Mitsubishi Lancer 2004 News

Lancer and Evolution models are now being recalled as a precautionary measure by Mitsubishi because of Takata airbag shrapnel risk.

The Lancer has a 3.9 per cent slice of the sub-$40,000 small-car market, but faces off against a dominant Mazda3 with 18 per cent share, and the Toyota Corolla with 16.5 per cent. The small-car sector is virtually static in sales -- up just 0.9 per cent year-to-date -- but the buyer demand for compact, fuel-efficient cars means there are no signs of the sector weakening. Luring buyers with the value flag is the Mitsubishi ‘Special Action Model’ - or SAM - that gets a $19,990 drive-away price for a manual sedan based on the entry-level 2.0 litre ES model. SAM comes with metallic paint, choice of four colours, 16-inch five-spoke alloys, Ralliart front bumper and grille, VRX high-rise boot spoiler and extra bling. Mitsubishi has announced its “compact sedan” concept will become the next Lancer, but it could be three years away. The SAM is one of the special-edition models designed to maintain sales ahead of this next generation.  

One Brisbane company plans to begin selling the converted new cars next year from $48,990.  Deep Green Research (DGR) director Michael Gutteridge says the cars will be more affordable than a Prius hybrid luxury model with cheaper running costs and better performance. They will come with a reversing camera, parking sensors, GPS, Bluetooth capability, five-star crash rating, five-year warranty and a swappable battery that snaps in and out and costs about the same as a "swap-and-go" gas bottle. Gutteridge even hopes to compete in the Bathurst 12-hour race with a high-performance production model based on a Lancer Evo and costing $115,990.  "We'll have our own financial and insurance packages," he says. "We want to make it as easy as possible to own an electric car." Gutteridge, a former senior scientist in the Queensland resources and mines department, is raising up to $1.5m in capital to begin manufacturing motors and battery boxes, and converting the Lancers in the middle of next year.  He expects to make about 100 in the first full year, doubling every following year and returning pre-tax profit of $40m after five years with a staff of about 30. "Our market survey shows we will have a line-up for cars," he says.  Gutteridge is not yet releasing the name for the new electric vehicles. The small but blossoming Brisbane electric conversion industry began on the back of the University of Queensland's 10-year solar car program.  "Those UQ electrical engineering students formed local businesses such as Tritium and Ultramotive," he says. Tritium developed the controller used in many solar cars around world and updated it for a Honda Civic which DGR is using as a test car.  Ultramotive designed and built the car's motor originally for a solar car, but has upgraded it for the test vehicle. The DGR Civic competed in the 2009 Global Green Challenge last year and consumed power at 85watt-hour/km.  "That's like getting a Commodore to do 1.3 litres per 100km or 217mpg in the old language," Gutteridge says. The base model electric Lancers will be powered by a lithium-ion phosphate battery with range of about 100-140km and the premium models will use a lithium polymer battery with range of 210-315km. Base models will have 124kW of power and 250Nm compared with the petrol Lancer's 113kW/198Nm.  The electric "Evo" model will have 245kW and 500Nm with a top speed of 250-300km/h. Conversion requires the removal and sale of the petrol engine with Evo engines fetching about $7500.  It is replaced with an electric motor, controller and a reduction gear, but the transmission and differential are retained. Although the Civic test car has an automatic transmission, the electric Lancers will have a five-speed manual gearbox that will also operate in second or third around town "like an automatic". There is a simulated clutch and the vehicle will not stall when stopped in gear. Conversion requires only "slight changes" to the suspension and brakes, but DGR adds an electric brake vacuum pump, electric power steering pump and electric airconditioning motor and condenser. The car also gets a DC converter that drops the current from the 450V battery pack to 12V to operate the car's electrical system for airconditioning, lights, audio etc.  There is a charger on board that can charge from a 10amp, 15amp or three-phase power outlet. A full charge from flat will take seven hours on 10amp, but the car will be able to be plugged into two outlets halving the charging time.  Rapid charging can be completed in two hours through three-phase power or one hour if there are two three-phase outlets. "We can even organise an electrician to install the outlets in the garage as part of our package," Gutteridge says.  DGR will have a three-month run-flat assistance program and Gutteride is negotiating to have auto clubs offer a similar service after their program expires. They will also offer to install solar panels on the roof of a customer's garage at $2500 after government rebate.  "The car will pay off installation in the first year of operation in savings on running costs," he says. Gutteridge will follow the new electric cars with second-hand electric Lancers starting from $39,990.  "There will be no electric cars available at that price and spec level," he says. "Our research shows that 75 per cent of potential electric car buyers would be happy with a second-hand chassis, however government fleets will only buy new cars." Gutteridge also plans to produce an electric SUV based on the front-wheel-drive Mitsubishi ASX, a high-powered 4WD electric model to compete against the Porsche Cayenne and a small "Joey" utility similar to a Mini Moke for about $25,000-$30,000. He says there is already interest for the Joey from governments and the Defence Force.  Gutteridge says the Australian Design Rules (ADR) are being re-written to accommodate electric cars, but his vehicles will be available before the rules are completed. "The new ADRs will basically comply with the European standards for electric cars," he says.  "Our intention is to exceed any public ADR standards." DGR also plans to crash test the vehicles and hopes for a five-star rating.  Gutteridge says they will handle servicing in Queensland and sub-contract the task interstate.  "Servicing costs should be about half those of a petrol car," he says.DGR electric cars New prices: $48,990 (base), $54,990 (intermediate with longer-range battery), $67,990 (premium), $115,990 (Evo-based high-performance model) Used prices: from $39,990Motor: Ultramotive AC motorBattery: lithium-ion phosphate (base), lithium polymer (premium)Range: 100-140km (base), 210-315km (premium)Power: 124kW (base), 245kw ("Evo")Torque: 250Nm (base), 500Nm ("Evo")

