Well, I can't really say anything about the new Mitsubishi Lancer after driving it today, but you already knew that. However, while the "official photo reveal" date is December 11th, and the car will debut at the Detroit Auto Show in early January, you might have noticed that we already have -- supposedly -- final images of the car in another story
. I also confirmed the driving impression embargo: January 24th. With all that said, I can tell you this much -- it's a better car than before...
On the bright side, I have this great shot of automotive journalists riding ATVs around the sand dunes in Pismo Beach. We were able to do this during our lunch stop on the Lancer driving loop. What does driving an ATV have to do with the new Lancer?
Ummm, it's hard to explain...what with the embrago and all. But trust me, riding those ATVs was crucial to understanding the new Lancer. Really. It's not like Mitsubishi would have us doing that just for the fun of it...
By billt9
on November 16, 2006
02:16 AM
I understand your hints!
The base model comes equipped with rally-ready suspension and 4-wheel drive!
But like the ATV, it does not have a standard rollcage.
One must also wear a helmet and gloves to drive the Lancer, presumably the headliner and steering wheel is covered with a harsh, sandy material that you don't want to touch.
By autoboy16
on November 16, 2006
11:32 AM
Good hints and guesses. I'll stick with AWD ot 4ws.... Cant wait till januaray 24
By editor_karl
on November 16, 2006
01:30 PM
You guys figured it out! Four-wheel drive, roll cage, and helmet required for driving. But the orange flag is an option, not standard equipment (part of the "Sand & Grit" package).
By tsgeisel
on November 16, 2006
04:38 PM
Oh...those *are* 4-wheel ATVs. For a second I thought they were 3-wheelers, which would have made for a fun announcement...
By harrychezt
on November 18, 2006
06:26 PM
Well, from other automotive type blogs out there.... the AWD will be the EVO. I HOPE they do NOT AWD the whole line up of Lancers.
FWD is good enough for me.
Or if it is AWD, I hope they allow you(a switch,like one maker has, in the "under20K" price range), to go AWD Or FWD.
By editor_karl
on November 18, 2006
10:29 PM
Or maybe the Lancer won't be AWD at all...(except EVO)
By harrychezt
on November 19, 2006
01:50 AM
Being a "middle aged" person(well, maybe a few years over that middle aged target, unfortunately)......I just want a vehicle that perhaps can get 30+ MPG, decent handling/ride, decent NVH, etc...some room for 4 people,if the need should arise, etc.. I am hoping this will fit the bill(especially if it is even 1/2 as good looking as in many "sketches" posted on various sites).
I can hardly wait until the offical pix & news,initial test drive reports can be posted. Probably the reason behind all this "secrecy" Mitsubishi is holding you automotive folks to.... to build up the interest(suspense?),etc., about the new Lancer? If this is their motive, then it appears to be a success, so far.
At least it won't be many more weeks before I(we) get to see the pix. Should help seeing some photos. Kind of like giving a starving man a half a sandwich..lol.
By harrychezt
on November 23, 2006
12:50 AM
Heard from a salesman at Mitsubishi( on Wed, made a call, out of curiosity, to see if they knew anything, lol) and he claimed the Ralliart would be AWD. How he "knows" this, I dunno. That was about all he knew(other than what else has been posted here, and other places on the net).
Would they have Two AWD Lancer's (EVO and Ralliart)?
By rsholland
on November 23, 2006
07:16 AM
Sure. The Ralliart would compete with the Subie WRX (if it gets a turbo) and the Evo would compete with the STI.
I hope Mitsubishi goes this route.
By jerrywimer
on November 27, 2006
11:41 AM
Uh, those four wheelers pictured above don't appear to be AWD / 4WD models. They are rear wheel driven and have no rear differential (both wheels locked together all the time). Does this mean that the upcoming Lancer will be RWD with a semi-automatic transmission (not sure these have that, but that's the current trend in ATVs)?