Mitsubishi Motors to give new Lancer compact sport sedan global premiere at 2007 Detroit Motor Show

Tokyo, December 11, 2006 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will give the new North American market specification Mitsubishi Lancer compact sport sedan its global premiere at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show). The 2007 NAIAS runs from January 7 to 21 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 13.

The new North American market Lancer uses a larger body than the current model, with an overall length of 4570 mm (35 mm longer), overall width of 1760 mm (65 mm wider), overall height of 1490 mm (60 mm taller) and wheelbase of 2635 mm (35 mm longer). The design uses elements from the Mitsubishi Concept-X shown at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show to create a handsome, purposeful-looking shape and a confident, stable stance.

The new Lancer rides on the same next-generation platform employed by the company's Outlander on-road SUV for outstanding crash safety and rigidity. The powertrain mates a new high output (152 hp) low emission 2.0-liter DOHC MIVEC*1 engine to a 6-speed SportronicR CVT*2 transmission. This is the first Mitsubishi vehicle destined for the North American market to offer a CVT. Some trim levels are offered with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that allow the driver to shift gears manually without taking his hand off the wheel. Delivering outstanding economy and environmental performance, the driveline is complemented by an equipment and appointments specification that elevates driving enjoyment to a new level in a total package that satisfies all the requirements for a next-generation sport sedan.

*1 MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve timing and lift Electronic Control
*2 CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission)

Mitsubishi Motors Introduces Next-Generation 2008 Lancer


CYPRESS, Calif., Dec. 11 -- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will introduce, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan, delivering driven-to-thrill dynamics, "class-up" value, advanced safety and available cutting-edge user-technology in an aggressively styled package. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007.

The 2008 Lancer brings the bold, dynamic lines of the show-stopping Mitsubishi Concept-X to the showroom. First shown in 2005, the stunning Concept X previewed not only the next generation Mitsubishi compact sport sedan, but also a new design language to convey an unmistakable brand identity. A "shark-nosed" front end inspired by jet fighter air intakes, a distinct wedge-like profile and crisp, taut lines highlight the Lancer's exciting new design.

The 2008 Lancer is based on a new performance-engineered global platform that also forms the foundation of the new Mitsubishi Outlander SUV. It has a longer wheelbase and wider track, but slightly shorter overall length than the previous model. All Lancer models are powered by an all-new 2.0-liter 152 hp aluminum DOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine (143 hp PZEV in Calif.) teamed to a 5-speed manual transmission. The new Lancer is the first Mitsubishi in North America to offer an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). When equipped with the CVT, the Lancer GTS exclusively features a 6-step Sportronic(R) mode using magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters.

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer will be available in three levels of trim and driving dynamics: DE, ES and the sport-tuned GTS.

Key Specifications Wheelbase: 103.7 in. Length: 180.0 in. Height: 58.7 in. Width: 69.4 in. Curb weight range: 2,922 lbs. (DE w/ 5-speed) to 3,109 lbs. (GTS w/ CVT)