Monday, December 22, 2008

Long awaited Lancer Ralliart turbocharged all-wheel drive arrives at Mitsubishi dealers

Sleek and swift sports sedan completes Mitsubishi performance package

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. (November 4, 2008) – Adding the final element to what is now an ideal range of high technology sports oriented compact sedans, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) has introduced the 2009 Lancer Ralliart high performance, all wheel drive sports sedan. This latest addition to the Lancer line up, which features aggressive styling, cutting edge technology and outstanding performance – is perfectly positioned between the very sporty 168 hp, 2009 Lancer GTS model and the exceptional, virtually race ready, 291 hp Lancer Evolution – of World Rally Championship heritage.

The 2009 Lancer Ralliart offers head turning styling, sizzling performance, all wheel drive grip, and available luxury at a surprisingly attractive price. Lancer Ralliart is powered by a detuned version of the brilliant Lancer Evolution 4B11 powerplant. The Ralliart version develops 237 hp and is mated to the Mitsubishi Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission (TC-SST).

“Lancer Ralliart is a perfect expression of Mitsubishi’s commitment to attainable high performance”, said Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN). “This superbly engineered and extremely capable sports sedan offers impressive performance, innovative technology and a competitive spirit that will satisfy the most demanding car enthusiast.”

Horsepower, amazing transmission, great traction. It’s all there.

Lancer Ralliart’s new 4B11 aluminum engine is a 2.0 litre, 16 valve, DOHC, MIVEC, intercooled and turbocharged design that develops 237 hp @ 6000 rpm and 253 lb-ft of torque @ 3000 rpm and is mated to Mitsubishi’s 6-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission. TC-SST is an automated manual transmission, with no clutch pedal, that allows the driver to execute lightning quick, silky smooth, upshifts and downshifts using magnesium alloy steering wheel paddle shifters or a console mounted shifter. Essentially, TC-SST is a manual transmission that can select two gears at a time: one gear is engaged by one of the two wet multi-plate clutches, and the other is pre-selected, waiting to be engaged by the second clutch. The gear change is made – either manually or automatically depending on mode selected – when the electro-hydraulically operated clutches are “swapped,” which occurs simultaneously, with no perceptible lag time.

The TC-SST offers two drive modes, Normal or Sport, and within each, the driver may choose automatic or manual shifting. Sport mode uses higher shift points (in automatic mode) and quicker shifting to deliver instant throttle response for better performance feel. TC-SST delivers satisfying acceleration while also returning superior fuel mileage, thanks to its high efficiency power transmission mechanism.

Lancer Ralliart’s full time All-Wheel Control (AWC) features Mitsubishi’s Active Center Differential (ACD). The ACD unit employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch center differential, vectoring drive torque to the front and rear according to different driving conditions to realize the best balance between steering response and traction characteristics on tarmac, gravel, or snow surfaces. Lancer Ralliart is also equipped with a front helical and rear mechanical limited slip differentials.

A responsive and forgiving suspension system.

Keeping Lancer Ralliart glued to the road is a carefully engineered suspension system designed to deliver the kind of balance and predictability found on very expensive European sport sedans. The front suspension employs MacPherson struts, including a strut tower bar, while the rear suspension is a multi-link design that features separate coil springs and shocks. Stabilizer bars are used front and rear, and all of this combines to deliver precise steering, excellent vehicle dynamics and superior ride and handling. Using separate coil springs and shock absorbers also helps to maximize the trunk room. Standard wheels are an 18 inch, 10-spoke alloy design with 215/45R18 all season performance tires. Steering is power assisted rack and pinion with 3.16 turns lock to lock. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) are standard Ralliart features as well as Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL).

Head turning good looks, unexpected luxury.

Elaborating on the sporty design and proportions of the Lancer, the Lancer Ralliart exterior is distinguished by its more aggressively styled front grille and bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual exhaust and a lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger.

The interior design places emphasis on function and vehicle control. Standard features include automatic air conditioning; steering wheel mounted cruise control; a pre-wire switch for Bluetooth® capability; power locks and windows; leather wrapped sport-type steering wheel with silver accent; leather wrapped shift knob with shift boot; four way adjustable RECARO® sport bucket driver and front passenger seats; and a 140 watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 head unit with six speakers, digital signal processor and speed compensated volume and equalization, to mention a few.

The available Premium package includes a 650 watt (maximum) Rockford Fosgate Punch® premium sound system with nine speakers including a 10 inch dual voice coil subwoofer, digital signal processor and speed compensated volume and equalization; and a SIRIUS® satellite radio with six months complimentary subscription.

This package also includes a 30GB HDD Navigation system with music server; single CD/MP3/DVD capable, AM/FM head unit; auxiliary audio/video input jack; power glass sunroof with sunshade; leather/fabric RECARO® seats; FAST-Key entry system; auto rain-sensing wipers; auto on/off headlamp control and a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with voice recognition microphone.

Chassis & Safety – A top priority for performance and protection

Built on the Mitsubishi global performance platform, Lancer Ralliart’s highly rigid unibody makes extensive use of high strength steel. Torsional rigidity is up 56% and bending rigidity up 50% from previous models. This RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) unibody structure disperses energy loads during side and rear collisions and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and helping to protect the fuel system in the event of a rear impact. All 2009 Lancers feature an advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors, standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags and side curtain air bags, plus a driver’s knee air bag. Also standard are height adjustable front shoulder belts with pretensioner, three point seat belts and head restraints for all occupants and steel side guard door beams. Rear doors have child safety locks and a LATCH system is installed for child restraint systems (CRS). An anti-theft engine immobilizer is standard, plus all Lancer models have a tire pressure monitoring system.

Mitsubishi “10-5-5” Warranty – Best Backed Cars in the World

Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles are backed by a comprehensive “10/5/5” warranty. The powertrain is covered by a 10 year or 160,000 km limited warranty. The new vehicle limited coverage is for 5 years or 100,000 km and the body panels have a 7 year or 160,000 km anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty. Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart are backed by a comprehensive 5/3/5 warranty. The powertrain is covered by a 5 year or 100,000 km limited warranty. The new vehicle limited warranty is covered for 3 years or 60,000 km. The program also includes, on all Mitsubishi cars and sport utility vehicles, 24/7 emergency roadside assistance with free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer for warranty related repairs, for 5 years and unlimited km.

For further information:

Visit our password free media website: www.mitsubishi-motors-pr.ca or contact

Susan Elliott
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.
Manager, Corporate and Product Communications
Phone: (905) 833-0826
Fax: (905) 833-8301
selliott@mmsa.com

or

Jacquie Adams
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada, Inc.
Phone: (416) 995-0308
jac.adams@sympatico.ca