"In the current economic climate everybody is looking for better value for money without compromise," Mitsubishi Australia president and CEO Robert McEniry says. "The new Lancer line-up lets our customers have this without breaking the bank." The Lancer range, which accounted for almost half of all sales for the triple-diamond brand last month, has been freshened with some minor exterior style changes, more extensive interior freshening and a limited edition RX model (from $21,990) with unique badging and wheel designs to sit beside the entry ES cars. Across-the-range changes include a new-look instrument cluster, improved ETACS (Electronic Total Automobile Control), synchronised windscreen washers, and premium VRX-style tail lamps as standard on all variants. The ES also gets extra storage with a floor console box and the availability of optional side and curtain airbags. Exterior changes to the mid-range VR model include a new chrome upper grille, and alloy wheel design while NVH has been improved with the inclusion of an insulated front windscreen to cut down on road noise. The high-end Rockford Fosgate audio system is also available as an option. The VRX and Aspire also win the sound-deadening windscreen and the premium audi system as standard. ES, RX, VR, VRX and Ralliart models are available with a sedan or Sportback body, with the premium Aspire offered solely as a sedan.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia revealed its Subaru WRX-chasing Lancer Ralliart at the Melbourne Motor Show. The price will probably be about $40,000 when it goes on sale in August. The newest Lancer family member is designed as a stepping stone between the ES, VR, VRX and blistering Evolution X. Mitsubishi president Robert McEniry describes the Ralliart as a “tougher version of the street-model Lancer.” The Ralliart is powered by a slightly detuned version of the 2.0-litre Mivec intercooled and turbocharged engine available in the Evolution X. Despite its lower state of tune, the car still pumps out 177kW and 343Nm and misses little in the way of performance features. It comes with Mitsubishi's twin-clutch sportronic shift transmission (TC-SST) automated manual transmission and full-time AWD with an active centre differential. Visually, the Ralliart has a distinctive front bumper design, rear spoiler and dual exhausts. Apart from the Lancer Ralliart, Mitsubishi will roll out the Lancer Sportback hatch later in the year. The Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart has a distinctive front bumper.  

