All-new Mitsubishi Lancer Sports Sedan
- Retro-Futurism -
Fully regenerated, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) can now look forward to the future with ambition and foresight.
Doing so, it can also reflect on its heritage and parentage where 90 years of engineering expertise, 50 years of racing at the highest level and the strong bound that units all family members within the Mitsubishi group of companies define a clear path towards its future.
In that sense, the very sharp all-new Lancer family – previewed in Europe at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, starting with the 4-door Sports Sedan – is probably the most powerful signal of this renaissance, bringing together the best of Mitsubishi Motors:
- Thorough “Project Global” engineering,
- Peerless Japanese reliability,
- Excellent driving dynamics,
- Striking Japanese Modern design
- Impeccable racing credentials,
all within the context of a sound sales & marketing approach:
- Full family of variants, from 1.5 entry Lancer Sports Sedan, all the way to hero 2.0 Turbo 4WD S-AWC Twin Clutch SST Lancer Evolution,
- Introduction of a 5-door Sportback body-style fit for Europe,
- Availability of a Diesel engine from launch,
- Logical line-up and engine range step-up,
- Positioning beyond traditional segmentation…
Built in Japan (Mizushima plant)*, the all-new Lancer family will be a refreshing alternative for European customers looking for timeless elegance and presence, sharp dynamics, reliability and value-for-money, all brought by a heritage-proud, non-mainstream, right-brained, quality Brand.
* Lancer Sports Sedan: from late 2007, according to markets
* Lancer Evolution: from late Spring 2008, according to markets.
* Lancer Sportback: from Summer of 2008, according to markets.
“Project Global” Lancer family
Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform.
Known as “Project Global” within MMC, and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, this new global platform is next rolled out to the European public at the 2007 Frankfurt Show, underpinning the all-new 4-door Lancer Sports Sedan.
Engineered by MMC for world markets and shared with Chrysler, this architecture represents a multi-million dollar investment. As such, it will form the basis of several new Mitsubishi vehicles over the next few years, including (as of now) the all-new Lancer family – including the iconic Lancer Evolution, the second generation Outlander and the recently unveiled and very successful (Japanese market only) Delica D:5 MPV / SUV crossover.
Designed around a set of shared components (front floor + front suspension + electronics), this competent and flexible architecture features – amongst others - advanced AWC (All Wheel Control) and structural (aluminium roof,…) technologies proven through MMC’s racing activities. It is also be the recipient of derivatives of the so-called “World Engine”, developed with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor Company.
Furthermore, its electronic fluency allows it to provide customers with highly sophisticated features such as Mitsubishi’s ‘ETACS” (“Electronic Time and Alarm Control System”), MMCS (“Mitsubishi Multi Communication System”) – a full-map touch screen 30 GB Hard Disk Drive Navigation with music server) or a 650W Rockford FosgateÔ premium audio system tailored to each “Project Global” car.
Conceived from the outset for world markets to accommodate various regional needs (like Diesel power for Europe) and regulations as well as changing market trends and customer demands, “Project Global” generates economies of scale through built-in flexibility and synergies in design, engineering and manufacturing.
Even more important and quite unique in the Industry is the ability for this architecture to cover a wide spectrum of segments and formats (from the Lancer sedans to Delica D:5 MPV/SUV or to Outlander SUV, not to mention the very specifics of Lancer Evolution…), as opposed to the less inclusive approach found elsewhere with platforms exclusively designed to target one segment.
As such, “Project Global” will be one of the 6 platforms (or so) MMC will use to develop about 20 new cars over the next 5 years.
Sharp
Designed at Mitsubishi Motors’ European design studio in Trebur, near Frankfurt (Germany) for world markets, Lancer Sports Sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Concept-Sportback (2005 IAA) and Concept-X (2005 Tokyo) concept cars, also created in Europe.
Its low stance, long hood / short deck proportions, wide track, high wedge-like beltline, flowing greenhouse, sharply chiselled contours, fine detailing (such as the “eyebrows” over the headlamps or the integration of the rear combination lamps in the side character line), all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans.
