Mitsubishi UK reckons the Evo IX will pummel its way from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and top 160 mph, compared with a claimed 3.5 seconds and 175-plus mph for the FQ-400.

Mitsubishi today announced plans to unveil the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer at the Detroit auto show in January. Designed at Mitsubishi Motors studios in Europe and Japan, the Lancer sports sedan shares a design language with the popular 2005 Concept-X and Concept-Sportback show cars.

As previously reported, the Lancer will first be launched in North America in Spring 2007, then six months later in Japan and other markets. Mitsubishi says engine offerings will range from a 1.5 litre 110 horsepower base powerplant for Europe, to a high-performance Lancer Evolution model, including diesel power (Europe), a high performance 2.0 litre turbo gasoline version and other variants.

Mitsubishi has released an initial sketch of the 2008 Lancer, which appears to be a direct derivative of the Concept X, with some changes to the front fascia. It's unclear if Mitsubishi has also changed the shape of the rear doors and roofline, or if these discrepancies are due to exaggeration in the artist's sketch.

It's unclear if Mitsubishi has also changed the shape of the rear doors and roofline, or if these discrepancies are due to exaggeration in the artist's sketch.

Built on new global platform

Ninety years after starting car production (with the 1917 Model-A), Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform.

Known as "Project Global", and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, it will be showcased at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by its highest volume variant: the all-new 4-door Lancer sports sedan.

Dynamic

Designed at Mitsubishi Motors studios in Europe and Japan, the Lancer sports sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Mitsubishi Design Europe-penned 2005 Concept-X and Concept-Sportback show cars.

Its low stance, long hood / short deck proportions, wide track, trademark "shark nose" and distinctively deep set "eyes", all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans - very much in line with both Mitsubishi's "Japanese Modern" design philosophy and its peerless credentials within 45 years of racing.

To be launched progressively in world markets from Spring 2007 (North America), the Lancer sports sedan will form a full family of cars with dynamic qualities to match their looks all across the range: from entry models (1.5 litre 110 ps engine in Europe) right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution supercar, including diesel power (Europe), a high performance 2.0 litre turbo gasoline version and other variants.

Global

Representing a multi-million dollar investment, "Project Global" will support the launch of several new Mitsubishi vehicles over the next few years, designed from the outset for world markets, i.e.: with the built-in flexibility required to accommodate regional needs and regulations as well as market trends and new customer demands in markets as diverse as Japan, North America, Russia, Asia-Pacific and Europe.

As a further evidence of its adaptability, models from business partners DaimlerChrysler A.G. - with which it was co-developed - and P.S.A. Peugeot Citroen* are / will also be based on this global platform.

Along those lines, "Project Global" will also enable the introduction of the "World Engine" family of powerplants. Co-engineered with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor Company, the engines to be used in Mitsubishi vehicles have been modified by the company for individual market and model use.


* Outlander-based SUVs.

Mitsubishi has promised us the introduction of the 2008 Lancer sedan for the 2007 Detroit auto show - and now it's released the first details and photo of the new four-door.

The new Lancer shows the dynamic styling that was presented in 2005 with the Concept-X and Concept-Sportback. And of course, it hints at the new Lancer Evo which is due in 2009. The sport sedan is based on Mitsubishi's "Project Global" platform, on which the new Outlander is also built.

The new Lancer has a 103.7-inch wheelbase, while length, width, and height are 180 in,69.3 in and 58.6 in respectively. DE, ES and sport-tuned GTS models will be offered initially, and the Evo is expected to be launched early in 2008.


The Lancer will arrive at the end of summer and the model line will be completed with other versions. On worldwide markets, Mitsubishi will have a choice of five different engines, including a 140-hp, 2.0-liter common-rail diesel that will be available in Europe.



U.S. versions will get a four-cylinder similar to that in the Dodge Caliber : a 2.0-liter, 152-hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC engine (143 hp PZEV in Calif.) teamed to a five-speed manual transmission. A CVT also will be offered.