The new Lancer has garnered positive
reviews abroad, and we are confident that with its
arrival here we can establish strong market share in the
compact-car segment,” said MMPC executive vice president
and board director Taizo Furuhashi. |
