Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and Ralliart: 41 High-Res Photos

Less than a week before the new Lancer Sportback and its 240HP Ralliart sibling make their world debut at the Mondial De L’Automobile in Paris, Mitsubishi released a full set of images of both versions of the 5door Lancer hatchback or as we prefer to call it for apparent aesthetic reasons, hunchback. Hit the jump to check out our high-resolution image gallery or click here to read the initial details on the new Lancer Sportback range. -Continued

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart 240HP 2.0-liter Turbo

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Mitsubishi to Reveal Lancer Cross Country in Paris?

The Paris Motor Show will see the world premiere of three vehicles for Mitsubishi including the 5door hatchback version of the Lancer dubbed Sportback, the Racing Lancer which is Mitsubishi's entry at the 2009 Dakar Rally modelled after the Lancer Sportback and powered by an all-new 3.0 V6 turbo-diesel engine and more interestingly, a yet unnamed model, official details of which will be released at the motor show opening on October 2.

Unofficially, our sources report that the ‘mystery’ model that Mitsubishi is referring to will most likely be a third derivative of the Lancer family called Cross Country equipped with the EVO’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. -Continued

Along with the three world debuts, Paris will also the European premiere of the Lancer Ralliart in both Sports Saloon and Sportback (5-door hatch) forms. The Ralliart versions are equipped with a detuned version of the Lancer EVO X’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine that produces an output of 240 HP and 343 Nm (35,0 kgm) of maximum toque.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart 237Hp Priced at $26,490

The long-awaited Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart will arrive at U.S. dealerships with a base price of $26,490. Essentially a toned down and less powerful EVO X, the Lancer Ralliart comes equipped with a 237 HP 2.0-liter turbo engine teamed exclusively with a twin-clutch semi-auto transmission and a full-time 4WD driveline featuring Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD) unit. The Lancer Ralliart is also equipped with a front helical and rear mechanical limited slip differentials, standard Active Stability Control (ASC) with Traction Control (TCL) and 18-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 R18 Yokohama ADVAN summer tires. -Continued

Just for reference, the outgoing 2008 Impreza WRX Sedan 224HP is priced from $24,350 (see the 2009 WRX 265 HP here) while the Ralliart’s bigger brother, the 291HP EVO X, from $32,990.

Lancer Ralliart buyers can also opt for the RECARO Sport Package which costs $2,750. The package adds Xenon HID headlamps, 650 watt Rockford Fosgate, Sirius Satellite Radio with 6-months subscription and RECARO front sport seats found on the Lancer Evolution GSR. A new 40-GB HDD navigation system is also available as either a port-installed option or as a dealer accessory.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback X Coming in 2010

According to Japanese sources, Mitsubishi is readying a crossover version of its new Lancer Sportback model that’s expected to hit international markets by early 2010. As you can see in this computer generated image that was scanned from an unnamed Japanese car magazine by one of our readers, the Lancer Sportback X features a slightly raised suspension for better ground clearance and a protective body cladding combined with new alloy wheels and a different front grille. -Continued

In terms of mechanical upgrades, though details are scarce, it is rumored that the 5door Lancer Sportback will get the EVO X / Ralliart’s full-time 4WD driveline. If that’s the case then we wouldn’t be surprised if Mitsubishi also offers a Ralliart version of the Lancer Sportback X equipped with the 240 Hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine.

Thanks for the pic R.T.!

Mitsubishi Galant Fortis Ralliart 240Hp

What most of us know as the new Lancer Ralliart will be sold in Japan under the name Galant Fortis Ralliart. Essentially a toned down version of the Lancer EVO X, the Galant Fortis Ralliart is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 240Hp and 343 Nm (35.0 kgm) of maximum torque.

The engine is matted to the EVO X’s dual clutch semi-automated SST transmission with different ratios for 5th and 6th gears to give improved fuel economy in high-speed cruising on longer trips. Finally, the Ralliart features a full-time 4WD driveline with Mitsubishi's Active Center Differential (ACD). The Galant Fortis Ralliart goes on sale at affiliated dealerships throughout Japan today with a price tag of 2,982,000 Yen ($27,700). -Image gallery after the jump