Lancer Sportback GTS, an exciting all new 5-door hatchback has joined the 2009 Lancer lineup, Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc. (MMSCAN) has announced. This top of the line model, powered by Mitsubishi's new 2.4 litre, 168 hp engine, will add even more depth and versatility to a highly successful car line that has blended performance and efficiency with trend setting looks and state of the art engineering from the moment it was introduced.
Based on the latest Mitsubishi global performance platform, the front wheel drive 2009 Lancer is offered in four distinct trim levels and two distinct body styles – Lancer DE, Lancer SE, Lancer GT, and the sport tuned Lancer GTS are 4 door sedans, and Lancer Sportback GTS, the newest model, is a 5 door hatchback. Every Lancer, except GTS and Sportback GTS, is powered by Mitsubishi's excellent, new generation 2.0 litre, DOHC, 152 hp MIVEC engine. Lancer GTS and Sportback GTS models now feature the latest 2.4 litre, DOHC, 168 hp MIVEC engine which delivers even more impressive performance. But underneath, every 2009 Lancer has the same soul: A truly contemporary vehicle designed from the ground up to provide the absolute best in safety, performance, innovation and Mitsubishi value.
Chassis & Safety – A top priority for handling and protection
Built on the Mitsubishi global performance platform, Lancer's highly rigid unibody makes extensive use of high strength steel. Torsional rigidity is up 56% and bending rigidity up 50%. 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 pretensioners, 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. Lancer SE, GT and GTS feature an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), which is available as an option for the DE model.
Powertrain – Engines and transmissions that set Lancer apart
Lancer DE, SE and GT models are powered by Mitsubishi's new generation 2.0 litre, DOHC, MIVEC 4-cylinder. One of the most powerful standard engines in the compact segment, it produces 152 hp @ 6000 rpm and 146 lb-ft of torque @ 4250 rpm. Standard transmission is a crisp shifting 5-speed manual. As introduced in the 2008 model year, Lancer offers a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in place of a conventional automatic. CVT transmissions use a proven and ingenious pulley system which smoothly adapts to changing vehicle speeds, allowing engine speed to remain near peak efficiency which improves performance, fuel economy and exhaust emissions. But the big news for the 2009 model year is the introduction of the 2.4 litre, DOHC, MIVEC engine used in the Lancer GTS and Sportback GTS, featuring 168 hp @ 6000 rpm and 167 lb-ft of torque @ 4100 rpm. The addition of this 2.4 litre engine allows the GTS and Sportback GTS to provide a whole new level of performance and seat of the pants, driving fun. Also available exclusively for the GTS and Sportback GTS is the 6-step Sportronic® mode CVT that allows the driver to manually control transmission operation using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters. Lancer GTS and Sportback GTS. They're a blast to drive.
A sophisticated suspension system – International to the core
Keeping every Lancer glued to the road is a sophisticated euro-type suspension system designed to deliver international handling characteristics commonly found in expensive European sport sedans. The front suspension employs MacPherson struts, 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 balance and superior ride and handling. Using separate coil springs and shock absorbers also helps to maximize the trunk room. GTS and Sportback GTS models – with the standard 5-speed manual transmission or the optional CVT – feature a sport-tuned suspension, including a strut tower bar, different stabilizer bars and spring/shock damping rates with 18 inch wheels, 215/45 R18 tires and larger brakes, making these Lancers real twisty road tamers. 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 on SE, GT, GTS and Sportback GTS models and optional on the DE.
Exterior and Interior – A perfect union of form and function
One quick glance at the 2009 Lancer lineup and you know it's something special. In typical Mitsubishi fashion the Lancer look is classic, with a bit of an edge. A shark nosed front end is inspired by jet fighter air intakes and a wedge like profile with crisp, taut lines highlight Lancer's exciting design. The base DE is the most affordable Lancer and comes with a long list of popular features. Lancer SE projects a sportier appearance with 5-spoke 16 inch alloy wheels and 205/60R16 tires, front and side air dams, fog lights, a rear spoiler, color-keyed door handles and mirrors and a chrome exhaust tip. The GT model adds the 650-watt, Rockford-Fosgate® Premium Audio system and a power glass sunroof. Styling and performance for the GTS and Sportback GTS is even more aggressive, with 10-spoke 18 inch alloy wheels and 215/45R18 tires, and the powerful new 2.4 litre MIVEC engine. Inside, the Lancer interior is characterized by clean, crisp surfaces and high quality materials marked by careful attention to detail. Each model is distinguished by its own seating materials and interior trim. The instrument panel shape and design contributes to a spacious feeling, while detailing on the controls lends a high technology feel. Short stroke switches impart a feeling of quality and solidity Metallic-like trim highlights the shifter bezel as well as the steering wheel mounted audio and cruise controls switches in the SE, GT, GTS and Sportback GTS models.
Comfort & Convenience – all you need and a little more
Standard equipment on Lancer DE, SE, GTS and Sportback GTS is a 140-watt CD/MP3 player with 4 speakers, digital signal processor and speed compensated volume and equalization control (GTS/Sportback GTS have 6 speakers); a multi-information LCD display with trip meter, odometer, outside temperature, average fuel consumption, driving distance to empty, service reminder, drive mode indicator, A/T position indicator, water temperature warning lamp and low fuel warning; power windows with driver side auto down (SE, GT, GTS and Sportback GTS also have driver side auto up); auto off halogen headlights; variable intermittent wiper/washers; a 60:40 split folding high-back rear seat (except DE); and a remote trunk and fuel lid release to mention just a few. SE, GT, GTS and Sportback GTS models also have power door locks, heated front seats and keyless entry with panic alarm. And in keeping their high tech nature Lancer GT, GTS and Sportback GTS models have a hands-free Bluetooth® cellular phone interface system with voice recognition microphone, also available as an accessory on SE models. Manual air conditioning is standard on the SE and GT, with automatic climate control on GTS and Sportback GTS models.
Optional Packages and Premium Technology
ABS & Air Conditioning Package – DE models
This popular package includes anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD); manual air conditioning; power door locks; remote keyless entry; driver side power window auto-up function and floor mats.
Sun & Sound Package – Standard on GT, available on GTS/Sportback GTS models
The optional Sun and Sound Package available on GTS and Sportback GTS models combines a power glass sunroof and the most powerful factory installed audio system in the segment – a 650-Watt (max) Rockford-Fosgate® Punch® premium sound system with 9 speakers including a 10 inch dual voice subwoofer, custom 20 litre sub enclosure, digital signal processor and speed compensated volume and equalization. This audiophile quality system has been custom tuned for Lancer's interior acoustics to reproduce all types of music with remarkable clarity and power. The system includes a 6-CD in-dash head unit with MP3 playback capability and features an audio input jack to connect an iPod® or similar media player. The Rockford Fosgate® system plays through nine speakers in seven positions, including a trunk mounted subwoofer.
The GT and sport tuned GTS/Sportback GTS are the technology leaders of the Lancer line, featuring a hands free Bluetooth® cellular phone interface system with voice recognition microphone (available for the SE model). Moreover, the GTS and Sportback GTS models are exclusively available with the FAST Key (Freehand Advanced Security Transmitter) entry system. FAST Key allows the driver to unlock the vehicle simply by having the remote in a pocket or purse and grasping the handle on either of the front doors or the trunk.
Source: Mitsubishi
