I got to admit to something, some of you may or may not agree. When pictures of the Mitsubishi Evolution X surfaced, I was not impressed at all. Sincerely, I expected better from Mitsubishi. I still don't like it. It's ugly and confused. When the Subaru STi v.10 was launched, I wasn’t so depressed anymore. It was good looking. Better than the Evo X I thought to myself. Something out of the ordinary, fresh, and bold. And now this, it seems as if Mitsubishi was concerned about me being depressed with their Evolution X, that’s why they are going to launch this. To make me and all those who share my opinion happy. I’m not only happy; I almost fell off my chair knowing this thing has a chance of landing on our shores.
There is news confirming that Mitsubishi refuses to clarify whether the Ralliart will be based on the 4door Lancer or the upcoming 5door hatch version (to be introduced at Geneva). We have also learnt that in Europe, the Ralliart will be based on the 5door version while the States will be getting the 4door sedan. Hopefully we get the 5door Sportback, many others and I might go into depression again if they don't give us this.
Though really desirable, those of you already checking your bank balance and waving your cheque books should know this. The Lancer Ralliart will be equipped with a detuned version of the Evo X’s new 2.0 (Dual Valve VVT) Turbo Engine producing 240ps. Mitsubishi will mate the engine with it’s 6-speed Twin Clutch-SST transmission and with a full time 4wd system with Active Yaw Control and Active Centre Differential. Assumingly, the Ralliart will be significantly lighter than Evo X so the loss in power probably won’t be felt. But I’m sure there’s a darker side to that too, I just don’t know what, yet.
The Lancer Ralliart will compete head to head against the Subaru Impreza WRX, VW Golf GTI, Opel Astra OPC, Honda Civic Type-R, Renault Megane RS and etc. Hopefully someone organizes a group shoot out with all these cars competing, I’d pay to watch.
Among the items available on the standards list are: Aluminium bonnet panel (why not carbon fibre?), an Recaro front seats, sports steering wheel with paddle shift and a Ralliart radiator grille. Hopefully Mitsubishi grants us a test drive when it arrives here next year, we’ll keep you posted.
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