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Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Lancer: Mitsubishi's compact sedan. The base Lancer that gave us the Evolution. Multiple generations of value-oriented
Photo: IFCAR / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Mitsubishi's compact sedan. The base Lancer that gave us the Evolution. Multiple generations of value-oriented sedan.

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact sedan produced across nine generations from 1973 to 2017. The Lancer is the volume Mitsubishi compact sedan that provided the platform for the Lancer Evolution performance variant. The standard Lancer was a budget-oriented compact sedan; the Evolution variant was the homologation special performance halo. Notable Lancer generations: 1973-1979 (early generation), 1979-1983, 1983-1988, 1988-1991, 1991-1995, 1995-2000, 2000-2007, 2007-2017, and modern Lancer-derived products. The 2003-2007 Lancer (sold in North America as Lancer ES, OZ Rally, Ralliart) is particularly notable as the platform of the Evolution VIII and IX. The 2008-2017 Lancer was the platform of the Evolution X. The Lancer Ralliart variants (2009-2014 in North America) attempted to bring some Evo character to a more affordable compact sedan. Lancer Ralliart had a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 237 horsepower, AWD, and the Twin Clutch SST gearbox from the Evo X. Pricing was significantly less than the Evo. The Ralliart was sold in modest volumes. Mitsubishi discontinued the Lancer in 2017 globally. The decision was part of broader corporate restructuring and shift toward crossover focus. No direct Lancer successor has been announced; Mitsubishi's compact lineup is now various Outlander and Eclipse Cross variants. On WhipJury, Lancer submissions appear regularly, particularly Ralliart and Evolution-influenced builds. Stock Lancer examples in clean condition do well in voting.

Lancer Ralliart

The Lancer Ralliart (2009-2014 in North America) was a more affordable Evo-style trim. Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 237 horsepower. AWD. Twin Clutch SST gearbox shared with Evo X. The Ralliart provided budget-conscious AWD turbo sedan character.

Lancer on WhipJury

Lancer Ralliart submissions appear regularly. Modified Lancer builds with Evo-style upgrades are common. Standard Lancer submissions provide context for the broader platform. The community recognizes the Lancer as the foundation that produced the Lancer Evolution.

Frequently asked questions about Mitsubishi Lancer

Is the Lancer the same as the Lancer Evolution?
Same platform, different trims. Standard Lancer is budget-oriented compact sedan with conservative tuning. Lancer Evolution is the homologation special performance halo with significantly more power, AWD, and aggressive chassis tuning. Evo VIII/IX/X were based on Lancer chassis from 2003-2016.
What is the Lancer Ralliart?
The Lancer Ralliart (2009-2014 in North America) was Mitsubishi attempt at bringing Evo-style performance to a more affordable Lancer trim. Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 237 horsepower, AWD, Twin Clutch SST gearbox. The Ralliart was significantly cheaper than the Evo X but still aggressive for the segment.
Why was the Lancer discontinued?
Multiple factors. Compact sedan sales declined globally. Mitsubishi corporate restructuring. Strategic shift toward crossovers and SUVs. The Lancer ended production in 2017 with no successor; Mitsubishi has not announced a replacement compact sedan.
Are Lancers reliable?
Generally yes. The 4G94 and various other naturally aspirated Lancer engines are durable. The Twin Clutch SST gearbox in Ralliart and Evo X had documented issues at high mileage; rebuild is sometimes required. With proper maintenance, Lancers regularly cross 200,000+ miles.
How much does a Lancer cost?
Used Lancers: project cars $3,000-$8,000, driver-quality $8,000-$15,000, clean low-mile $15,000-$25,000. Lancer Ralliart variants typically priced 30-50% premium. Lancer Evolution variants are significantly more (covered separately).

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