Mitsubishi announced the launch of the Galant Fortis RALLIART (aka Lancer Ralliart) 4WD sedan in Japan which started sales yesterday in Japan for a price tag of 2,982,000 YEN. Like the Subaru WRX is to the STi, the Lancer Ralliart is to the EVO X – a low carb version powered by a turbocharged 4B11-type 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine good for 177 kW (240 PS) @ 6000 rpm and 343 Nm @ 3000 rpm. It's not as ballistic as the 300hp EVO X but provides a dynamic driving experience for far less the price. Expected to arrive on U.S. shores this September for under $27,000, the sensible Lancer Ralliart is a huge bargain compared to the EVO X's tag of $40,000.

The crew at NextAutos caught a Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback testing in the great state of Michigan, providing us with further proof that the WRX-fighter is on its way to the States. The Sportback is the hatch/wagon/combi variant of the Lancer that originally debuted in Paris, and while Mitsubishi still hasn't confirmed drivetrain choices for the U.S., we've been assured that a Ralliart version is in the cards.

The Sportback aims to unseat the five-door Subaru Impreza both here and abroad, with gasoline engine choices in Europe spanning the range from 1.5- to 1.8-liters, along with a turbodiesel displacing 2.0 liters. The Sportback Ralliart will be powered by the same turbocharged 2.0-liter MIVEC four equipped on the sedan and putting out 237 horsepower and 253 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels through Mitsubishi's new Twin-Clutch SST transmission and Active Center Differential. Expect the Sportback to arrive on U.S. shores later this year, with the Ralliart variant following shortly thereafter.