Mitsubishi Releases Photos and Info on Killer New Lancer

Yesterday morning, Mitsubishi revealed more information and photos of what might be its most important launch for 2007, the all-new Lancer compact sedan. The car will make its international debut at NAIAS in Detroit this January, and will become available in dealerships during the upcoming year.

The current Lancer is one of the oldest members of the compact car segment. Its design may be popular with those who dont like the latest tall profile compacts, but its three-box design looks decidedly dated. The new car, on the other hand, is a far more modern machine, styled in close relation to the Concept-X and Concept Sportback. Its a very aggressive looking machine with squinty, angular headlamps and an upside down trapezoidal grille. Mitsubishi says that that the car was inspired partly by jet fighters, and describes it as being shark-faced - something that most consumers should be able to pick out with ease.

The upcoming car will be the second vehicle to be based on Mitsubishis new "Project Global" platform, which debuted with the 2007 Outlander. Overall, the Lancer has grown in all directions, standing at 179.9 inches in length (+1.4 inches), 69.3 inches in width (+2.6 inches) and 58.7 inches in height (+2.4 inches). Its wheelbase is also longer at 103.7 inches (+1.4 inches). In total, this should give the Lancer much more interior room, remedying complaints about tight rear leg and shoulder room.

For North America, the product range will include DE, ES, and GTS models - the latter replacing Ralliart trim. It will include large-diameter wheels, a subtle body kit and a rear spoiler, not to mention various tweaks to the chassis for a sportier drive. A fourth model will be added, described only as "supercar" by officials. For Mitsubishi fans, that means that an all-new high octane, turbocharged, all-wheel drive Evo X is on the way. Though Mitsubishi is being tight-lipped about the Lancer, rest assured that a follow-up to the Sportback wagon is coming too.

In North America, the only engine that has been announced so far is a 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter inline four, one of the "World Engines" developed by Mitsu, DCX and Hyundai. Buyers have a choice between a five-speed manual gearbox or a Sportronic CVT that has six fixed ratios. Though Mitsubishi has plenty of experience with CVTs on its European and Asian cars, this will be the first time it will offer one for North America. On higher trim levels, the CVT can be operated via magnesium paddles.

More powerful versions of the engine will be offered on top-tier models, with more info being released closer to the cars launch. In Europe, the Lancer will have five different engines, including a 2.0-liter Volkswagen-sourced turbodiesel that makes 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. With new diesel fuels due to new 2007 regulations, its not out of the question that this engine might even be sold in North America.