Not to forget its distinctive reverse slant “Jet Fighter” trapezoidal grille between deep set “eyes”: a trademark visual identity debuting with the Lancer family (with different variations according to the models, Sports Sedan being the starting point with its chromed upper grille). Inspired by jet fighters´ air intakes, it will be rolled out in future models or concepts such a Concept-cX.
The sporting theme continues inside as well with twin-hooded meters with silver bezels recalling of some classic European signatures atop a very uncluttered dashboard, simply highlighted by an elegant strip of accent trim. A thick-rimmed steering wheel covered in fine leather (according to versions) is another reminder of Lancer’s sharp driving dynamics.
Credentials
Very much in line with Mitsubishi’s inspiring “Japanese Modern” design philosophy, this theme is also evocative of Lancer’s peerless motor sports credentials covering 35 years of racing, from the original 1973 Lancer 1600 GSR winner of numerous long distance rallies in Africa and Australia (East African Safari, Bandama, Southern Cross,…) in the 1970’s to the very hot Lancer EX 2000 Turbo in the 1980’s and the iconic Lancer Evolution that started off in 1992.
In that sense, the new generation Lancer goes back to the original Lancer philosophy whereby the “standard” version of the first and second generations was very close to their high performance siblings (resp.: 1600 GSR and EX2000 Turbo). A connection and a spirit that has been lost for years… Today, it very much returns with some very obvious visual clues between Lancer Sport Sedan and Lancer Evolution.
Full family
To be launched progressively in Europe from the end of 2007, the (4,570 m long x 1,760 m wide) Lancer Sports Sedan will provide Mitsubishi Motors in Europe with a full family of offerings.
This comprehensive line-up will range from 1.5 litre petrol entry models to mid-range 1.8 litre petrol and 2.0 litre Diesel versions (availability according to markets), right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution - for the first time a member of the Lancer family:
- Entry level: 110 ps – 1.5 l DOHC MIVEC petrol*
- Mid-range: 140 ps – 2.0 l Pump Jet Diesel (VAG-supplied)*
144 ps – 1.8 l DOHC MIVEC petrol*
- Upper-range: output & details to be unveiled at a later stage
- Hero: 2.0 l Turbo DOHC MIVEC petrol (Lancer Evolution / output to be unveiled later)
* all data subject to homologation.
Built according to European market requirements, this range bypasses intentionally a whole sector – between Mid-range and Upper-range – where petrol engines over 1.8 liter can only provide Mitsubishi Motors Europe (MME) with a very limited volume.
World + Diesel = Power
More effectively, MME has elected to focus on Lancer’s mid-range (not to forget the iconic 2.0 l Turbo petrol engine higher up…):
- The 1.8 l petrol – a variant of the “World Engine” – representing 50% of the total volume and essential in many a market where Diesel is not the powerplant of choice and where taxes become a handicap above 2.0 liter. Rated at an estimated 105 kW / 144 ps, this unit is equipped with Mitsubishi’s proprietary MIVEV variable valve timing system and allows for a top speed of 204 km/h (where legal), as well as a 7.7 5MT/ 7.9 CVT l / 100 km fuel consumption (combined cycle) and a CO² level of 183 5MT/ 188 CVT g/km (combined cycle).
- The 2.0 liter DiD pump jet Diesel – Volkswagen-sourced – covering 25% of Lancer’s sales in Europe. Similar to the engines already fitted to Grandis and Outlander this 1,968 cc, turbo-charged w/intercooler, DOHC, 16-valve, EU-4 compliant Diesel unit produces an estimated 103 kW / 140 ps, for a top speed of 207 km/h (where legal).
The above line-up includes a 5-speed manual (1.5 and 1.8 liter), 6-speed manual (2.0 DiD), CVT with paddle shifts & INVECS III adaptive shift control system. (1.8 liter) and 4-speed automatic (1.5).
Joining the Lancer Sports Sedan (and Lancer Evolution) during 2008, the all-new 5-door Lancer Sportback will further strengthen the Lancer family. With its coupé-like profile - modelled upon the exciting 2005 Frankfurt concept car of the same name – it will specifically target hatchback-minded European customers.
Driver’s car
This 9th generation Lancer since 1973 is built on a longer wheelbase and wider track.