The latest iteration of the road car which has to be built to credential the brand's World Rally Championship car is simply stunning.It offers pure power and performance to ignite the senses of any enthusiast.The car looks rakish and aggressive, it has more grip than superglue and it has the turbocharged thrust of a rocket. All-wheel-drive traction is terrific – and so is the fade-free Brembo braking.Recaro rally seats keep the driver and front-seat passengers locked in position.Steering is pin sharp, handling is as agile as a full-blown rally car and, while the suspension is almost competition-ready, a severe road shock along the way is not back-breaking.Near-supercar attributes indeed – and all for $61,990.Sadly, only 100 Lancer Evolution VIIIs can be brought to Australia under the Federal Government's Specialist Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme. Most have been booked by deposit-paid orders even before the boat comes in and the rest will be snapped up quickly.Mitsubishi Australia is negotiating to import another batch next year. And the brand is hoping the next car, the Evo IX, will be an unlimited run when it debuts late in 2005 or early 2006 – a handy halo car for Mitsubishi on which to brand itself.An engineering makeover to ensure the 16-valve, two-litre, intercooled turbocharged 4G63 complies with the latest emission standards has reduced the power output from 206kW to 195kW. Similarly, torque drops from 383Nm in the Evo VII – which did not come to Australia – to 355Nm.The zero to 100km/h dash comes up in 6.1sec – about the same as the Evo VI which came in as a 100-unit limited edition model.But performance in the mid-ranges has been successfully beefed up with a 7.7kg weight loss – 2.5kg from the engine and drivetrain, 2kg through the use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic to fabricate the rear wing, and 3.2kg from the alloy wheels.The fiery motor is mated with a smooth, five-speed manual box. A six-speed manual probably would have been more appropriate – were it not for the awesome torque.Mitsubishi's widely-acclaimed all-wheel-drive control system brings together active centre differential, anti-yaw control (AYC) and sports anti-lock brakes.Making its debut in the Evo VIII is super AYC and other stability gear developed during Mitsubishi's motor sport participation.The new set-up was proven during extensive testing on the Nurburgring race circuit in Germany. As a result, the brand claims, Evo VIII's control system now enlarges the cornering envelope.The system automatically switches between three mode settings – tarmac, gravel and snow – to enable quick, optimum control whatever the surface conditions. Further development of the Evo's suspension is claimed to deliver better on-the-limit stability.The new car rides on 17in ENKEI alloy wheels shod with 235/45R17 high-performance Bridgestone Potenza tyres.The front end features a V-shaped nose, and an integral grille in the front bumper.Design has been carried out to reduce drag and enhance manoeuvrability through corners rather than pure aesthetics.Inside, the new Evo gets dark titanium-look panels to match off-black trim while the dashboard is finished in blue.The car retains a three-spoke Momo black leather-wrapped steering wheel, matched by the covering of the gearshift knob and park brake handle.The only option is leather interior trim, for an extra $3000. The Evo comes with engine immobiliser, Date Dot security identification, and tracking and alarm system.First driving impressionsTHE Evo VIII is not merely a wickedly quick car – although its rapid rate of response is breathtaking.Neither is it simply a brilliant handling car – although, again, the car's stability and grip are outstanding.It is the facets of the car which are totally absent that impresses most.Push the Evo into a tightening bend on a rough surface and there is no ploughing as the steering wheel is bound on and on. Hit a pothole during a turning manoeuvre and there is no bump steer.Brake at the most imprudent time and that fails to unbalance the car.And turbo lag is not in this car's vocabulary.The engine makes a wondrous noise as the revs build, which develops into a roar as the car goes quicker.Gear changes from the short shift are slick and quick but there is really no need for excessive use of third gear. The engine is so torquey that the car pulls powerfully on command in fourth – astonishingly so.Of course, a car as quick as the Evo has to have big brakes that work. The 17in four-pot Brembos at the front and 16in two-pot at the rear – both ventilated – wash off speed when hit.Even after regular use there is not a hint of brake-fade.

Mitsubishi's Evo VIII has finally broken cover with Subaru's established banger, the WRX STi, firmly in its sights.