We know we're supposed to focus on the all-new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer in this article, but honestly, the differences from the previous generation model to the newest are so drastic, we can't help the constant comparisons. From an exterior styling standpoint, the outgoing model is Bea Arthur to the new one's Angelina Jolie. Mechanically, the old Lancer is Star Jones; the new one is Gisele Bundchen. And in this hypercompetitive automotive industry, where Civics and Mazda3s and Cobalts and Lancers fight tooth and nail for your business and loyalty, there is simply no room for error. All it takes is an extra heaping of lard, or a lethargic engine and so-so suspension setup, for you to be typecast as the automotive equivalent of Mr. Belvedere. Did you know he once swam the English Channel?
To help bridge the gap between so-so and super, the 2008 Lancer compact sedan has been redesigned and reengineered from the ground up. The new vehicle is based on Mitsubishi's new C-segment platform, which also forms the foundation for the Outlander SUV and the upcoming Evolution X. It has a longer wheelbase and wider track, but slightly shorter length than the previous model. Extensive use of lighter weight high-strength steel has helped increase this vehicle's torsional rigidity. This is the most rigid Lancer unibody by far, even more than the Evo 9. In fact, the Evo 9 is really only a beefed up Lancer platform that achieves body rigidity through numerous countermeasures (i.e. additional welds, braces and metal usage).
Under the hood, the revered 4G63 engine has been replaced by an all-new aluminum 2.0-liter DOHC engine (codenamed 4B11) with MIVEC camshaft phasing. The new world engine, developed in conjunction with Chrysler and Hyundai, produces 152 hp at 6,000 rpm and 146 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm. (Sierra Club members in California can sleep at night knowing that the engine is also PZEV-rated.) A five-speed manual transmission comes standard. Lancer will also offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT), which eliminates gear hunting and offers a slight improvement in fuel economy. The CVT on the high end GTS model also offers six-step programming that allows the driver to control shift points with steering column-mounted magnesium alloy paddle shifters. It allows you to shift gears and hold the revs, unlike other brands which automatically upshift for you.
Lancer is available in three models: base DE, well-equipped ES and sporty GTS. The DE is fine for those on a budget, but women like men who drive cars with 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, steering wheel-mounted Bluetooth, audio and cruise controls and power locks.
But the chicks get down for men who drive the Lancer GTS, which comes with impressive 18-inch alloy wheels, a 6-speaker audio system, fog lights, a chrome exhaust tip, hands-free Bluetooth cell phone interface system with voice recognition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, sporty front bucket seats and a rear spoiler. GTS also comes with the desirable MacPherson front struts with a rear multilink suspension. A front strut tower brace helps stiffen the platform.
Lancer is so well-equipped for the price (soon to be announced, but expect a base price starting in the $14,000-ish range), that they only offer three factory option packages. ES and GTS models come with an available "Sun and Sound" Package, which includes a 650-watt Rockford-Fosgate premium audio system, a 6 CD/MP3 player with in-dash changer, auxiliary jack, power glass sunroof with sunshade and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The GTS also comes with a super special Navigation and Technology Package, which gives you a hard disk drive navigation system, digital music server and CD player.
The old Lancer, with its weak platform and anemic engine, was never embraced by the aftermarket community; but to be fair, not every Civic strikes gold either. This new model shows great potential. The C-segment platform has proven to be versatile, and the new 2.0-liter motor will likely be embraced by tuners if only for the sheer numbers. It remains to be seen how the interchangeability of these engines will play out in the aftermarket, but the Lancer styling will likely compel more people to customize the car with cosmetic or performance parts.