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2008 Detroit Auto Show - 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Video

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The last Ralliart wasn't much of an alternative to the WRX, but this will change with the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Lancer-Ralliart.500: With a detuned 235-hp version of the Evolution X's turbocharged inline-4, the '09 Ralliart should be an exciting drive for the money.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Mitsubishi has equipped the Ralliart with a slightly less sophisticated version of the new Evo's AWD system.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
The Lancer Ralliart doesn't look radically different from the GTS. The front fascia is revised, obviously, and the hood is now aluminum.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Mitsubishi evidently decided the standard Lancer's rear deck spoiler was large enough and didn't change it for the Ralliart.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
There are a few differences in the engine bay compared to the Evo (no red cover, for example), but this is still the 4B11 engine.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
The red-and-orange Ralliart logo adorns the grille. You can see the intercooler peeking out from the other side.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
The hood vent is functional, says Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Recaro seats are an unexpected bonus in Evo Lite.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Even the cockpit looks serious, as the steering wheel and gauge cluster are shared with the Evo X.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
Looks like a regular manual shifter, but this lever is for Mitsubishi's TC-SST.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
These 18-inch wheels look just like the ones on the Lancer GTS, but we're expecting another wheel/tire option.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America
This wouldn't be a serious performance car if it didn't have two exhaust outlets.
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

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What is it?
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

What's special about it?
If we were making a list of things to do before dying, owning a Lancer Evolution would be in the top 50, if not the top 10. For those who can't afford to spend $35,000, we would have previously advised curling up in the fetal position with a PS2 and a copy of Gran Turismo 4. Now, however, we can suggest the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, which looks to be a legitimate Evo Lite.

Unlike the last Ralliart, this one starts with the right drivetrain parts — genuine Evo-derived stuff. Instead of a dull, naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine, it has a detuned version of the Evo X's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for an estimated 235 horsepower and 253 pound-feet of torque. Compare this to 224 hp and 226 lb-ft of torque in Subaru's Impreza WRX.

Although we had expected Mitsubishi to stick with a conventional five-speed manual gearbox in the Lancer Ralliart, it now appears the company will offer only its six-speed Twin Clutch-Sequential Sportshift Transmission (TC-SST), which we've found quite effective in the Evo X MR.

The dual-clutch gearbox drives all four of the '09 Lancer Ralliart's wheels through an all-wheel-drive system with an active center differential. Just as in the Evo VIII, IX and X, the driver can choose from Tarmac, Gravel and Snow driving modes. Although the Ralliart won't have the Evo X's Active Yaw Control (AYC) feature, it still has a mechanical rear limited-slip differential and a helical LSD up front.

Mitsubishi hasn't gotten specific about suspension changes on the 2009 Ralliart, and the showcar wears the same P215/45R18 Dunlop SP Sport 5000M all-season tires as our long-term '08 Lancer GTS. However, we'd be very surprised if the company didn't offer a summer tire option for the Ralliart.

What's Edmunds' take? We're a little disappointed the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart won't have a normal manual transmission. Even with the sophisticated automated sequential gearbox, though, this is probably the car that will drive the soggy WRX to an early refresh. — Erin Riches, Senior Editor

Watch our spy video of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.