A 60 mm increase in both the front and rear track dimensions – now 153 cm – sets the stage for the new Lancer’s sharp handling capability. Wheelbase was lengthened to 263.5 cm (from 260 cm) and overall width is increased to 176 cm (from 171.5 cm). Overall length has been increased by 36 mm to 457 cm giving the new Lancer Sports Sedan a more road-hugging attitude that is especially evident when equipped with 18” wheels, still quite uncommon in this sector (availability according to markets).
Lancer’s highly rigid structure, which makes extensive use of high-strength steel, allows for sport-oriented suspension tuning while also providing a compliant ride. Compared to the previous-generation Lancer, torsional rigidity has been increased by 56 %, and bending rigidity is up by 50 % – increases that exceed body stiffness measurements of even the still current Lancer Evolution IX.
Beyond, Mitsubishi Motors refined the new Lancer’s suspension calibration to deliver a proper sports sedan driving character consistent with its heritage and positioning:
- The front suspension employs MacPherson struts and coil springs with a flat shaped stamped steel cross member, which due to its high rigidity contributes to the improvement in terms of handling and overall stability. The sophisticated new multi-link independent rear suspension is another major factor in providing appropriate ride and handling characteristics.
- In Europe, the new Lancer Sports Sedan is available either with a normal setting or with a sport-tuned chassis, including thicker stabilizer bars (+1 mm, from 20mm to 21mm), different spring/shock damping rates (new Lancer: 2.8 kgf/mm vs. old Lancer: 2.2 kgf/mm), a front tower strut bar (to enhance lateral rigidity for precise steering response) and 18-inch wheels fitted to 215/45 R18 tires (availability according to models & markets).
- Both incorporate a very precise and nicely weighted hydraulic power rack-and-pinion steering system (except 1.5 / electric) with the added benefit of a tight turning circle (5.0 m).
- Lancer’s braking system includes: 15’’ front discs & 14’’ rear discs, complemented by ABS, EBD, MATC (ESP + T/C) and Brake Assist (availability according to models & markets).
Safety first
Competent on road, the new Lancer Sports Sedan also provide its occupants with a safe environment in case of an accident:
- As a fundamental starting point, Lancer is built around Mitsubishi’s next-generation Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) unibody design. As a reminder, the RISE body structure disperses energy loads during side and rear crashes and controls distortion, enhancing occupant protection and also helping to protect the fuel system during a rear impact.
- Furthermore, the 2008 Lancer’s safety package is one of the most comprehensive in the segment and includes a full set of up to 9 airbags (availability according to models & markets).
o 2 An advanced dual front air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with occupant sensors,
o 2 Standard front seat-mounted side-impact air bags,
o 2 Side curtain air bags,
o 1 A driver’s knee air bag.
As a reminder, Lancer was engineered with a target of 5 EURO-NCAP stars (tested internally).
Beyond segments
Emotional and competent, the all-new Lancer family will be an important milestone for Mitsubishi Motors in Europe:
- At 4,57m, its first offspring - Lancer Sports Sedan - will be a fairly large car (as witnessed by its excellent roominess) for the segment, de facto slotted right in-between the C- and D-segments.
- As such, it will be a natural choice for previous Lancer, Carisma and Galant customers who wish to step-up (total parc for these models: over 400,000 vehicles), supported by a competitive price positioning.
- Developed from the outset as a full-fledged 4-door sports sedan - as opposed to the usual 2-box C-segment hatchbacks turned uneasily into 4-door notchbacks - it offers a very well balanced profile adding further credibility to its “aspirational” positioning.
- This will be strengthened with the inclusion of high(er) performance variants such as the next generation Lancer Evolution, now a full member of the Lancer family.
- Beyond retention, all of Lancer assets will allow Mitsubishi to reach out to other “right-brained” brands (50% conquest rate expected).
- The availability of Diesel engine and later on a coupe-like 5-door hatchback body (Lancer Sportback) will allow Mitsubishi to add ± 45,000 units a year from 2009 (first full year with all variants) and expand its total market coverage from the current 30% to 50%.
Note: all data subject to final homologation.
