History Mitsubishi Models Lancer

Mitsubishi announced and showed its next-generation Lancer at the 61th Frankfurt International Motor Show. Its aggressive looks attempts to attact younger buyers and sport compact fans alike. There would also be a huge leap on building quality to match the new Honda Civic and the oncoming Toyota Corolla.

For the United States, the new 2008 Lancer was initially available in DE, ES, and GTS trim levels. All trims were equipped with a GEMA-based 4B11 engine producing 152 hp @ 6,000 rpm (except for California models which have been detuned to 143 hp (107 kW) to meet regulations). Transmission options include a brand new CVT, sourced from Jatco (code: F1CJA), alongside a regular 5-speed manual sourced from Aisin AI (code: F5MBB). GTS models received a 6-speed (fixed gears in sport mode) paddle shift version of the CVT

In Canada, a fourth model (SE) was introduced to the Lancer lineup late in the model year. The SE model is a cross between the ES and GTS models. The SE is an ES model, dressed to look like the GTS. It includes the skirt package similar to the GTS, a rear spoiler, and unlike the GTS model, the SE includes a sunroof. The goodies not included in the SE model that are found in the GTS are the FAST key, Bluetooth hands-free cell phone interface, automatic climate control, Rockford Fosgate sound system, carbon fiber trim peices, leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and of course the 18" wheels.

For 2009, an ES Sport model joined the lineup. GTS received a stronger 2.4-liter Inline-4 engine producing 168 hp @ 6,000 rpm.

The Lancer Ralliart also returns for 2009. It is slated in between the Lancer GTS and the high performance Lancer Evolution model. Announced in January 2008, it competes directly with the Subaru Impreza WRX. Using the 2.0L turbocharged 4B11 I4 engine from the upcoming Evo X paired with different cams and a slightly slower turbo, producing 235 hp (175 kW) and 253 ft·lbf (343 N·m) of torque, the Ralliart also features the all-wheel-drive system of the Evolution IX. The car will initially be offered only with Mitsubishi's new TC-SST dual-clutch transmission.

2000
The year 2000 saw the release of the eighth-generation Lancer Cedia, (meaning - CENTURY DIAMOND, released at the brink of the new milennium) though in some markets the seventh generation Lancer continued (becoming increasingly uncompetitive), built at Mitsubishi's Thai plant. The new model was available in sedan and station wagon forms, and in MX, MX-E, MX-S, SE-G, SE-R, and Touring trim levels. The Mirage, apart from the export models, became a different car in Japan that was unrelated to the Lancer. In Europe, the Lancer was not offered in some countries, being too close to the size of the Dutch-built Carisma, so the Evo VII model sold there bore the Carisma name.

For North America, facelifts for the Lancer Cedia (known simply as Lancer in the US) occurred in the 2004, 2005, and 2006 model years. In 2004, the front facia was changed and brought it into line with the Mitsubishi corporate look. In 2005, the grille was changed to include more fins to reflect a closer similarity to the North American Galant. For 2006, the facia was changed again from a bridged facia to one with an open vent after Mitsubishi received complaints from current owners regarding its similarity in appearance to General Motors Division Pontiac's corporate look, and to bring the appearance closer to its bigger brother, the Evolution. As of 2006, the Mitsubishi Lancer wagon is now exclusively sold in Canada and Australia.

Thai production was switched to the new model, and in all markets — except for India — the seventh-generation model was no longer imported, four years after the Cedia's introduction. India received the new Lancer in 2006.

North America received two additional models to the Lancer line in 2004. The Lancer Cedia station wagon was introduced as the Lancer Sportback, and the Lancer Ralliart, a high level equipment package for the sedan that allowed the car was also introduced. Both of these cars came equipped with Mitsubishi's 4G69 engine (rated at 160 hp/162ft·lbf for the Sportback, and 162 hp/162ft·lbf for the Ralliart), included a new, stiffer suspension package that improved handling and lowered the cars stance by 1 centimeter, 16" alloy wheels, front bucket seats borrowed from Japan's Mitsubishi Evolution GT-A, Fog Lamps, and a new aerodynamic ground package. The Ralliart also came equipped with a cosmetic rear deck spoiler, and clear rear tail lights. The Sportback was equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, with no option for a manual transmission, while the Ralliart came with a 5-speed manual transmission with an option for the 4-speed automatic. Due to Mitsubishi's deteriorating financial situation and slow sales, the Lancer Sportback wagon was cancelled one year after its release.

In Australia, the eigth generation Lancer was released in July 2002 with the 2.0L 4G94 engine. It was available in ES, LS, VR-X and Exceed trim levels. As with the US and other markets, it underwent a facelift for the 2004 model year. In August 2005, all Lancers were upgraded to a 2.4L 'MIVEC' engine, producing 115 Kw (154hp). The upgraded engine also saw a change in trim levels and upgraded equipment. The current lineup now consists of ES, LS (15" alloys, more luxurious interior) and VR-X (similar to US Ralliart) models.

1995
In 1995, the Lancer was renewed for its seventh generation, building on the earlier model's format. Apart from the Evo models' continuation, it did not depart from the established Lancer formula. A sedan and wagon (Libero in Japan) were offered, with a related Mirage model. The coupé continued as the Mirage Asti in Japan, known as the Lancer Coupé elsewhere. The 1995 Lancer (Model from 1995-2002 in some countries) is more popularly known as the 1997 Lancer.

In Australia, the seventh generation Lancer sedan was sold from 1996-2002. It was available in GLi and GLXi trim thoughout its lifespan. Initially, it was offered with a SOHC 1.5L 4G15 engine (producing 69kW) in the GLi and 1.8L SOHC 4G93 (producing 86kW) in the GLXi. In 1999, there was a minor facelift and the 1.8L engine was now standard across the range, which saw the addition of a sporty VR-X model. The Lancer Coupé was sold from 1996-2004. It was available in GLi, GLXi and sporty MR trims. Despite their relatively weak performance, this generation was very popular with import tuners, due to their close resemblance to the Lancer Evolution. Popular modifications include replica Evolution bodykits, loud exhausts and upgraded suspension.

It is of note, that the Lancer Evolution V was the only Lancer Evoultion to gain Mitsubishi the WRC constructors championship. However, driver Tommi Makinen was able to claim four WRC driver's championships for himself, in 1996-2000, driving Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolution IV, V & VI.
1987
In 1987, a more aerodynamic-looking Lancer was launched, following the shape of the Galant. A five-door hatchback was added to the range. The Mirage and Lancer nomenclature continued. The station wagon continued on the old platform and shape, as did, in some markets, a five-door version of the Mirage. In Australia, all models were sold as the Mitsubishi Lancer. By that time, the Lancer name was shared with the Dodge Lancer sold in North America.

1983
The following year, both Mirage and Lancer lines were renewed. The Mirage four-door and Lancer sedan became the same car. Fuel injected and turbocharged models were an integral part of this range. A station wagon was added in 1985, and it spawned a raised, four wheel drive version. Often, the Mirage (or Colt) would be the name used on the three-door hatchback, and the Lancer name used on the remainder. This model formed the basis of the original Proton sedan, Malaysia's first car.

1979
In 1979, the new Lancer EX (the EX tag was not used for all export markets) débuted. The EX series included, from 1980, a turbocharged 1.8 L model. Stylistically, the boxy, angular look replaced the "coke bottle" look of the previous LAs and LBs.