The Japanese company Mitsubishi released photos of the new Lancer that it will present at the Detroit Motor Show (USA) in January 2007. The exterior design is inspired by the lines seen in the Concept Sportback, while under its body you will share many elements with the Outlander model.
The Mitsubishi Lancer is characterized by its sporty lineage, partly enhanced by World Rally successes in the late 1990s, when Finnish driver Tommy Makinen won 4 World Titles for the brand. Since then, the design of the Lancer has always increased its sporty look.
The Lancer's body redesign was based on the recent Concept Sportbackprototype, with which it shares features and is very similar on the front, which the company called “shark nose”. To maintain the aforementioned sporty character were added side skirts and a large rear spoiler. The front features a small spoiler and fog lights.
The new Mitsubishi Lancer will share its designated platform “Global Project” with the SUV of the brand named Outlander. The new Lancer is slightly larger, with a length of 4.570 mm, a width of 1.760 mm and 1,450 high. The wheelbase is also larger, now 2,630 mm. Proportionally, the Lancer always turns out to be narrow relative to its length.
The images of the new Lancer, contrasted with previously released sketches , show that Mitsubishi really maintains the intention of renewing the line but following a similar style. The goal is that from one version to another, the Lancer is always recognizable, keeping familiar traits with other vehicles of the brand.
Mitsubishi spokesmen said that the Lancer will offer a wide range of engines to choose from, especially in the American market, where it would have 5 options. The smallest impeller would be a 4 cylinders of 1,500 cm3 engine and 110 hp. The Lancer diesel version would use the same 2000 cm3 Volkswagen engine that equips the Outlander, although with more power.
Another welcome novelty for Lancer fans is that it was confirmed that after the launch of the standard Lancer, Mitsubishi will manufacture a model called Lancer Evolution. This car will be equipped with an impeller that would reach a power of about 300 horsepower.
The Mitsubishi Lancer will be first offered to the US market, approximately by mid-2007. The arrival on the European market will take a little longer, even though it is estimated that it could be launched only three months later.
© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —