Mitsubishi Takes Lancer Sportback Endurance Rallying

When it comes to endurance rally racing, there are few names that can

match the legend of Mitsubishi. The Japanese manufacturer has won the most grueling event on the planet, the Dakar Rally 12 times since 1985, and has gone undefeated since 2001 with its Pajero Evolution racer.

However, the Dakar Rally is no more. After it was canceled in 2008 due to the threat of terrorism, the event was moved to South America for 2009, running between Argentina and Chile. It won't just be the race circuit that will have a fresh start, but Mitsubishi will take the opportunity to launch a new racer modeled after the new Lancer Sportback.

The Lancer endurance rally racer, code-named MRX09 (Mitsubishi Rally Cross Country '09) picks up where the Pajero Evolution left off; it features a 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine that develops over 260 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of

torque. Mitsubishi uses diesel power for its race cars due to inherently high torque levels, good fuel economy and general robustness; it also plays into Mitsubishi's new initiative to introduce clean diesel engines in its production cars.

Underneath the Lancer-shaped carbon fiber skin is a brand new tubular frame chassis that was developed using CAE analysis. However, in order to keep the vehicle within FIA rules, the suspension, transmission (five-speed robotized manual), and brakes have been carried over from the Pajero. Additionally, the Lancer rally car uses a permanent four wheel drive system with a limited slip center differential for maintaining grip on most any road or trail surface.