Adding the final piece to a tantalizing high performance array, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) has announced the North American premiere and the Canadian introduction of the all new, exclusive to Canada, 2009 Lancer Sportback Ralliart – an all wheel drive 5-door high performance hatchback. Lancer Sportback Ralliart is a sister vehicle to the recently introduced high technology Lancer Ralliart 4-door sports sedan. These two vehicles complete the 2009 Lancer Ralliart model lineup, and offer Canadians a unique choice of distinctive styling and functionality in different vehicles with complementary performance.
The genuinely exciting new Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart sedan both offer head turning styling, impeccable handling, sizzling performance, cutting edge technology, all wheel drive grip and available luxury at an attractive price. These latest editions to the Mitsubishi passenger car lineup are perfectly positioned between the very sporty 168 hp, 2009 Lancer GTS model and the outrageously powerful, virtually race ready, 291 hp Lancer Evolution – of World Rally Championship heritage. Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart sedan are the final elements in what is now an ideal range of high technology, high performance, five passenger compact cars.
Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart share basic features and mechanical systems with the key difference being that Sportback Ralliart has a fifth, hatchback type door, allowing easy access to the versatile cargo area. Both Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart are powered by a detuned version of the brilliant Lancer Evolution 4B11 powerplant. The Ralliart version develops 237 hp and, in both cases, is mated to a Mitsubishi 6-speed Twin Clutch Sportronic® Shift Transmission gearbox transmitting power to all four wheels using the Mitsubishi full time All Wheel Control system.
"Lancer Sportback Ralliart is a perfect complement to Lancer Ralliart and another example of Mitsubishi's commitment to attainable high performance", said Koji Soga, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN). "Both of these inspiring, high value cars are targeted at the demanding enthusiast and reflective of Mitsubishi's competitive spirit and devotion to innovative technology."
State of the art powertrain technologies put horsepower on the ground
The new 4B11 aluminum engine used in Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart 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. The 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, the 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. The TC-SST delivers satisfying acceleration while also returning superior fuel mileage, thanks to its high efficiency power transmission mechanism.
Ralliart's full time All-Wheel Control system (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 sophisticated and responsive suspension system
Keeping Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart glued to the road is a carefully engineered suspension system designed to deliver the kind of balance and predictability only found on the world's best 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 features as well as Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL).
Sportback or sedan, Ralliart's good looks will turn some heads
Inspired by the sporty design and proportions of the Lancer Evolution, the Lancer Ralliart exterior is distinguished by an aggressively styled front bumper design, rear bumper cover, dual outlet muffler and a lightweight aluminum, ducted hood that delivers cooling air to the turbocharger. Sportback Ralliart models have an attractive high-mount rear spoiler while Ralliart sedan models use a conventional trunk mounted design. Fog lights and auto off HID headlights are standard.
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 video input jack; power glass sunroof with sunshade; leather/sueded fabric RECARO® seats; FAST-Key entry system; auto rain-sensing wipers; auto on/off headlamp control and a Bluetooth® HFP system with voice recognition microphone.
Chassis & Safety – A top priority for performance and protection
Lancer Sportback Ralliart and Lancer Ralliart are built on the Mitsubishi global performance platform which makes extensive use of high strength steel. 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.
Source: Mitsubishi
